Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common, long-term brain condition where a person has repeated seizures
Having just one seizure is not considered to be epilepsy - about half the people who have one seizure never have another seizure.
Epilepsy is not one single condition; rather it is a range of different conditions that can cause seizures.
A seizure is caused by an episode of disrupted electrical activity in the brain and can vary greatly depending on the part of the brain involved.
They can cause problems such as a loss of consciousness, unusual jerking movements (convulsions) as well as other unusual feelings, sensations and behaviors.
Not all seizures are considered epilepsy. Other conditions such as fever, diabetes, heart conditions and alcohol withdrawal can also cause seizures.
There are many different types of seizures, which are generally categorized based on the parts of the brain involved (whole of brain or just one part) and prominent features (such as the types of jerking movements if there are any).
Generalized seizures involve the whole brain and therefore the whole body is affected. They include both generalized tonic-clonic seizures and generalized absence seizures. Focal seizures involve only part of the brain.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
Previously known as 'grand mal seizures', these types of seizures are the most well recognized. The seizure begins with a sudden loss of consciousness, the body then becomes stiff followed by jerking of the muscles. Turning red or blue, tongue-biting and loss of bladder control are common. Confusion, drowsiness, memory loss, headache and agitation can occur on regaining consciousness.
Generalized absence seizures
Previously known as 'petit mal seizures', these types of seizures usually start in childhood, but can occur in adults. These seizures are brief and characterized by staring, loss of expression, unresponsiveness and stopping activity. Sometimes eye blinking or upward eye movements are seen. The person usually recovers immediately and resumes their previous activity, with no memory of the event.
Focal seizures
Previously known as 'partial seizures', start in one area of the brain and affect the parts of the body controlled by that area of the brain. The seizure may involve unusual movements, feelings, sensations or behaviors. People can have different levels of consciousness during focal seizures.
Common triggers for seizures include:
• lack of sleep
• missed or too much antiepileptic medication
• physical and emotional stress
• hormonal fluctuations
• fever
• alcohol or drug use
• flashing lights
• caffeine
• missing meals
• being ill or having an infection
• allergies
• menstruation
• severe changes in temperature
• stress
Febrile convulsions are common seizures occurring in 3% of healthy children up to the age of 6 years. The seizures are generally harmless and associated with an illness causing a fever, such as a viral infection.
Management includes treating the seizure if necessary, as well as treating the underlying cause of the fever.
In the absence of any risk factors for epilepsy, children with febrile convulsions have a similar risk of developing epilepsy to the general population.