What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world. If you have epilepsy, surges of electrical activity in your brain can cause recurring seizures. We can help you understand everything you need to know about epilepsy and what you can do about it.
Understanding Epilepsy Basics
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. Your doctor may diagnose you with epilepsy if you have two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with a high risk of more. Not all seizures are the result of epilepsy. Seizures may relate to a brain injury or a family trait, but often the cause is completely unknown.
The word "epilepsy" simply means the same thing as "seizure disorders." It does not state anything about the cause of the person's seizures or their severity.
What Is a Seizure?
Seizures are sudden surges of abnormal and excessive electrical activity in your brain and can affect how you appear or act. Where and how the seizure presents itself can have profound effects.
Learn what happens during a seizure and its impactSeizure Triggers
Having seizures and epilepsy can affect your safety, relationships, work, driving, and so much more. You need to recognize the patterns and situations when seizures are more likely to occur.
Learn to identify seizure triggersTypes of Seizures
Not all seizures are the same. Many people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure and may have other symptoms of neurological problems as well.
Learn about the different types of seizuresEpilepsy Syndromes
Sometimes your electroencephalogram (EEG) testing, clinical history, family history, and outlook are similar to another group of people with epilepsy. In these situations, your condition can be defined as a specific epilepsy syndrome.
Learn about epilepsy syndromesEpilepsy Facts & Statistics
Public misunderstanding and treatment of people with epilepsy are often bigger problems than actual seizures. Get the facts on the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world.
Explore facts and stats about epilepsyRelated Resources
Seizure Medication List
In-depth information on epilepsy medications to help you choose the right one.
Epilepsy Device Wiki
Explore our searchable catalog of devices and apps developed for epilepsy.
New to Seizures and Epilepsy Toolkit
A starting point for learning about what epilepsy is and what resources are available.
Seizure Diary App
Nile's seizure diary helps you record, track, and manage your seizures and epilepsy.
