Epilepsy FAQ

What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition resulting in recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is not a mental illness.

Is there a cure for epilepsy?
While treatments are available to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, there is no known cure for epilepsy at this time.

What causes epilepsy?
In most cases, there is no known cause for epilepsy. In some instances, causes include: brain injury to the fetus during pregnancy, birth trauma, aftermath of infection, head trauma due to accident, stroke or brain tumor.

What is a seizure?
A seizure is a change in sensation, awareness, or behavior brought about by a brief chemical/electrical disturbance in the brain. Click here for more information on Epileptic Seizures.

Who has epilepsy?
About 1 in 100 people have epilepsy. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. While epilepsy occurs most commonly in children and seniors, it can happen at any stage in a person’s life.