Epilepsy

Medically reviewed by Diana Apetauerova, MD
Updated on February 27, 2025

Epilepsy is a neurological condition caused by electrical disturbances in the brain. The condition results in seizures, which can cause unusual behavior, movements, or experiences, and sometimes a lack of awareness or loss of consciousness. Treatment options include anti-seizure medications and, in some cases, surgery.

Understanding Epilepsy

Gray-haired man on bed staring blankly
What to Know About Epilepsy
A person holding their head and onto another person on a basketball court
The Different Types of Seizures
Woman Holds Her Head in Pain
Your Seizures Can Have Several Phases
Headache, conceptual image
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Epilepsy?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What causes epilepsy?

    Epilepsy is a complex disorder and can be caused by anything that alters the brain’s electrical activity. Epilepsy can be linked to specific factors, including genetics, a traumatic brain injury, a stroke, or a brain infection.

    Learn More Causes and Risk Factors of Epilepsy
  • How is epilepsy diagnosed?

    A variety of tests are used to help diagnose epilepsy, including a neurological exam and an electroencephalogram (EEG). Other tests may include blood work and imaging studies of the brain, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a positron emission tomography (PET).

    Learn More How Epilepsy Is Diagnosed
  • Is epilepsy genetic?

    Many forms of epilepsy have a genetic component. Though genes don't necessarily cause epilepsy, they may make someone predisposed to it. For example, if you have the genes linked with epilepsy, you may be more likely to develop it if you experience a traumatic brain injury.

    Learn More Causes and Risk Factors of Epilepsy
  • Is epilepsy considered a disability?

    The Social Security Administration lists epilepsy as one of the conditions which may qualify you for disability benefits if you meet their specific requirements. The rules regarding epilepsy are very technical, with separate requirements for convulsive and non-convulsive forms of the condition.

Symptoms and Related Issues

A person on the ground with a seizure is given assistance
How Can I Spot a Seizure, and What Do I Do to Help?
pediatrician examines child for signs of epilepsy
Epilepsy Warning Signs
Feeling an aura before a seizure
How Long Does a Seizure Aura Last?
Close-up of part of a child's little face with focus on her eyes and nose
Recognizing Absence Seizures
A caregiver helps a person who has had a focal epilepsy seizure
What to Know About Focal Epilepsy

Treatment

Checking the pulse of someone who has collapsed and is having a seizure
Taking Care of Someone Having an Epileptic Seizure
Person pouring dietary supplements from bottle into hand
Epilepsy Natural Treatments and How Effective They Are
Intravenous medications in emergency setting
Rescue Seizure Medications
Managing Epilepsy
How Epilepsy Is Treated
Surgeon completing brain surgery in an operating room.
How Is Deep Brain Stimulation Used for Epilepsy?
scanner in radiation therapy department with patient having prophylactic cranial irradiation
What Is Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Used For?

Key Terms

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)

    A non-invasive test that picks up abnormal brain waves and records the electrical activity of the brain via electrodes attached to the scalp. EEGs are usually done to detect seizures and to diagnose epilepsy.

    What Is an Electroencephalogram (EEG)?
  • Generalized Seizure

    A type of seizure that affects both sides of the brain at once. Generalized seizures can include tonic-clonic, absence, and atonic seizures, each of which may have different causes and symptoms.

    What Are Seizures?
  • Neurological Disorder

    Any one of a number of diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Neurological conditions include stroke, seizure disorders such as epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, among others.

    What Is a Neurologist?
  • Seizure

    A transient event caused by a temporary disruption in the brain’s electrical system. There are different types of seizures, which can be brought on by several conditions. including fever, head trauma, and stroke.

    What Are Seizures?
  • Status Epilepticus

    A condition in which a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or when seizures occur close together without a recovery period between them. Status epilepticus can be convulsive and non-convulsive; both requiring emergency treatment.

  • Tonic-Clonic Seizure

    A type of seizure, sometimes called a “grand mal” seizure, that causes uncontrolled jerking and stiffness of the arms, legs, or body, and loss of consciousness or awareness. These seizures generally last from several seconds to a couple of minutes.

    An Overview of Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Ativan vs. Klonopin: Similarities & Differences
Ativan vs. Klonopin: Similarities & Differences
Blue pill on dark blue background
Klonopin (Clonazepam) Side Effects
Child in MRI scanner
What to Know About Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
Bottles of gabapentin moving through the packaging process
Epilepsy Medication: Types and Available Options
Klonopin vs. Xanax
Comparing Klonopin vs. Xanax for Anxiety, Seizures, and More
A photo of brain imaging next to a blue color
Epilepsy vs. Seizure: Understanding a Symptom vs. Disease
Person drinking a cup of coffee
Is It Safe to Consume Caffeine With Epilepsy?
A person handing another person car keys
Can People With Epilepsy Drive?
Person packing suitcase
Tips for Traveling Safely With Epilepsy
Person reading label on can in supermarket
Foods to Avoid With Epilepsy: Diet and Seizures
Seven people sitting in a circle in a support group discussion
How to Find an Epilepsy Support Group
A young person with electrodes attached to head to monitor epilepsy
Long-Term Epilepsy Prognosis
Healthcare provider comforting a person by holding their hands
What You Need to Know About SUDEP
A parent and young child share food with each other
Is Epilepsy Genetic?
A young girl with epilepsy hugs her seizure alert dog.
Everything to Know About Epilepsy Service Dogs
Young woman talks to healthcare provider in an exam room
Epilepsy and Migraine: What Is the Relationship?
Person holding a positive COVID home rapid test
What to Know About COVID-19 and Epilepsy
Epilepsy Monitoring
Causes and Risk Factors of Epilepsy
Focused architect working at laptop in office
Coping With Epilepsy
Electroencephalogram (EEG) on a 27-year old woman
Todd's Paralysis and How It's Treated
A child playing
Doose Syndrome Treatment and Prognosis
Woman with daughter at doctor's office
Overview of Atonic Seizures
Soothing child with seizure
Rolandic Epilepsy and How to Control It
Sleep study taking place
What Is a Sleep-Deprived EEG for Seizures?
Stressed man
Can Stress Cause Seizures?
Bright flashing lights of a night club
An Overview of Photosensitive Epilepsy
Woman discussing anti-epileptic drug options with a pharmacist
Guide to Anti-Epileptic Drugs
Doctor holding a patient's hand
Risks and Complications of Seizures
Female doctor assisting a senior woman
An Overview of Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Electroencephalogram (EEG) on a 4-year old girl. Epilepsy tracing on the screen.
An Overview of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Doctor holding oxygen mask over male patients mouth in intensive care unit
An Overview of Status Epilepticus
Baby test
An Overview of Dravet Syndrome
vegetarian ketogenic diet
Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy
An EEG test is performed on an epilepsy patient.
The Postictal Phase of a Seizure
SPECT Scanner.
What Is a SPECT Scan?
Hands applying electrodes to baby for electroencephalography
An Overview of West Syndrome
Female nurse examining throat of girl sitting with family at medical room
What Are Absence Seizures?
Intractable epilepsy
Intractable Epilepsy: Diagnostic Criteria, Causes, and How to Treat
VNS therapy
Vagal Nerve Stimulator for Epilepsy Seizure Prevention
Myoclonic Seizures: Triggers, Symptoms, and Treatment
Page Sources
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