Overview
Epilepsy is a long-term brain disorder marked by repeated seizures. A seizure is a temporary change in movement, awareness, feeling, behavior, or body function caused by sudden abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Some people have a known cause, such as a brain injury or stroke, while others do not. Epilepsy is not a mental illness, and many people with epilepsy live active lives with ongoing care.
Key Symptoms
Symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected. A seizure may cause staring, confusion, unusual sensations, sudden falls, stiffening, jerking movements, or loss of consciousness. Some people notice warning signs before a seizure, such as a strange smell, feeling, or visual change. After a seizure, a person may feel tired, confused, have a headache, or need time to recover.
Causes and Risk Factors
Epilepsy can be linked to stroke, head injury, brain infection, problems during brain development, brain tumors, or genetic conditions. In many people, no clear cause is found. Risk can be higher after severe brain injury, certain infections affecting the brain, or a family history of seizures. Fever-related seizures in young children are different from epilepsy, but some children may need follow-up if seizures continue or other risk factors are present.
Who Is Affected
Epilepsy can affect children, adults, and older people in all parts of the world. It may start in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, or later life. Some causes are more common at different ages, such as birth-related brain injury in infants or stroke in older adults. Social stigma can also affect education, work, driving, and daily life.
Prevention
Not all epilepsy can be prevented, but some causes may be reduced. Wearing helmets and seat belts, reducing stroke risk, getting recommended vaccines, and treating infections promptly can help lower risk from preventable brain injuries or illness. Good prenatal and childbirth care can also help lower some risks for babies. People who already have epilepsy can reduce seizure triggers by taking treatment as directed and avoiding known triggers when possible.
Diagnosis and Tests
Diagnosis usually starts with a detailed history from the person and anyone who saw the seizure. A healthcare professional may ask about what happened before, during, and after the event, and whether there were triggers, injuries, or loss of awareness. Tests may include brain wave testing such as an EEG, brain imaging such as MRI or CT, and blood tests to look for other causes of seizures. Diagnosis can take time because other conditions can sometimes look like seizures.
Treatment Categories
Treatment often includes anti-seizure medicines, and the choice depends on seizure type, age, other health conditions, and possible side effects. Some people may be evaluated for surgery, implanted devices, or special nutrition-based treatment plans when seizures are not well controlled. Treatment also includes addressing any underlying cause when one is found. Regular follow-up is important because treatment may need adjustment over time.
Living With It
Living with epilepsy may involve planning for school, work, transport, sports, sleep, and safety at home. Families, teachers, and coworkers may need to know basic seizure first aid, such as protecting the person from injury and turning them on their side if possible after the seizure. Driving rules vary by country and often depend on how long a person has been seizure-free. Emotional support matters, since anxiety, low mood, and stigma can affect quality of life.
When It May Be an Emergency
Emergency help is needed if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if seizures happen one after another without recovery, or if the person has trouble breathing, is badly injured, or does not wake up as expected. It is also urgent if the seizure happens in water, during pregnancy, or in someone with diabetes or a serious medical condition. A first seizure should be medically evaluated promptly even if the person seems to recover. If you are unsure, seek emergency care.