This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Epilepsy is a brain condition causing repeated seizures — episodes of abnormal electrical activity that may involve convulsions, staring spells or unusual behaviour. It is a medical condition, not a spiritual attack, and it is not contagious. With daily medication, most people become completely seizure-free.
Symptoms
Convulsions — stiffening and jerking of the body
Brief staring spells with loss of awareness
Sudden falls without warning
Unusual smells, sensations or fear before an episode
Confusion or deep sleep after an episode
Tongue biting or loss of bladder control during attacks
Causes & risk factors
Often no identifiable cause
Brain injury from birth complications, trauma or stroke
Brain infections such as meningitis or cerebral malaria
Family history
Missed medication, sleep deprivation or alcohol triggering seizures
Treatment & self-care
Daily anti-seizure medication, taken consistently and reviewed by a doctor, controls seizures in most people; never stop suddenly. During a convulsion, protect the person from injury, turn them on their side and do not put anything in the mouth — spoons and forced liquids cause harm. Adequate sleep and avoiding alcohol reduce attacks.
See a doctor urgently if
A first-ever seizure
A seizure lasting more than five minutes — emergency
Repeated seizures without regaining consciousness
Seizures in pregnancy
Injuries during a seizure or seizures despite medication
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Epilepsy?
Early signs often include convulsions — stiffening and jerking of the body, brief staring spells with loss of awareness, sudden falls without warning. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Epilepsy be treated?
Daily anti-seizure medication, taken consistently and reviewed by a doctor, controls seizures in most people; never stop suddenly. During a convulsion, protect the person from injury, turn them on their side and do not put anything in the mouth — spoons and forced liquids cause harm. Adequate sleep and avoiding alcohol reduce attacks.
When should I see a doctor about Epilepsy?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: a first-ever seizure; a seizure lasting more than five minutes — emergency; repeated seizures without regaining consciousness; seizures in pregnancy; injuries during a seizure or seizures despite medication.