A disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.

Epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke.

During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behaviour, symptoms and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are few symptoms between seizures. Epilepsy is usually treated by medication and in some cases by surgery, devices or dietary changes.

Symptoms

Usually self-diagnosable

During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behaviour, symptoms and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are few symptoms between seizures.

People may experience:

Whole body: fainting or fatigue

Muscular: rhythmic muscle contractions or muscle spasms

Sensory: aura or pins and needles

Also common: seizures, amnesia, anxiety, depression, or staring spells

Treatment

Treatment consists of anti-convulsants

Epilepsy is usually treated by medication and in some cases by surgery, devices or dietary changes.