HomeHealth TopicsBrain NervesEpilepsy
Back to Brain Nerves
Epilepsy
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Brain Nerves

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurring seizures caused by abnormal electrical signals between neurons.

Overview

During a seizure, clusters of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain send incorrect signals. This can result in strange sensations, emotions, unusual behavior, violent muscle spasms, or a loss of consciousness.

Causes and Diagnosis

Causes include illness, brain injury, and abnormal brain development, though the cause is often unknown. Doctors utilize brain scans and various tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment

While there is no cure for epilepsy, the condition can be managed:

  • Medications: Can control seizures for most people.
  • Surgery or Devices: Options such as vagus nerve stimulators may be used when medications are ineffective.
  • Dietary Changes: Special diets can assist some children in managing the disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

diagnosis of epilepsy generally requires at least two unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, or one seizure with a high risk of recurrence (such as a brain injury or abnormal EEG). Doctors do not always start medication immediately after a single seizure; they may monitor the patient for several months to see if a second event occurs. However, if the first seizure was severe, prolonged, or associated with a visible brain lesion, treatment may begin right away to prevent further injury.
Medication selection is highly specific to the seizure type. For example, sodium channel blockers like carbamazepine are effective for focal seizures but can worsen absence seizures, which require drugs like valproate or ethosuximide. Stopping anti-seizure medication abruptly is dangerous because it can trigger status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition where seizures continue without stopping. Any changes to dosage or discontinuation must be done gradually under strict medical supervision over weeks or months.
Surgery is typically considered when a patient has drug-resistant epilepsy, meaning they have failed to achieve seizure freedom with at least two appropriately chosen and tolerated anti-seizure medications. The goal is to remove the specific brain region causing the seizures. Risks include potential deficits in memory, language, or vision depending on the location of the surgery, as well as standard surgical risks like infection or bleeding. While surgery offers a chance for complete seizure freedom, it is irreversible, so patients must weigh the certainty of medication side effects against the potential for permanent neurological changes.
Daily management involves identifying and avoiding personal triggers, which often include sleep deprivation, alcohol consumption, flashing lights, or high stress. Safety measures include avoiding swimming alone, using a shower instead of a bath to prevent drowning, and wearing a helmet during cycling or contact sports. Patients should also carry a medical ID bracelet and inform close family members or coworkers about their condition and the specific steps to take during a seizure, such as clearing the area and timing the event.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss