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What is epilepsy?

About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. It’s also called a seizure disorder. When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy. A seizure happens when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain. One in 10 adults will have a seizure sometime during their life.

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Seizures can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. They can have many symptoms, from convulsions and loss of consciousness to some that are not always recognized as seizures by the person experiencing them or by health care professionals: blank staring, lip smacking, or jerking movements of arms and legs.

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the U.S. after migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Its prevalence is greater than cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease combined. In August 2017, the CDC reported that at least 3.4 million people in the US live with seizures, including 470,000 children. Despite how common it is and major advances in diagnosis and treatment, epilepsy is among the least understood of major chronic medical conditions, even though one in three adults knows someone with the disorder.

Seizure Types

Seizure Types

There are many different types of seizures. People may experience just one type or more than one.

First Aid

First Aid

When providing first aid for seizures, try to keep calm and make sure the person having the seizure is comfortable and safe from harm.

Treatment

Treatment

When the doctor has made a diagnosis of seizures or epilepsy, the next step is to select the best form of treatment.

SUDEP

SUDEP

There are potential factors associated with living with epilepsy and seizures that may increase the risk of early death.

Important Facts

Important Facts

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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