What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is defined as having repeated seizures - not just one - which start in the brain. A brief disturbance to the brain’s normal electrical activity causes the nerve cells to fire off random signals. The result is like an electrical storm that causes a temporary overload in the brain.
There are many different kinds of seizure. Some end in seconds while others may last several minutes. People affected might lose their awareness of what is happening or where they are during a seizure.
They may lose consciousness altogether. Each person’s experience of epilepsy is unique. Epilepsy is the most common, serious neurological disorder in the world. In Scotland, 1 in 130 people have the disorder.
It is not contagious, nor is it a disease or a mental illness. Between seizures the brain works normally.
Public ignorance and misconceptions about epilepsy have led to fear and prejudice. The Greeks named it 'epi lambanein' meaning 'a taking hold of' and some people incorrectly use the term 'eppy' to describe irrational bouts of anger.
Please remember - only seizures are epileptic, not people.
There are many different types of seizure which are divided into two main groups: generalised and partial.
For more information, call the freephone helpline on 0808 800 2 200, or look at our ‘Seizures’ factsheet
Today, epilepsy is better understood. Being informed about the condition, knowing the medical terms and how to handle any problems helps reduce the impact epilepsy has on a person’s life.
Why does epilepsy happen?
Epilepsy can occur if the brain tissue is malformed or has been damaged or scarred by, for example, by an infection or head injury. This is referred to as symptomatic epilepsy.
In 7 out of 10 cases epilepsy has no identifiable cause. This is called idiopathic epilepsy.
It is thought that in many cases there could be a genetic link. The likelihood of this depends on whether or not another family member has epilepsy and, if so, what kind of epilepsy they have.
Although seizures can appear dramatic and frightening to an observer, it is important to realise that the person affected normally feels no pain during a seizure and may have no memory of it afterwards.
Most seizures are not harmful to the brain and the person affected usually recovers quickly.