Epilepsy affects 3 million people, and more than 300,000 children younger than 14 have it. Some children eventually grow out it, but many children who are diagnosed with epilepsy continue to have seizures into adulthood. Seizure disorders like epilepsy may run in families.
Seizures are sudden, uncontrollable events that occur when the brain sends out abnormal electrical signals to the body. A person may feel sudden fear, anger, or panic or may notice changes in the way things looks, sound, smell, or feel before a seizure. After the seizure is over, weakness or confusion are common. Although epilepsy can't be cured, it can be controlled with medication.
Causes
Doctors don't know what causes epilepsy in 70 percent of cases. For the rest, the cause is related to something that affects how the brain works, such as head injuries, lack of oxygen during birth, or problems in brain development before birth, brain tumors, genetic conditions, infections like meningitis or encephalitis, and lead poisoning.
Some of the most common triggers for epileptic seizures include the following:
• Changes in sleeppatterns, especially not getting enough sleep. It helps to follow a regular sleep schedule.
• Not taking medicine as recommended. Many people with epilepsy take medicine to control seizures. Over time, some people are able to stop their medicine, but this should only be done with a doctor's approval.
• Alcohol abuse. Heavy drinking can cause seizures.
• Too much stress. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, may help.
• Flashing lights. About 5 percent of people with epilepsy are sensitive to some types of flickering lights.
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