Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder that produces intense, abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can cause seizures. Epilepsy may result from brain damage, a tumor, or an infection, but in most cases, the cause is unknown.

Some people outgrow the condition and no longer have seizures; others are able to control their seizures with medications. Surgery is sometimes considered for people who have seizures that cannot be well controlled with medication.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Last Revised	October 15, 2009