The epilepsies are a spectrum of brain disorders ranging from severe, life-threatening and disabling, to ones that are much more benign. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. The epilepsies have many possible causes and there are several types of seizures. Anything that disturbs the normal pattern of neuron activity—from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development—can lead to seizures. Epilepsy may develop because of an abnormality in brain wiring, an imbalance of nerve signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters, changes in important features of brain cells called channels, or some combination of these and other factors. Having a single seizure as the result of a high fever (called febrile seizure) or head injury does not necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy. Only when a person has had two or more seizures is he or she considered to have epilepsy. A measurement of electrical activity in the brain and brain scans such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography are common diagnostic tests for epilepsy.
Once epilepsy is diagnosed, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. For about 70 percent of those diagnosed
with epilepsy, seizures can be controlled with modern medicines and surgical techniques. Some drugs are more effective for
specific types of seizures. An individual with seizures, particularly those that are not easily controlled, may want to see
a neurologist specifically trained to treat epilepsy. In some children, special diets may help to control seizures when medications
are either not effective or cause serious side effects.
While epilepsy cannot be cured, for some people the seizures can be controlled with medication, diet, devices, and/or surgery.
Most seizures do not cause brain damage, but ongoing uncontrolled seizures may cause brain damage. It is not uncommon for
people with epilepsy, especially children, to develop behavioral and emotional problems in conjunction with seizures. Issues
may also arise as a result of the stigma attached to having epilepsy, which can led to embarrassment and frustration or bullying,
teasing, or avoidance in school and other social settings. For many people with epilepsy, the risk of seizures restricts their
independence (some states refuse drivers licenses to people with epilepsy) and recreational activities.
Epilepsy can be a life-threatening condition. Some people with epilepsy are at special risk for abnormally prolonged seizures
or sudden unexplained death in epilepsy.
Scientists are studying the underlying causes of the epilepsies in children, adults, and the elderly, as well as seizures
that occur following brain trauma, stroke, and brain tumors. Ongoing research is focused on developing new model systems that
can be used to more quickly screen potential new treatments for the epilepsies. The identification of genes or other genetic
information that may influence or cause the epilepsies may allow doctors to prevent the disorders or to predict which treatments
will be most beneficial to individuals with specific types of epilepsy. Scientists also continue to study how neurotransmitters
interact with brain cells to control nerve firing and how non-neuronal cells in the brain contribute to seizures. Researchers
funded by the National Institutes of Health have developed a flexible brain implant that could one day be used to treat seizures.
Scientists are continually improving MRI and other brain scans that may assist in diagnosing the epilepsies and identify the
source, or focus, of the seizures in the brain. Other areas of study include prevention of seizures and the role of inflammation
in epilepsy. Patients may enter trials of experimental drugs and surgical interventions.
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) 223 W. Erie Suite 2 SW Chicago, IL 60654 info@CUREepilepsy.org http://www.CUREepilepsy.org Tel: 312-255-1801 800-765-7118 Fax: 312-255-1809 |
Epilepsy Foundation 8301 Professional Place Landover, MD 20785-7223 postmaster@efa.org http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org Tel: 301-459-3700 800-EFA-1000 (332-1000) Fax: 301-577-2684 |
Family Caregiver Alliance/
National Center on Caregiving 785 Market St. Suite 750 San Francisco, CA 94103 info@caregiver.org http://www.caregiver.org Tel: 415-434-3388 800-445-8106 Fax: 415-434-3508 |
National Council on Patient Information and Education 200-A Monroe Street Suite 201 Rockville, MD 20850 ncpie@ncpie.info http://www.talkaboutrx.org Tel: 301-340-3940 Fax: 301-340-3944 |
National Family Caregivers Association 10400 Connecticut Avenue Suite 500 Kensington, MD 20895-3944 info@thefamilycaregiver.org http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org Tel: 800-896-3650 Fax: 301-942-2302 |
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) 55 Kenosia Avenue Danbury, CT 06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291 |
International RadioSurgery Association 2960 Green Street P.O. Box 5186 Harrisburg, PA 17110 irsa@irsa.org http://www.irsa.org Tel: 717-260-9808 Fax: 717-260-9809 |
Charlie Foundation to Help Cure Pediatric Epilepsy 515 Ocean Avenue Suite 602N Santa Monica, CA 90402 ketoman@aol.com http://www.charliefoundation.org Tel: 310-393-2347 Fax: 310-453-4585 |
Epilepsy Therapy Project P.O. Box 742 10. N. Pendleton Street Middleburg, VA 20118 info@epilepsytherapyproject.org http://www.epilepsy.com Tel: 540-687-8077 Fax: 540-687-8066 |
Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry Massachusetts General Hospital 121 Innerbelt Road Room 220 Somerville, MA 02143 info@aedpregnancyregistry.org http://www2.massgeneral.org/aed/ Tel: 888-AED-AED4 (233-2334) Fax: 617-724-8307 |
Dravet.org P.O. Box 66599 Baltimore, MD 21239-6599 info@Dravet.org http://dravet.org Tel: 866-828-1843 |
Intractable Childhood Epilepsy Alliance PO Box 365 6360 Shallowford Road Lewisville, NC 27023 info@ice-epilepsy.org http://www.ice-epilepsy.org Tel: 336-946-1570 Fax: 336-946-1571 |
Hope for Hypothalamic Hamartomas (Hope for HH) P. O. Box 721 Waddell, AZ 85355 admin@hopeforhh.org http://hopeforhh.org/ |
RE Children's Project 79 Christie Hill Road Darien, CT 06820 swohlberg@rechildrens.com http://www.rechildrens.org Tel: 917-971-2977 |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated February 1, 2013