What is epilepsy?
Let’s start with the basics. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes
the brain to produce sudden bursts of electrical energy. For the brain to function,
there needs to be a balance between increased activity (excitation) and restraint
(inhibition). When this balance is changed, a seizure may result.
What causes epilepsy?
Epilepsy can result from a birth defect, birth or head injury, brain tumor, or infection
in the brain. It can also be inherited. But for half the people with epilepsy, a
cause cannot be found. Epilepsy is not contagious.
Epilepsy can occur for the first time at any time, including during old age.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a change in sensation, awareness, or behavior brought about by an electrical
disturbance in the brain. Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. There are several
different types of seizures.
Seizures can range from tingling in a finger to a generalized (grand mal)
seizure, during which people lose consciousness, become stiff, and jerk.
What is the difference between seizures and epilepsy?
Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Epilepsy is the underlying tendency of the brain
to release electrical energy that disrupts other brain functions. So the seizure
is the symptom of this underlying condition. Having a single seizure does
not necessarily mean a person has epilepsy.
What are the different types of seizures?
It is important you know the kind of seizures you have so you can seek the best
treatment. Here is an overview of different types of seizures:
Partial seizures begin in a specific part of the brain. These include:
- Simple Partial—A seizure that does not alter consciousness. May produce
abnormal sensations, such as an unpleasant smell, or a motor movement, such as jerking
of the arm
- Complex Partial—Seizure that alters consciousness causing confusion
- Complex Partial With Secondary Generalization—Seizure that starts
as complex partial but becomes a generalized seizure affecting both sides of the
brain
Generalized seizures affect both hemispheres of the brain. These include:
- Absence: Previously known as petit mal, triggers a short lapse in consciousness.
Most often seen in children
- Atonic: Previously known as a drop attack, causes a complete loss of muscle
control and results in collapse
- Myoclonic: Triggers sudden jerking in the muscles, often in the arms and
legs
- Tonic-clonic: Triggers a fall to the ground (tonic phase) followed by jerking
movements (clonic phase)
Other types of seizures:
- Febrile seizures: Caused by high fever in young children; does not always
lead to epilepsy
- Status epilepticus: Severe, life-threatening, nonstop seizures; can be
either partial or generalized
Which doctors treat epilepsy?
Neurologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatricians, neurosurgeons, internists,
and family physicians all provide treatment for epilepsy.
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the brain, spinal cord,
nerves, and muscles. A neurologist who specializes in the treatment of epilepsy
is an epileptologist.
People whose seizures are difficult to control have many options and may seek treatment
in large hospitals, medical centers, neurological clinics at universities, and from
specialists in private practice.
How many people in the US have epilepsy?
Estimates range from about 1.4 to 2.7 million people, depending on the diagnostic
criteria and study method used. Epilepsy can occur at any age but is most frequently
seen in the very young and the elderly.
How will my epilepsy affect me?
Your epilepsy is as individual as you are. For some people, it’s a childhood
condition that might be outgrown. For some others, epilepsy may have a more significant
effect. Seizures may restrict driving, working, and social opportunities and also
affect self-esteem. But remember, you can influence how epilepsy will affect you.
With the right treatment, you can expect to live your life as you choose.
Most people’s seizures can be controlled. Some people end their seizures with
the first epilepsy medication they try. Others will need to partner with their neurologist
or epileptologist to find the right dosage and combination of medications. Epilepsy medications
are helpful for many people, while some will need to have the specific source of
their seizures surgically removed.
Find out about a leading prescription medication option for treating epilepsy.
Learn about risks and causes