Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. There are many types of epilepsy. In some people, the cause can be found. In others, the cause is not known. Epilepsy also is known as a seizure disorder. Epilepsy is common and affects people of all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds and ages.
Many children with epilepsy who aren't having epilepsy symptoms can eventually stop taking medicines and live a seizure-free life. Many adults can stop taking medicines after two or more years without seizures. Your healthcare team can advise you about the appropriate time to stop taking medicines. Finding the right medicine and dosage can be ...
Epilepsy is defined as having two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart that don't have a known cause. But epilepsy doesn't cause all seizures. There are many types of seizures. They have a range of symptoms and vary in how much they affect your daily life. Seizure types also vary by where they begin in the brain and how far they spread.
Research continues into other potential uses for TMS, including epilepsy. When used for depression, OCD and to stop smoking, this treatment involves delivering repeated magnetic pulses, so it's called repetitive TMS or rTMS. How it works Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) Enlarge image
When epilepsy is diagnosed in older adults, it's sometimes from another neurological issue, like a stroke or a brain tumor. Other causes can be related to genetic abnormalities, prior brain infection, prenatal injuries or developmental disorders.