How can seizures cause memory problems?
Memory is a natural brain process that requires continuing attention and recording by parts of the brain. Seizures interfere with memory by interfering with attention or input of information. Confusion often follows a seizure, and during this foggy time new memory traces are not being laid down in the brain. Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures in which you lose consciousness can interfere with normal brain processes and disrupt the registration phase of short-term memory. Sometimes longer term memories from the period prior to the seizure are lost as well, as these memories may have not yet being fully integrated into the brain’s memory system. If a seizure is very severe and prolonged (status epilepticus) and you experience hypoxia (insufficient oxygen to the brain), this can cause secondary damage to your memory system.
