Overview
Epilepsy is a condition of the brain in which a person has repeated seizures — bursts of abnormal electrical activity that briefly disturb movement, awareness or sensation. Seizures vary widely, from brief blank spells to whole-body convulsions. In India epilepsy is often surrounded by myths, but it is a medical condition, not a curse, and most people become seizure-free with regular medicines and lead full, normal lives.
Symptoms
- Repeated seizures without a passing cause
- Temporary confusion or blank staring spells
- Jerking movements of the arms and legs
- Loss of awareness or consciousness
- Unusual sensations, smells or fear before a seizure
When to see a doctor
See a doctor after any first seizure, and regularly if you have epilepsy — never stop medicines suddenly.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, repeated seizures without recovery in between, or a first-ever seizure — call 108 immediately
Causes
Often no clear cause; sometimes birth injury, brain infections, head injury, stroke, or brain scarring. Missing medicine doses can trigger seizures.