Fits are caused by disruption of the normal pattern of electrical activity in the brain. They can also be called seizures, attacks, spells, convulsions or turns.
Fits can sometimes be a symptom of a brain tumour. About 1 in 10 people who have their first fit over the age of 25 have a brain tumour, and about 1 in 5 people who have their first fit over the age of 50.
However, there are many other causes for adults to have a fit or have the symptoms of a fit.
These include:
- injury to the brain, such as from a knock to the head or a stroke
- an irregular heart rhythm
- too much alcohol
- low blood sugar levels
- an infection of the brain.
Although your father probably doesn't have a brain tumour it is important that he has tests to find out the cause of the fit.
Government guidelines, from NICE, say that any adult who has an unexplained fit should be seen by a specialist doctor within 2 weeks. You can read more about what should be done after a first fit and if a brain tumour is suspected on the NICE website: