My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Brain & Nervous System Health Center

Epilepsy Health Center

Epilepsy Related Topics

Email a Friend

Print Article

Epilepsy Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Epilepsy - What Increases Your Risk

The risk for epilepsy increases if you have:

Family history of epilepsy.
Head injury (for example, a penetrating wound or skull fracture) with amnesia or loss of consciousness for more than 24 hours. The more severe the injury, the higher the risk.
Stroke or conditions that affect the blood vessels (vascular system) in the brain.
Brain tumor.
Brain infection, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
Lead poisoning.
Problems with brain development that occurred before birth.
Substance abuse.
Fever seizures that last a long time (also known as febrile convulsions).
Alzheimer's disease.

Epilepsy may develop even though you do not have any risk factors. This is especially true of many forms of childhood epilepsy.

Recommended Related to Epilepsy

Epilepsy 101

More than 2 million people in the United States have some form of epilepsy, a group of related disorders marked by recurrent seizures. WebMD asked epilepsy experts your most frequently asked questions.

Read the Epilepsy 101 article > >

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 26, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.