What is Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects 2.5 million Americans, more than 280,000 Canadians, and more than 100 million Japanese. Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain which takes the form of recurring seizures. These occur as a result of a brief disturbance in the brain's electrochemical activity. The constant release of electrical energy among brain cells is necessary for all human activities. But in persons with epilepsy the release is sometimes too great, and the visible result is an epileptic seizure. Sudden bursts of this electrochemical activity scramble the brain's messages and upset the brain's normal control of the body.

Seizures can sometimes look frightening but rarely cause any damage to the brain. Once the seizure is over, the person gradually returns to a normal state without any ill-effects.

Epilepsy is a common condition in our community. Research suggests that one or two people in every 100 will develop the condition at some stage in their lives.

Most people have their first seizure before the age of 20 but epilepsy can develop at any age.

Many factors can contribute to the development of epilepsy including brain infections, head injuries, cerebral tumours and strokes. It is also now recognised that some types of epilepsy may be inherited.

While advances in modem medical and scientific technology have made it easier to pinpoint those factors which may contribute to the development of epilepsy, it is not always clear why some people develop the condition.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) may show abnormal brain electrical activity or a magnetic resonance imaging study (MRI) may show evidence of scar tissue or other structural abnormality that would support the diagnosis of epilepsy.

Most patients have good or excellent control of their seizures once the appropriate medication regimen has ben established for them. A minority will have persistent seizures despite medication use. Patients with partial seizures who do not respond to medications may be candidates for epilepsy surgery, in which the abnormal brain tissue responsible for causing the seizures is removed.