Epilepsy is the name for any disorder where there are recurrent seizures. A seizure is an abnormal action of the body caused by misfiring of brain cells. Epilepsy affects 1 out of every 200 Americans. Many cases are caused by brain injuries. Years may elapse between the injury and the first seizure. In other cases, no specific cause can be identified. Other causes include:
* infections of the brain, or the lining of the brain,
* congenital anomalies,
* metabolic disorders,
* alcohol or other drugs,
* cancers or benign tumors,
* stroke, or
* degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

When electrical activity is affected in a large area of the brain, and the person has shaking all over, we call the seizure "generalized". This type of seizure usually causes a loss of consciousness, muscle spasms and convulsions. "Partial" seizures involve only a smaller portion of the brain. They affect only the function controlled by that part of the brain. Seizures may occur several times a day or only a few times a year. If the patient is on medication, the seizures may not recur. Sometimes seizures take just a few moments; these are called "petite mal". The patient and observers may not suspect that anything occurred because the spell is so short. There may be a brief loss of consciousness or movement, causing some epileptics to stare. The epileptic may repeatedly blink, pick at clothing, or smack their lips. Other seizures are very severe, these are called "grand mal". The epileptic usually won't remember the seizure, and there are usually no long-term effects.

Once a seizure begins, there is no way to stop it. Seizures themselves are not painful, although a fall or dangerous objects may cause injury. Move any dangerous objects out of reach of someone having a seizure. It is not true that epileptics swallow their tongues. Putting a foreign object in their mouth may do serious harm. Do not force things into the mouth of someone having a seizure. Place something soft under their head, if possible. If a violent seizure lasts more than ten minutes, call for emergency help.

For patients with recurrent seizures, drug treatment is used to try to stop further attacks. It is usually continued until there have been no seizures for several years. Epileptics should avoid situations that could be dangerous or life-threatening if a seizure should occur. State laws may require doctors to report to the department of motor vehicles any persons with seizures.

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