Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterised by repeated unprovoked seizures occurring more than two times, at least 24 hours apart, within a year.
This definition has been broadened to include:
Epilepsy can affect people of any age, gender, or background. It is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide, yet it remains frequently misunderstood.
A seizure is a transient physical manifestation of sudden, excessive, and uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that is usually self-limiting.
This electrical surge can temporarily affect how a person moves, feels, behaves, or perceives their surroundings.
Not all seizures look the same. Some involve shaking or loss of consciousness, while others are subtle, like staring spells or confusion. A person is typically diagnosed after two or more unprovoked seizures.
While long-term, epilepsy can often be managed successfully with medication and lifestyle adjustments. Education and support play a key role in improving quality of life.
In many cases, the exact cause is unknown. Possible factors include:
It is vital to challenge misconceptions. Epilepsy is not a mental illness, it is not contagious, and it does not define a person’s intelligence or abilities.
Understanding epilepsy helps create safer, more inclusive communities. When people know the facts, they are better prepared to offer support, respond appropriately to seizures, and challenge harmful misconceptions. Epilepsy is a medical condition, not a limitation.
Epilepsy is one of the world's oldest recognized conditions, with written records dating back to 4000 BC.