Epilepsy
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes people to have recurring seizures. The seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain send out the wrong signals. People may have strange sensations and emotions or behave strangely. They may have violent muscle spasms or lose consciousness.
Epilepsy has many possible causes, including illness, brain injury, and abnormal brain development. In many cases, the cause is unknown.
Doctors use brain scans and other tests to diagnose epilepsy. It is important to start treatment right away. There is no cure for epilepsy, but medicines can control seizures for most people. When medicines are not working well, surgery or implanted devices such as vagus nerve stimulators may help. Special diets can help some children with epilepsy.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- EEG (Electroencephalogram) · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Epilepsy Surgery · Nemours Foundation
- Epilepsy Surgery · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- First Aid for Seizures · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Functional MRI (fMRI) · Radiological Society of North America
- Head CT (Computed Tomography, CAT Scan) · Radiological Society of North America
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