Epilepsy is a disorder of brain function that results in repeated seizures. Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy, which can affect as many as 2 million people in the United States. A seizure disorder is another way of describing epilepsy.

A seizure is defined as a change in sensation, awareness, or behavior brought about by a brief electrical disturbance in the brain. Seizures range in severity from a brief disruption of the senses, to short periods of unconsciousness or staring spells, to convulsions.

Who does epilepsy affect?

Epilepsy can affect people of all ages and appears to happen for no reason at all. Causes in infants and very young children include family history, severe injury to or infection of the nervous system, or developmental disorders. In teenagers and young adults, common causes include family history, severe injury or infection of the nervous system, brain tumor, and illegal drug use. Older people may develop epilepsy as a result of stroke (responsible for 50% of new cases in people over 65) and injury. In most cases, though, the cause is unknown.

What are seizures?

A seizure is the result of an imbalance in the electrical energy in the brain. A seizure may be dramatic, causing convulsions, confusion, and uncontrollable shaking. Or, it may go unnoticed by everyone except the person experiencing it. After a dramatic seizure, you (or your loved one) may feel tired or dazed, and may not remember what happened prior to and during the seizure. There are different types of seizures  >>

What triggers a seizure?

There is no single cause of seizures. Anything that disturbs the normal pattern of electrical activity in the brain-including illness, brain damage, and abnormal brain development-can lead to seizures. Seizures can be triggered in people with epilepsy by a wide variety of things. Triggers vary from person to person.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Only a healthcare professional can diagnose epilepsy in an individual. If you have had a seizure and you seek medical help, a doctor will take medical history and perform a thorough examination in order to determine diagnosis. Once epilepsy is diagnosed, you and your doctor can discuss your medication options.

How is epilepsy treated?

Although there is no cure for epilepsy, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment. The goal of therapy is to provide patients with both tolerable and effective treatment. Doctors primarily treat epilepsy with seizure-preventing medicines called anti-epileptic drugs, of which there are both older and newer options available. Since epilepsy is often a life-long condition, it is important that patients work with their doctors to find effective treatments that can be tolerated over the long term. In addition, patient education, an effective partnership between the patient and doctor, and the involvement of family and friends are important parts of the treatment process.

What's important to know about epilepsy treatments?

For many people with epilepsy, seizures can be decreased or even completely controlled with the right medicine or medicines. In fact, people with epilepsy often reach the same kinds of goals for career and family as people without epilepsy. Newer anti-epileptic drugs are shown to control seizures and are generally well tolerated. It is important for people with epilepsy to openly discuss the treatment plan that is right for them.

Are there doctors who specialize in treating epilepsy?

Neurologists, pediatricians, neurosurgeons, internists and family physicians all provide treatment for epilepsy. Specialized care for people with epilepsy is available from a neurologist with specialty training in epilepsy, called an epileptologist. To find an epilepsy specialist in your area, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.