• A defect in the cell membrane that causes instability in the cell's resting potential
• An abnormality in calcium channels or the conduction of potassium
• Defects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory system. (The function of the GABA inhibitors is to stabilize the motor control systems in the basal ganglia of the brain).
Potential causes of seizures include (Thompson 2009):
• Idiopathic—unknown cause
• Cryptogenic—presumed cause that is ill defined
• Cerebral trauma with loss of consciousness for more than 30 seconds
• Space-occupying lesions—including tumor, arteriovenous malformation, subdural hematoma
• Cerebral infections—including meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess
• Genetic factors—abnormal chromosomes
• Stroke or cerebral infarction
• Hypoxic acidosis