Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain. Epilepsy is a disorder with many possible causes. Many people develop epilepsy as children or teens. This abnormality may cause temporary changes in sensation, behavior, movement or consciousness. Anything that disturbs the normal pattern of neuron activity - from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development - can lead to seizures. It's not uncommon for children to have a single seizure especially associated with a high fever and an estimated one in 10 people will experience a seizure at some time in life. During a seizure, some brain cells send abnormal signals, which stop other cells from working properly . Epilepsy is not a mental illness, and it is not a sign of low intelligence. Epilepsy may develop because of an abnormality in brain wiring, an imbalance of nerve signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters, or some combination of these factors. Only when a person has had two or more seizures is he or she considered to have epilepsy. Treatments may be able to leave you free of seizures, or at least reduce their frequency and intensity. Many children with epilepsy outgrow the condition with age.

Epilepsy affects people in all nations and of all races. The onset of epilepsy is most common during childhood and after age 65, but the condition can occur at any age. Epilepsy is a condition of the nervous system that affects 2.5 million Americans. More than 180,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every year. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures Seizures occur when there's a sudden change in the normal way your brain cells communicate through electrical signals. Seizures can be triggered in anyone under certain conditions, such as life-threatening dehydration or high temperature. Other types of seizures not classified as epilepsy include those caused by an imbalance of body fluids or chemicals or by alcohol or drug withdrawal. A single seizure does not mean that the person has epilepsy. EEGs and brain scans are common diagnostic test for epilepsy.

Causes of Epilepsy

The common Causes of Epilepsy :

Injury to baby during delivery.
Infections of the brain-meningitis, encephalitis.
Hydrocephalus-excessive fluid in the brain.
Delay in delivery with decreased oxygen supply to brain.
Tumours, tuberculosis, parasites in the brain.
Drugs e.g. pencillin chloroquine, medicines for depression, angina.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Some Symptoms of Epilepsy :

Fainting.
Memory loss.
Changes in mood or energy level.
Dizziness.
Headache.
Confusion.

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