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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Epilepsy is a disorder that results from the surges in electrical signals inside the brain, causing recurring seizures. Seizure symptoms vary. Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others have full-fledged convulsions.

About 2 in 100 people in the United States will experience an unprovoked seizure once in life. However, a solitary seizure doesn't mean you have epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis.

Even mild seizures may require treatment because they can be dangerous during activities such as driving or swimming. Treatment — which generally includes medications and sometimes surgery — usually eliminates or reduces the frequency and intensity of seizures. Many children with epilepsy even outgrow the condition with age.

Symptoms
References
  1. Seizures and epilepsy: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/detail_epilepsy.htm. Accessed Feb. 11, 2011.
  2. Schachter SC. Evaluation of the first seizure in adults. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2011.
  3. First aid for seizures. Epilepsy Foundation. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/firstaid/index.cfm. Accessed Feb. 11, 2011.
  4. Frequently asked questions. Epilepsy Foundation. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/faq/. Accessed Feb. 11, 2011.
  5. Schachter SC. Overview of the management of epilepsy in adults. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 11, 2011.
  6. Ottman R, et al. Comorbidities of epilepsy: Results from the Epilepsy Comorbidities and Health (EPIC) survey. Epilepsia. 2011;52:308.
  7. Use of antiepileptic drugs in epilepsy and the risk of self-harm or suicidal behavior. Neurology. 2010;75:335.
  8. Prolonged or serial seizures (status epilepticus). Epilepsy Foundation. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/types/types/statusepilepticus.cfm. Accessed Feb. 12, 2011.
  9. Schacter SC. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 12, 2011.
  10. Pre-surgical evaluation. Epilepsy Foundation. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/treatment/surgery/evaluation.cfm. Accessed Feb. 12, 2011.
  11. Hirsch LJ, et al. Neuroimaging in the evaluation of seizures and epilepsy. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 12, 2011.
  12. Karcesky S. Initial treatment of epilepsy in adults. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 12, 2011.
  13. Kossoff EH. The ketogenic diet. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 12, 2011.
  14. Epilepsy. National Center for Biotechnology Information. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001714. Accessed Feb. 13, 2011.
  15. Tips for living. Epilepsy Foundation. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/quickstart/newlydiagnosed/qsliving/idvtips.cfm. Accessed Feb. 14, 2011.
  16. So E (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 14, 2011.
DS00342 April 28, 2011

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