Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which patients experience recurrent seizures. At least two seizures must occur before epilepsy is diagnosed. Epilepsy is one of the most common brain disorders in the United States.

An epileptic seizure occurs when the nerve cells in the brain suddenly increase their activity, causing an electrical storm that can overwhelm the brain. This can result in various symptoms ranging from slight changes in taste or smell to loss of consciousness and involuntary muscle contractions that affect the whole body. The symptoms experienced depend on the area of the brain affected.

Anything that disrupts the normal function of the brain can cause seizures and epilepsy. Although roughly half of all seizures have no known cause, there are certain factors that can trigger seizures, such as brain trauma, genetic abnormalities, infections and tumors.

Epilepsy is usually classified according to the type of seizure that the person experiences. Partial seizures involve isolated areas of the brain and generalized seizures can involve both sides of the brain simultaneously. The classification of epilepsy may help determine its treatment. Most patients can control their seizures with medications designed to reduce activity in the part of the brain that is triggering the seizures. When medication is not enough, patients may undergo surgery to remove a portion of their brain or install a device that may reduce the frequency of seizures.

Depending on the severity and frequency of seizures, epilepsy can cause significant disruption to a person’s life. People with epilepsy may be unable to keep a job or live independently. They may live in fear of their next seizure. Even people who can control their seizures may experience frustration or the ill effects of others’ perception of epilepsy.