The ancient Greeks called epilepsy the "sacred disease," mistaking its seizures for the actions of a powerful and mysterious god. Today, although scientists know how seizures occur, the cause is sometimes a mystery, and the disorder is largely misunderstood by the public.

  Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurring seizures. The seizures are a symptom of disturbed electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy is not a disease or a mental illness, and it does not signal emotional instability or lack of intelligence. According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA), 9 percent of the population will have a seizure at some point in their lives. Of this group, 3 percent will develop epilepsy.

  Fact: The cause of epilepsy is unknown in about 70 percent of cases. The EFA links heredity to only a small number of people with epilepsy, and cites the following factors as possible causes in about 30 percent of cases:

• Head trauma. The more severe the injury, the greater the chance of developing epilepsy.
• Brain tumor
• Stroke
• Toxic reactions to drugs or alcohol.
• Aftermath of infection, like meningitis, viral encephalitis and lupus (and less frequently mumps, measles, diphtheria or others).
• Injury or infection of the mother that affects the fetus’ brain and its development during pregnancy.

  Fact: There are more than 20 forms of seizure disorders. The intensity and duration of the seizure depends on how many and what type of brain cells are affected. Seizures are not painful and range from convulsions to momentary lapses of attention. People who have mild seizures may even be unaware they’ve had one. Seizures may occur minutes, days or years apart, depending on how well they’re controlled.

  Fact: Beyond safety measures for those whose seizures are not completely controlled (such as avoiding situations where injury may result), there are virtually no boundaries. People with epilepsy must cope with the condition, but it doesn’t control their lives. In many cases, social difficulties relating to epilepsy, misunderstanding, rejection, insecurity, anger, frustration, are a greater hindrance than the condition itself.

  Fact: According to the EFA, 80 percent of those on medication have complete control of seizures. In fact, within the past 15 years, several new drugs have been developed to help control seizures. Seizure surgery has recently become an option for some patients. Many people who have epilepsy lead productive, normal lives. Although currently there is no cure, some children appear to outgrow the condition.

  In most cases, minimal care is the best treatment for someone who’s convulsing. The Epilepsy Foundation of America recommends turning the person on his or her side so that the tongue falls away from the throat and won’t block the breathing passage. (Do not attempt to secure the tongue, as this may cause the person to choke.)

  Clear away any sharp objects that may cause injury, and let the seizure run its course. Provide a calm, reassuring scene once the person awakens.

Most people recover from seizures on their own. Call 911 only if:

• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
• Another seizure begins soon after the first.
• The person is pregnant.
• The person cannot be awakened after the seizure stops.
• The seizure is related to diabetes.