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There is a fine balance in the brain between factors that begin electrical activity and factors that restrict it, and there are also systems that limit the spread of electrical activity. During a seizure, these limits break down, and abnormal electrical discharges can occur and spread to whole groups of neighboring cells at once. This linkage of electrical discharges creates a "storm" of electrical activity in the brain. This is a seizure. A person who has at least two of these seizures, is diagnosed with epilepsy.
How does epilepsy begin?
The reasons why epilepsy begins are different for people of different ages. But what's true for every age is that the cause is unknown for about half of everyone with epilepsy.
Children may be born with a defect in the structure of their brain, or they may suffer a head injury or infection that causes their epilepsy. Severe head injury is the most common known cause in young adults. In middle age, strokes, tumors, and injuries are more frequent. In people over 65, stroke is the most common known cause, followed by degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Does the seizure occur immediately after a brain injury?
Often seizures do not begin immediately after a person has an injury to the brain. Instead, a seizure may happen many months later. We do not have a good explanation for this common observation, but scientists are actively researching this subject.
Other Useful links about Seizure Disorders / Epilepsy
- Seizure Disorder / Epilepsy Overview
- Warning Signs of Seizures
- Please review the warning signs, the symptoms of a seizure occurring , and the after-seizure symptoms
- Who develops Epilepsy?
- Epilepsy can develop in any person at any age. Learn more about who develops epilepsy and when are most people likely to get it.
- Types of Seizures
- Generalized Seizures
- Partial Seizures
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