Epilepsy is not a single medical condition in itself. It is a symptom of a range of other conditions that cause somebody to have repeated fits, which are also known as seizures.

Epilepsy is a relatively widespread condition. The condition usually begins during childhood but it can start at any age. Around 1 in every 280 children is affected by epilepsy.

Seizures

The cells in our brain, known as neurons, communicate with each other by using electrical impulses. During a seizure these electrical impulses are disrupted which can cause both the brain and the body to behave strangely.

The severity of the seizures can differ from person to person. Some people will just experience a trance-like state for a few seconds, or minutes, whereas others will lose consciousness and have convulsions (uncontrollable shaking of the body).

Epilepsy is not normally life-threatening though physical injury can occur as a result of seizures. In rare cases, epilepsy can cause sudden, unexplained death. This is known as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

There are a range of medicines used to prevent seizures which have proved remarkably successful for the majority of people with epilepsy. Once treatment begins 70% of people will become seizure free.