Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) in which nerve cell activity in the brain becomes disrupted, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of consciousness.
Seizure symptoms can vary widely. Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twitch their arms or legs.
However, a single seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis.
Even mild seizures may require treatment because they can be dangerous during activities such as driving or swimming. Treatment with medications or sometimes surgery can control seizures for about 80 percent of people with epilepsy. Some children with epilepsy may also outgrow their condition with age.
Seizures occur when neurons (nerve cells) in your brain suddenly become overactive and release an abnormal wave of electrical activity. Though the electrical surge is temporary, the chaotic activity disrupts your brain and affects your behavior, movement, and senses.
Epilepsy is defined as having two or more unprovoked seizures. An unprovoked seizure is one that is not caused by a medical condition.
By comparison, a seizure can arise from many possible medical conditions, such as:
You might have just one seizure, or several seizures caused by an underlying health problem. In either case, you don’t have epilepsy.
Many people associate seizures with the classic image of losing consciousness, collapsing to the floor, and having muscle contractions that make the body jerk. But there are many different types of seizures, and each one causes different symptoms.
The range of seizure symptoms affecting children and adults includes:
Identifying and treating triggers
Medications
Neuromodulation
Seizure alerts
