Epilepsy
Also known as Seizure disorder
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a condition of recurrent unprovoked seizures caused by bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures vary widely, from brief lapses of awareness to generalised convulsions. Most people achieve good control with medication, and knowing basic seizure first aid matters for families and colleagues.
Causes
- Genetic epilepsy syndromes
- Previous stroke, the commonest cause in older adults
- Head injury
- Brain infection such as meningitis
- Brain tumour or structural abnormality
- No identifiable cause in a substantial proportion
Symptoms
- Convulsions with stiffening and jerking
- Brief blank staring episodes with loss of awareness
- Sudden jerks of the limbs
- Unusual sensations, smells or a rising feeling before a seizure
- Confusion and drowsiness after an event
- Tongue biting or incontinence during a seizure
Risk factors
- Family history of epilepsy
- Significant head trauma
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
- Central nervous system infection
- Complicated febrile seizures in childhood
Diagnosis
- Detailed description of events, ideally from a witness
- Electroencephalogram to detect epileptiform activity
- MRI brain to look for a structural cause
- Blood tests and ECG to exclude mimics such as arrhythmia
- Video telemetry in difficult cases
Treatment
- Antiseizure medicines selected by seizure type
- Adherence support and seizure diaries
- Identifying and reducing triggers such as sleep deprivation
- Ketogenic diet in selected drug resistant epilepsy
- Epilepsy surgery for focal drug resistant disease
- Vagus nerve or deep brain stimulation in selected cases
- Preconception counselling, since some medicines affect pregnancy
Self care
- Take antiseizure medicines at the same time every day
- Keep a seizure diary noting timing and possible triggers
- Protect sleep, since sleep deprivation is a common trigger
- Limit alcohol and avoid recreational stimulants
- Take showers rather than baths, and tell someone when swimming
- Inform your licensing authority as legally required
- Make sure family and colleagues know basic seizure first aid
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Seizures becoming more frequent or changing in character
- Troublesome medication side effects
- Planning pregnancy, since some medicines carry risks to the baby
- Mood changes, memory difficulty or low mood
- Being seizure free for a long period and wanting to review treatment
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Take medication consistently, which is the most effective measure
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Identify and avoid personal triggers
- Limit alcohol
- Manage stress
- Check for interactions before starting any new medicine
Outlook
Around two thirds of people become seizure free on medication, often on a single drug. Some can eventually reduce or stop treatment after a long seizure free period, always under specialist guidance. Where seizures persist despite two suitable medicines, epilepsy surgery or neuromodulation can be highly effective for carefully selected patients.
Common questions
What should I do if someone has a convulsive seizure?
Protect the head, move dangerous objects away, do not restrain them and never put anything in the mouth. Time the seizure, and once it stops place them on their side. Call emergency services if it lasts over five minutes or repeats without recovery.
Does one seizure mean epilepsy?
Not usually. Epilepsy implies a continuing tendency to unprovoked seizures. A single seizure with a clear provoking factor, such as alcohol withdrawal or low blood sugar, is treated differently.
Can people with epilepsy drive?
Rules vary by country but generally require a defined seizure free period before driving is permitted. Licensing authorities must be informed, and this is a legal obligation in most jurisdictions.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.