Introduction to
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal
electrical activity in the brain.
0
%
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment
they need
0
%
of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.
0
in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
What causes Epilepsy?
For some people, there is no obvious cause. Their epilepsy is not caused by a specific medical condition. It might be that there is a genetic factor. This type of epilepsy is known as primary, or idiopathic, epilepsy.
For others, epilepsy can be the symptom of a medical condition. Various conditions can cause epilepsy:
In newborns and infants:
- Birth trauma
- Congenital (present at birth) problems
- Fever/infection
- Metabolic or chemical imbalances in the body
In children, adolescents, and young adults:
- Alcohol or drugs
- Trauma to the head or brain injury
- Infection like meningitis
- Congenital conditions
- Genetic factors
- Unknown reasons
Other possible causes of seizures may include:
- Brain tumour
- Neurological problems
- Drug withdrawal
- Medications
- Use of illicit drugs
- Subarachnoid haemorrhages