What is Epilepsy?

About Epilepsy:

• Epilepsy — also known as a seizure disorder — is a chronic brain disorder where nerve cells don’t signal properly, that causes recurring seizures.
  • During a seizure, many neurons send signals at the same time, much faster than normal.
  • This surge of excessive electrical activity may cause involuntary movements, sensations, emotions, and/or behaviors.
  • The disturbance of normal nerve cell activity may cause a loss of awareness. 
  • Some people recover immediately after a seizure, while others may take minutes to hours to feel like themselves again.
• Causes:
  • Epilepsy has many possible causes, but about half of people living with epilepsy do not know the cause.
  • In some cases, epilepsy is clearly linked to genetic factors, developmental brain abnormalities, infection, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, brain tumors, or other identifiable problems. 
• Seizure symptoms can vary widely:
  • Some people may lose awareness during a seizure while others don't.
  • Some people stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure.
  • Others may repeatedly twitch their arms or legs, movements known as convulsions.
• Having a single seizure doesn't mean you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed if you've had at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart.
• Anyone can develop epilepsy. It affects both men and women of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and ages.
• Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally.
• Treatment:
  • Treatment with medicines or sometimes surgery can control seizures for most people with epilepsy.
  • Some people require lifelong treatment. For others, seizures go away.
  • Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.