Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked paroxysmal episodes of cerebral dysfunction, also referred to as seizures. A seizure is a sudden phenomenon that is involuntary, and short in duration. They are characterized by abnormal changes in behavior, movement, consciousness, or sensation due to abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. These episodes called seizures have lead for the condition to be also referred to as a seizure disorder.

It is estimated that around 60 million people have epilepsy at any one time, and up to 5% of the world’s population may have a single seizure at some point in their lives.

The causes of epilepsy are many; any disease that affects the central nervous system is capable of producing epilepsy. Some of the most common causes include head trauma, stroke, brain tumors, cerebral infections, lack of oxygen, and yet some causes are genetic. However, for about half the cases, no specific cause is found.

In some cases it is, although it does not happen very often. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, even when both parents have epilepsy, the likelihood of passing on this genetic trait to their children is only between 10% to 12%.

Although epilepsy can occur within any age group, the majority of seizure disorders occur in early childhood and in later life, particularly in the elderly.

Epileptic seizures occur when a large group of brain cells called neurons, whose role is to send electrical signals throughout the body, misfire and cause a brief electrical disturbance in the brain.

Factors such as non-compliance with medication, high fever, massive sleep deprivation, stress, over-exertion, consumption of excessive alcohol or binge drinking and taking recreational drugs, for example, cocaine can make you more likely to have a seizure. Metabolic hormonal changes, environmental factors such as high heat and humidity, flickering lights, dehydration, changes in sugar levels, may also trigger seizures in people with epilepsy.

Yes. In many cases, especially the genetic types of epilepsy, children may simply outgrow the seizures as they go through adolescence and puberty. Seizures are unpredictable; they may continue to occur or decrease with time.

Most people with epilepsy want to participate in a wide variety of life’s activities, including sports, exercise and fitness programs. In most cases they can participate in such programs depending on the degree of seizure control. Activities such as mountain climbing, swimming alone, scuba diving, boxing, and football are higher risk activities. Always contact your doctor prior to beginning any physical sport or activity in which a brief lapse of consciousness would significantly increase the chance of injury.

Lapses of memory and cognitive impairments are two of the most common complaints of persons with epilepsy. The type of seizure and medications may affect these mental functions. If you experience such problems, talk with your doctor.

Most people with epilepsy live a full life span. However, there are potential factors associated with living with epilepsy and seizures that may increase the risk of early death. Prolonged seizures or seizures that happen quickly, one after another (called status epilepticus), can be life-threatening. Status epilepticus can sometimes occur when antiseizure medicine is stopped suddenly. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate medical attention. Some people with epilepsy may die suddenly, without explanation. This is called SUDEP which stands for Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy. SUDEP is not well understood, although it is suspected, sometimes, to be related to heart rhythm problems during a seizure. The risk of sudden death occurs more among people with (violent) convulsive seizures, especially generalized tonic-clonic seizures that are not well controlled.

Most people don’t get hurt when they have a seizure but it can happen. There are many practical steps you can take to minimize your risk for injury in case of seizure. For example, (1) set the thermostat of the water heater low enough to prevent scalding (2) pad sharp corners; (3) try a microwave oven for cooking; (4) select chairs with arms to prevent falling; (5) hang bathroom doors so they open outwards instead of inwards (so that if someone falls against the door, it can still be opened); (6) Remove burner controls from gas or electric stoves when not in use. Ask your local epilepsy provider for more information.

Many famous people have had epilepsy, including: Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Socrates, Napoleon Bonaparte, Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Thomas Edison, Harriet Tubman, Alfred Nobel, Peter Tchaikovsky, Richard Burton, Margeaux Hemingway and Danny Glover, among others.

A neurologist is a specially trained physician who treats diseases and disorders of the nervous system. He or she sees patients who have Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, movement disorders, neuromuscular diseases, memory disorders, brain infections, seizures, and epilepsy among others. An epileptologist is a neurologist who specializes in the treatment of epilepsy.

Typically, medical care for epilepsy begins with a primary care physician. Many times, the primary care physician may refer you to a neurologist for more specialized care. For those without health insurance, a number of agencies, such as the County Public Health Department may be of assistance. In Florida, contact the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. In case of medical emergency, dial 911 or the operator.

The diagnosis is suggested by the seizure history and physical exam. There are a variety of tests available to assist in the diagnosis of epilepsy. Besides the electroencephalogram (EEG), a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Axial Tomography (CT), Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) scans, or long-term video EEG monitoring may be used. Based on the initial consultation, the doctor will select one or more of the diagnostic tests. For the more difficult cases to diagnose, more sophisticated diagnostic tests are available.

The electroencephalogram or EEG is a very useful tool in the diagnosis of abnormal brain activity. This test measures brain electrical activity through electrodes that are attached to the person’s head. This painless procedure measures different patterns of activity in different parts of the brain. The EEG may indicate the person’s type of epilepsy. The EEG can provide supportive evidence for a person’s epilepsy when coupled with their medical history. However, a routine EEG is often normal in persons with epilepsy.

Sometimes, when the EEG does not provide the supportive evidence or when the results are inconclusive, the doctor may request an evaluation with a long-term continuous EEG with simultaneous video recording known as telemetry monitoring (usually during a hospital stay of one day to two weeks). Having a correlation of the recorded behavior (video) and the EEG activity, the diagnosis of epilepsy or non-epileptic attacks can be made definitely in nearly all cases.

An MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging gives a detailed three-dimensional view or image of the brain. It can help see through the skull, defining structures in the brain. CT or Computerized Axial Tomography uses a computer technology and x-rays to make a computerized image of the brain. Both are imaging devices used to find bleeding, swelling, tumors, scarring, and other anomalies within the brain.