Epilepsy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the electrical activity of the brain, resulting in seizures. Seizures can be mild or severe, and can cause a variety of symptoms such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, and muscle spasms. Understanding the signs and symptoms of epilepsy is important in order to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Signs & symptoms

The signs and symptoms of epilepsy can vary depending on the type of seizure experienced. Some common symptoms include:

• Sudden, brief changes in behavior, such as staring blankly or loss of consciousness
• Uncontrollable muscle contractions or convulsions
• Loss of awareness or confusion
• Sudden, uncontrollable movements such as jerking or thrashing
• Sudden feelings of fear or deja vu
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Causes of Epilepsy

The causes of epilepsy can be divided into two main categories: acquired and inherited. Acquired causes include brain injury, infection, brain tumors, and stroke. Inherited causes include genetic mutations that affect the development of the brain. In many cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown.

Treatment options

Epilepsy is typically treated with medication to control seizures. These medications, called antiepileptic drugs, work by altering the electrical activity in the brain. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the part of the brain that is causing seizures. Other treatments include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers that can cause seizures, and therapy to help with the emotional and social impact of epilepsy.

Getting tested

Diagnosis of epilepsy typically involves a physical examination, a review of medical history, and a neurological examination. Additional tests such as an EEG (electroencephalogram) and brain imaging may be used to help diagnose the condition. If you think you may be suffering from epilepsy, it is important to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Epilepsy FAQs

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.

What causes epilepsy?

The causes of epilepsy can be divided into two main categories: acquired and inherited. Acquired causes include brain injury, infection, brain tumors, and stroke. Inherited causes include genetic mutations that affect the development of the brain. In many cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown.

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

The signs and symptoms of epilepsy can vary depending on the type of seizure experienced. Some common symptoms include sudden, brief changes in behavior, such as staring blankly or loss of consciousness, uncontrollable muscle contractions or convulsions, loss of awareness or confusion, sudden, uncontrollable movements such as jerking or thrashing, sudden feelings of fear or deja vu, and loss of bladder or bowel control.

How is epilepsy treated?

Epilepsy is typically treated with medication to control seizures. These medications, called antiepileptic drugs, work by altering the electrical activity in the brain. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the part of the brain that is causing seizures. Other treatments include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers that can cause seizures, and therapy to help with the emotional and social impact of epilepsy.