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Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition associated with recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can affect awareness, movement, sensations, emotions or behavior and can look very different from one person to another.
Updated: August 2026 | Topic: Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
Some seizures cause obvious movements, while others may mainly affect awareness, sensation, behavior or memory.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. During a seizure, abnormal electrical activity in the brain can temporarily affect awareness, movement, sensations, emotions or behavior. Diagnosis is based on the clinical history and neurological assessment, supported by tests such as EEG and brain imaging when appropriate. Treatment is individualized and may include anti-seizure medicines, lifestyle measures, devices or surgery in selected cases.
A seizure occurs when the normal pattern of electrical activity in the brain is disrupted. The symptoms depend partly on which areas of the brain are involved.
The source material describes seizures that may begin in a specific area of the brain and seizures that involve both sides of the brain from the outset. The exact cause of epilepsy is sometimes unknown, while other cases can be associated with genetics, brain injury, infections or other brain conditions.
The source material states that epilepsy can affect people from infancy through older adulthood. It may begin in childhood or later in life, and men and women can both develop the condition.
Seizure symptoms vary according to the type of seizure and the area of the brain involved. The source material describes generalized, focal and unknown-onset epilepsy, along with selected epileptic syndromes.
Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain from the outset.
Focal seizures begin in a specific area of the brain. Symptoms depend on the region involved.
The source describes unknown-onset epilepsy as seizures where the starting point in the brain is not known.
The source describes Dravet syndrome as beginning in infancy, with frequent or prolonged seizures that may be associated with fever or hot temperatures.
The source describes Lennox-Gastaut syndrome as beginning in childhood and involving multiple seizure types, cognitive impairment and abnormal EEG findings.
Epileptic seizures can look very different. Not every seizure causes shaking or loss of consciousness. Some may mainly affect awareness, sensation, language or behavior.
A seizure-like event can have different causes. Recurrent or unexplained episodes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to establish the cause and appropriate management.
Book an EvaluationThe exact cause of epilepsy is often unknown. The source material identifies several factors that can be associated with epilepsy and seizure risk.
Some epilepsy types have a genetic component, and certain genetic variations can increase risk.
Traumatic brain injury can lead to epilepsy, particularly when areas involved in brain electrical activity are affected.
Stroke, brain tumors and infections such as meningitis or encephalitis can be associated with epilepsy.
The source material identifies conditions such as autism and neurofibromatosis as associated with increased risk.
Certain prenatal infections, maternal drug exposure or oxygen deprivation may increase risk.
The source also identifies certain medical and neurological conditions as possible contributors to epilepsy risk.
Having a risk factor does not mean a person will necessarily develop epilepsy. Some people develop epilepsy without an identifiable cause.
Triggers differ between people. Identifying personal patterns can help with seizure management.
Insufficient or disrupted sleep can increase seizure risk in some people.
Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger seizures in some individuals.
Not taking prescribed anti-seizure medication as directed can increase seizure risk.
Excessive alcohol or certain recreational drugs may lower the seizure threshold.
Photosensitivity can trigger seizures in some people with particular epilepsy types.
Some people may be more likely to have seizures when they are ill or have a fever.
Hormonal changes, including those around menstruation or pregnancy, may affect seizure patterns in some women.
Skipping meals or irregular eating patterns may trigger seizures in some people.
The source material recommends keeping a detailed seizure diary. Recording what happened before and around a seizure can help identify possible patterns for discussion with the healthcare team.
A seizure diary can provide useful context for your healthcare team when reviewing symptoms, possible triggers and treatment response.
Diagnosis usually combines the clinical history with neurological assessment and selected tests. The exact tests depend on the person's symptoms and medical history.
The doctor reviews seizure details, symptoms, previous events, medications and possible triggers.
Reflexes, muscle tone, strength, walking, balance and coordination may be assessed.
An electroencephalogram records electrical activity in the brain and may help identify abnormal patterns.
Brain imaging may identify structural abnormalities or lesions that could be associated with seizures.
Blood tests may help assess infections, metabolic issues, genetic conditions or other relevant factors.
In selected cases, video and EEG are recorded together to correlate symptoms with brain activity.
Cognitive, memory and language assessments may help understand how epilepsy affects brain function.
The source material notes that selected patients may undergo other tests such as lumbar puncture or PET imaging.
Test selection is individualized. The purpose of evaluation is to determine whether epilepsy is present, understand seizure type and identify an appropriate management approach.
Epilepsy treatment depends on seizure type, cause, overall health and response to therapy. The source material describes medicines, lifestyle measures, devices and surgery in selected cases.
Medicines are commonly used to control seizures. The treating clinician selects therapy according to the individual situation.
Good sleep, stress management and following the prescribed treatment plan can support seizure management.
The source material identifies devices such as vagus nerve stimulators as an option in selected cases.
The original FAQ lists a ketogenic diet among treatment approaches. It should only be considered with appropriate medical and dietary supervision.
For selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, surgery targeting seizure-causing brain tissue may be considered after specialist evaluation.
Accurate seizure classification and ongoing follow-up are important when selecting and adjusting treatment.
Do not stop, change or skip prescribed anti-seizure medication without medical advice. Missed medication can increase seizure risk.
Epilepsy cannot always be prevented because its exact cause is often unknown. However, the source material identifies measures that can reduce some preventable risks.
Even when preventable risks are reduced, epilepsy may still develop without an identifiable cause.
The source material identifies several potentially serious complications. Appropriate treatment and follow-up can help reduce risk.
A prolonged seizure or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is rare but is a recognized serious complication.
Falls, head injuries and fractures can occur during or around seizures.
Seizures while bathing, swimming, driving or operating machinery can cause serious accidents.
A prolonged seizure or repeated seizures without recovery between episodes requires emergency medical attention.
A neurological evaluation can help assess recurrent or unexplained seizure-like episodes and guide appropriate testing and treatment.
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