Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause a wide range of symptoms, from brief lapses of awareness or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. These seizures may affect a part of the body (partial seizures) or the entire body (generalized seizures) and can sometimes involve loss of consciousness as well as control of bowel or bladder function. Epilepsy is diagnosed when a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures, meaning seizures not caused by immediate triggers like fever or injury. The cause of epilepsy is often unknown but can result from brain injury, stroke, infections, tumors, genetic factors, or developmental abnormalities. The disorder can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Seizures vary in frequency and severity, and epilepsy can have significant impacts on a person's physical and psychological health. Treatment options, including anti-seizure medications, can control seizures in many people, and other treatments such as surgery or dietary changes may be considered for those with more resistant forms of epilepsy. Overall, epilepsy disrupts the normal electrical activity in the brain, leading to the characteristic seizures and possible changes in awareness, sensation, emotions, and behavior during these episodes. It is a recognized medical condition with a history dating back thousands of years and remains a focus of medical research and management today. This summary consolidates key points from authoritative sources including the World Health Organization, U.S. medical institutions, and epilepsy specialist organizations.
