31/12/2025
1. What causes epilepsy?
Epilepsy has many possible causes, and in some people the exact cause is unknown. Common causes include:
Brain injury (from accidents or trauma)
Complications at birth (lack of oxygen, prematurity)
Brain infections (such as meningitis or encephalitis)
Stroke or brain tumors
Genetic factors
High fever seizures in early childhood (in some cases)
2. Types of seizures
Seizures are broadly classified into two main groups:
a) Focal (partial) seizures
These start in one area of the brain and may involve:
Uncontrolled movements of one part of the body
Strange sensations, emotions, or confusion
Loss or preservation of awareness
b) Generalized seizures
These involve both sides of the brain and include:
Tonic-clonic seizures (convulsions, loss of consciousness)
Absence seizures (brief staring spells, common in children)
Myoclonic seizures (sudden jerks of muscles)
Atonic seizures (sudden loss of muscle tone, falls)
3. Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the seizure type but may include:
Convulsions
Loss of consciousness or awareness
Staring spells
Sudden fear, confusion, or strange feelings
Temporary memory loss or fatigue after a seizure
4. Diagnosis
Epilepsy is diagnosed through:
Medical history and description of seizures
Neurological examination
EEG (electroencephalogram) to record brain activity
Brain imaging such as CT scan or MRI
5. Treatment
Epilepsy can often be well controlled with proper treatment:
Anti-epileptic medicines (daily medication is the most common treatment)
Surgery (in selected cases)
Special diets (e.g., ketogenic diet, especially for children)
Vagus nerve stimulation (in some patients)
Many people with epilepsy live normal, productive lives when treatment is followed correctly.
6. First aid during a seizure
If someone is having a seizure:
Stay calm and protect the person from injury
Place them on their side (recovery position)
Do not put anything in their mouth
Do not restrain them
Call for medical help if the seizure last +5 min.
