Epilepsy Symptoms, Causes and More

By lizzie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'What Is Epilepsy?' Epilepsy Foundation, 21 January 2014, www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-epilepsy.
• 2. 'Epilepsy.' Mayo Clinic, 24 Feb. 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350093.

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Epilepsy is a neurological condition, most commonly characterized by abnormal changes in the brain activity, that can result in seizures. Two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart and not caused by an identifiable cause, like alcohol, is considered to be epilepsy. Several factors contribute to its development. While it may seem scary to those who develop it or witness a loved one's seizure, epilepsy can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.¹‘What Is Epilepsy?’ Epilepsy Foundation, 21 January 2014, www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-epilepsy.

The seizures most commonly associated with epilepsy usually don't cause serious damage in the moment and stop on their own. Understanding this condition can better help those with epilepsy manage it more effectively.

1. Epilepsy Symptoms

Symptoms of epilepsy vary depending on the severity and type of the seizures that characterize the condition. However, common seizure-related symptoms include staring, loss of physical coordination, confusion, anxiety, loss of consciousness and inability to be aware of surrounding circumstances. Fear is also a symptom of epilepsy, as some who have the condition report feeling strange in the moment right before the onset of a seizure.

One of the unique aspects of epilepsy is that people with this condition tend to have the same types of seizures, which means they have similar symptoms each time.²‘Epilepsy.’ Mayo Clinic, 24 Feb. 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350093.