About Seizure Disorders

People with seizure disorders have sudden episodes due to an abnormal electrical discharge in their brain that can cause a change in consciousness, movement, or sensation. Epilepsy is a disorder that disturbs brain function and causes repeated seizures.

Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. The word "seizure" comes from a Latin word that means "to take possession of," and that's how many people who experience a seizure describe it.

Epilepsy is not contagious, and it is not caused by mental illness or retardation. Most people with seizure disorders have normal or above-average intelligence.

Epilepsy: widespread and treatable

Around 5 to 10 people in every 1,000 have epilepsy - up to 2 million people in the United States alone. Epilepsy affects people of all ages, including children.

Famous people who are known or rumored to have had epilepsy include the Russian writer Dostoyevsky, the philosopher Socrates, the military general Napoleon, Alfred Nobel (who established the Nobel Prize), and mystery writer Agatha Christie. More recently, Danny Glover is known to have epilepsy.

Epilepsy can be a lifelong illness. The good news is that most people can control their seizures with proper medical treatment.

Learn more:

	Types of Seizures & Syndromes Not all seizures are the same
	Treatment Goals Ways to help control seizures
	Seizure Triggers What causes seizures
	Living With a Seizure Disorder Tips on taking care of yourself