1 of 5 / Overview
View AllWhat is Epilepsy?
Seizures, abnormal movements or behavior due to unusual electrical activity in the brain, are a symptom of epilepsy.
Causes of Epilepsy
The causes of epilepsy usually involve some form of brain injury. For most people, though, epilepsy's causes aren't known.
Epilepsy and Seizure Symptoms
There are several types of seizures in epilepsy, including some that are so subtle that others might not even notice.
2 of 5 / Types
View AllWhat Are the Types of Epilepsy?
There are many kinds of epilepsy with different symptoms and patterns. It's important to know what kind you have.
Refractory Epilepsy
If your doctor says you have refractory epilepsy, it means that medicine isn't bringing your seizures under control.
Photosensitive Epilepsy
Photosensitive epilepsy involves seizures triggered by flashing lights, bold visual patterns, or overexposure to video games.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare and severe kind of epilepsy that starts in childhood.
3 of 5 / Tests & Diagnosis
View AllHow Do I Know If I Have Epilepsy?
Evaluating patients with epilepsy is aimed at determining what type of seizures they are having and their cause.
Epilepsy EEG Test
During an EEG, or electroencephalogram, electrical signals of the brain are recorded by sensors placed on the patient's scalp.
Blood Tests for Epilepsy
Blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel may be a part of your epilepsy diagnosis.
Spinal Tap: What to Expect
A spinal tap is one epilepsy test, which measures brain pressure, the presence of abnormal cells or bacteria, and glucose levels.
4 of 5 / Treatment
View AllEpilepsy Treatment
Although the different types of epilepsy vary greatly, medications can control seizures in about 70% of patients.
Finding the Right Medication
There is no cure for epilepsy, but medications may help control symptoms. Epilepsy is almost always treated first with drugs.
Epilepsy Drugs for Children
Many medications are available for treating epilepsy in children, and advances in the past years have made a difference.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
There have been studies of alternative treatments for epilepsy, including biofeedback, melatonin, and large doses of vitamins.
5 of 5 / Living With
View AllHome Safety With Epilepsy
Here are some suggestions to help make your home safer for someone with epilepsy.
First Aid for Seizures
What is the best first aid for a seizure? Here are some tips if you or someone you love has epilepsy.
Epilepsy and Driving
Driving with epilepsy means balancing the need for independence against the need for safety.
Caring for a Child With Epilepsy
Tips to help your child deal with their feelings about having epilepsy, take their medications correctly, and keep them safe.
Suggested Reads about Epilepsy
ADHD and Epilepsy in Adults: What to Know
What to know about the link between ADHD and epilepsy in adults.
Triggers to Avoid
Know the common seizure triggers and the lifestyle tips you can use to manage or steer clear of them.
Is a Clinical Trial for Epilepsy Right for You?
Find out whether you should consider joining a study that tests new drugs and devices to treat seizures from epilepsy.
A Visual Guide to Epilepsy
Shaking, a blank stare, and confusion are symptoms of epilepsy shown in our comprehensive slideshow about this brain condition.
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