Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A person is typically diagnosed with epilepsy after experiencing two or more unprovoked seizures occurring at least 24 hours apart.
Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that may cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness.
Types of epilepsy: Vary based on the part of the brain affected (focal vs. generalized) and the type of seizure.
Causes: Can be genetic, structural, metabolic, immune-related, infectious, or of unknown origin.
Treatment: Most commonly involves antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), but surgery, neurostimulation, or dietary therapy (e.g., ketogenic diet) may be considered in some cases.