Epilepsy is a group of non-communicableneurological disorders characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures.[10][11] An epileptic seizure is the clinical manifestation of an abnormal, excessive, purposeless and synchronized electrical discharge in the brain cells called neurons.[1] The occurrence of two or more unprovoked seizures defines epilepsy.[12] The occurrence of just one seizure may warrant the definition (set out by the International League Against Epilepsy) in a more clinical usage where recurrence may be able to be prejudged.[10] Epileptic seizures can vary from brief and nearly undetectable periods to long periods of vigorous shaking due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.[1] These episodes can result in physical injuries, either directly such as broken bones or through causing accidents.[1] In epilepsy, seizures tend to recur and may have no immediate underlying cause.[12] Isolated seizures that are provoked by a specific cause such as poisoning are not deemed to represent epilepsy.[13] People with epilepsy may be treated differently in various areas of the world and experience varying degrees of social stigma due to the alarming nature of their symptoms.[12]
Epilepsy that occurs as a result of other issues may be preventable.[1] Seizures are controllable with medication in about 69% of cases;[7] inexpensive anti-seizure medications are often available.[1] In those whose seizures do not respond to medication; surgery, neurostimulation or dietary changes may then be considered.[11][5][6] Not all cases of epilepsy are lifelong, and many people improve to the point that treatment is no longer needed.[1]
As of 2020[update], about 50 million people have epilepsy.[11] Nearly 80% of cases occur in the developing world.[1] In 2015, it resulted in 125,000 deaths, an increase from 112,000 in 1990.[9][15] Epilepsy is more common in older people.[16][17] In the developed world, onset of new cases occurs most frequently in babies and the elderly.[18] In the developing world, onset is more common at the extremes of age – in younger children and in older children and young adults due to differences in the frequency of the underlying causes.[19] About 5–10% of people will have an unprovoked seizure by the age of 80.[20] The chance of experiencing a second seizure within two years after the first is around 40%.[21][22] In many areas of the world, those with epilepsy either have restrictions placed on their ability to drive or are not permitted to drive until they are free of seizures for a specific length of time.[23] The word epilepsy is from Ancient Greek ἐπιλαμβάνειν, "to seize, possess, or afflict".[24]
^ abCite error: The named reference Ham2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ abCite error: The named reference Gol2013 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ abcdefLongo DL (2012). "369 Seizures and Epilepsy". Harrison's principles of internal medicine (18th ed.). McGraw-Hill. p. 3258. ISBN978-0-07-174887-2.
^ abc"Epilepsy". www.who.int. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
^ abFisher, RS; van Emde Boas, W; Blume, W; Elger, C; Genton, P; Lee, P; Engel J, Jr (April 2005). "Epileptic seizures and epilepsy: definitions proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE)". Epilepsia. 46 (4): 470–2. doi:10.1111/j.0013-9580.2005.66104.x. PMID15816939. S2CID21130724.
^Wilden JA, Cohen-Gadol AA (August 2012). "Evaluation of first nonfebrile seizures". American Family Physician. 86 (4): 334–40. PMID22963022.
^Neligan, Aidan; Adan, Guleed; Nevitt, Sarah J; Pullen, Angie; Sander, Josemir W; Bonnett, Laura; Marson, Anthony G (23 January 2023). Cochrane Epilepsy Group (ed.). "Prognosis of adults and children following a first unprovoked seizure". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023 (1): CD013847. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013847.pub2. PMC 9869434. PMID36688481.