"Epilepsia" and "Epileptic" redirect here. For the journal, see Epilepsia (journal).
For the novel,
see Epileptic (graphic novel).
Epilepsy
Synonyms Seizure disorder
Generalized 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges on an
electroencephalogram
Specialty Neurology
Symptoms Periods of vigorous shaking, nearly
undetectable spells[1]
Duration Long term[1]
Causes Unknown, brain injury, stroke, brain
tumors, infections of the brain, birth
defects[1][2][3]
Diagnostic Electroencephalogram, ruling out other
method possible causes[4]
Similar Fainting, alcohol withdrawal, electrolyte
conditions problems[4]
Treatment Medication, surgery, neurostimulation,
dietary changes[5][6]
Prognosis Controllable in 70%[7]
Frequency 39 million / 0.5% (2015)[8]
Deaths 125,000 (2015)[9]
[edit on Wikidata]
Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by epileptic
seizures.[10][11] Epileptic seizures are episodes that can vary from brief and nearly undetectable
to long periods of vigorous shaking.[1] These episodes can result in physical injuries including
occasionally broken bones.[1] In epilepsy, seizures tend to recur and as a rule, have no
immediate underlying cause.[10] Isolated seizures that are provoked by a specific cause such as
poisoning are not deemed to represent epilepsy.[12] People with epilepsy in some areas of the
world experience stigma due to the condition.[1]
The cause of most cases of epilepsy is unknown.[1] Some cases occur as the result
of brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, infections of the brain, and birth defects, through a process
known as epileptogenesis.[1][2][3] Known genetic mutations are directly linked to a small
proportion of cases.[4][13] Epileptic seizures are the result of excessive and abnormal nerve cell
activity in the cortex of the brain.[12] The diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions that might
cause similar symptoms such as fainting and determining if another cause of seizures is present
such as alcohol withdrawal or electrolyte problems.[4] This may be partly done by imaging the
brain and performing blood tests.[4] Epilepsy can often be confirmed with
[4]
an electroencephalogram (EEG), but a normal test does not rule out the condition.
Epilepsy that occurs as a result of other issues may be preventable.[1] Seizures are
controllable with medication in about 70% of cases.[7] Inexpensive options are often
available.[1] In those whose seizures do not respond to medication,
[5][6]
then surgery, neurostimulation, or dietary changes may be considered. Not all cases of
epilepsy are lifelong, and many people improve to the point that treatment is no longer
needed.[1]
As of 2015 about 39 million people have epilepsy.[8] Nearly 80% of cases occur in
the developing world.[1] In 2015 it resulted in 125,000 deaths up from 112,000 deaths in
1990.[9][14] Epilepsy is more common in older people.[15][16] In the developed world, onset of new
cases occurs most frequently in babies and the elderly.[17] In the developing world onset is more
common in older children and young adults, due to differences in the frequency of the
underlying causes.[18] About 510% of people will have an unprovoked seizure by the age of
80,[19] and the chance of experiencing a second seizure is between 40 and 50%.[20] In many
areas of the world those with epilepsy either have restrictions placed on their ability to drive or
are not permitted to drive until they are free of seizures for a specific length of time.[21] The word
epilepsy is from Ancient Greek: "to seize, possess, or afflict".[22]
