According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, epilepsy is a physical condition that happens when there is an abrupt, brief change in the working of the brain. When brain cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness, movement, or actions may be change. Some people can experience a seizure and not have epilepsy. For example, many young children have convulsions from fevers. These febrile convulsions are one type of seizure. Other types of seizures not classified as epilepsy include those caused by an imbalance of body fluids or chemicals or by alcohol or drug withdrawal for a short time. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures.

Symptoms of epilepsy:

1. Periods of confused memory called "blackouts"
2. Unexplained incidents of unresponsiveness
3. Involuntary movement of arms and legs
4. "Fainting spells" with incontinence or followed by excessive fatigue
5. Odd sounds, distorted perceptions, episodic feelings of fear that cannot be explained.

Causes of epilepsy:

In most patients the cause of epilepsy cannot be traced but sometimes it is caused due to the occurrence any accident, trauma or illness that injure the brain. Sometimes epilepsy can also be inherited.

Types of epilepsy:

There are a number of different types of seizures. They differ in many ways, including the way they make one feel. Some people may experience only one type of seizure; others may experience more than one. Most epileptic seizures are either partial seizures (also called focal seizures), which affect just one part of the brain, or generalized seizures, which affect both sides of the brain at the same time

Epilepsy and its treatment:

The primary treatment for epilepsy is the use of antiseizure medicines-called anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs-to bring seizures under control. The goal is to prevent seizures while minimizing side effects from the drugs. If medicines fail to control your seizures, other treatment options may be available. Work with your healthcare professional to make sure your treatment is as effective as possible. Antiseizure medicines can reduce the occurrence of seizures or prevent them from occurring, but they do not cure epilepsy. In some people, over time, seizures do disappear. This is more likely when treatment has brought the epilepsy under control. Even well tolerated medicines can have unwanted additional actions-side effects-alongside their helpful actions. For instance, some medicines may make you feel dizzy, tired, or sleepy. A side effect may be absent or hardly noticeable for one person but heightened for another.



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