Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure is a sudden change in behavior or level of consciousness brought on by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. Epilepsy can affect people of any age, but it most often begins during childhood or adolescence.
There are many different types of seizures, and they can vary widely in severity. Some people with epilepsy only have occasional mild seizures that do not interfere with their daily lives, while others may have frequent and disabling seizures that require constant medical care. Epilepsy is usually diagnosed after a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures that were not caused by another medical condition such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or alcohol withdrawal.
The cause of epilepsy is often unknown, but it may be due to genetic factors, head injury, stroke, tumors, or other problems that damage the brain. In some cases, no underlying cause can be found. Treatment for epilepsy typically involves taking one or more medications to control the frequency and severity of seizures. Surgery may also be an option for some people with epilepsy who do not respond well to medication.