Epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that makes people susceptible to seizures. Epilepsy usually does not get worse with time. Most adults who have epilepsy can expect to live a normal life span.

What is a Seizure?

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person feels or acts for a short time.

Seizures are a symptom of many different disorders that can affect the brain.

If a person has epilepsy, a seizure can be caused by:

• Missed medication
• Sleep deprivation
• Stress
• Alcohol use
• Drug abuse
• Menstrual cycle
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Over-the-counter medications

What Causes Epilepsy?

There are many causes of epilepsy. Epilepsy can be caused by anything that affects the brain, including tumors and strokes. Sometimes epilepsy is inherited. Often, no cause can be found.

How is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

Epilepsy is usually diagnosed after a person has had at least two seizures that were not caused by some known medical condition. Medical conditions other than epilepsy that may cause seizures are alcohol withdrawal and extremely low blood sugar.

How is Epilepsy Treated?

Epilepsy treatments are aimed at preventing seizures. Your doctor will prescribe medication that will help prevent seizure.

If the medications do not control the seizures, surgery, changes in diet and/or electrical stimulation the vagus nerve may be needed. The vagus nerve is a larger nerve leading into the brain.

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