Epilepsy involves recurrent, unprovoked seizures from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects millions worldwide. Causes include genetic and structural factors; many cases have no identified cause. Treatment aims to control seizures with antiseizure medications, surgery, neuromodulation, or diet, and most people can improve with proper care.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition marked by a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizures happen when groups of brain cells (neurons) fire abnormally, briefly disrupting movement, sensation, behavior, or awareness.

How common is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates tens of millions of people live with epilepsy globally. In the United States, public health sources report that roughly 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives, and a smaller proportion live with active, ongoing seizures today.

What causes seizures and epilepsy?

Causes range from genetic differences in brain networks to acquired brain injuries. Common contributors include:

  • Genetic factors that increase seizure susceptibility.
  • Structural brain changes from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain tumors.
  • Infections of the brain (for example, meningitis or encephalitis).
  • Metabolic and immune disorders.
  • Developmental brain differences.
In many people, no clear cause is identified and their epilepsy is labeled "unknown" or "idiopathic."

What do seizures look like?

Seizures vary widely. Some cause a brief lapse of awareness or staring spells. Others produce stiffening, jerking movements, or a loss of consciousness. Clinicians classify seizures broadly as focal (starting in one part of the brain) or generalized (involving networks across both hemispheres). How a seizure looks depends on where and how the abnormal activity spreads.

How is epilepsy treated?

The main goal of treatment is seizure control while minimizing side effects. Options include:

  • Antiseizure medications (ASMs), which suppress abnormal electrical activity.
  • Epilepsy surgery for people with a single, surgically removable focus.
  • Neuromodulation devices, such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS).
  • Dietary therapies (for example, ketogenic or modified diets) in selected cases, especially certain childhood syndromes.
  • Targeted therapies for specific conditions - example: cannabidiol (CBD) formulations approved for some rare epilepsies.
Many people achieve good seizure control with medication or other treatments; some require combination approaches.

Living with epilepsy

Epilepsy affects daily life, but many people lead full, active lives with appropriate treatment and support. Safety planning, driving regulations, workplace accommodations, and mental health care are important parts of comprehensive management.

When to seek help

Seek medical evaluation after any unprovoked seizure. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment reduce injury risk and improve long-term outcomes.

  1. Confirm current global prevalence estimate from the World Health Organization ("tens of millions" or specific figure).
  2. Verify the US lifetime risk statistic ("1 in 26 will develop epilepsy") and the number of people living with active epilepsy in the United States from CDC or recent epidemiologic data.

FAQs about What Is Epilepsy

What is the difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
A seizure is a single event of abnormal brain activity. Epilepsy is a diagnosis given when a person has a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
What are common causes of epilepsy?
Common causes include genetic predisposition, structural brain changes from stroke or injury, brain infections, metabolic or immune disorders, and developmental differences. In many cases, the exact cause is not identified.
How is epilepsy treated?
Treatment options include antiseizure medications, epilepsy surgery for selected cases, neuromodulation (VNS, RNS), and dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet. The choice depends on seizure type, cause, and individual factors.
Can people with epilepsy live normal lives?
Yes. With appropriate treatment and support, many people with epilepsy lead full lives. Management also includes safety planning, mental health care, and accommodations for driving or work when needed.
When should I see a doctor about a seizure?
Seek medical evaluation after any unprovoked seizure. Prompt assessment helps identify causes and starts appropriate treatment to reduce future risk.

News about What Is Epilepsy

Global burden trends of idiopathic epilepsy in young adults from 1990 to 2035: based on the global burden of disease study 2021 - BMC Neurology [Visit Site | Read More]

What is epilepsy? - Epilepsy Society [Visit Site | Read More]

What is epilepsy and what happens if my child has epilepsy? - BBC [Visit Site | Read More]

Breaking barriers to epilepsy diagnosis - oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk [Visit Site | Read More]

Epilepsy Drug Market Innovations Driving Progress - Precedence Research [Visit Site | Read More]

Animation to help young people stay safe with epilepsy - HULL IS THIS [Visit Site | Read More]

A Children's Author with Epilepsy Becomes an Advocate - Brain and Life Magazine [Visit Site | Read More]