Epilepsy
A condition where the brain has a tendency to cause repeated seizures (fits). Most people can control it with medicine.
Quick Summary
Seizures: shaking, stiffening, staring spells, brief loss of awareness or unusual sensations, then confusion or tiredness.
Anti-seizure medicines taken every day; sometimes surgery, diet therapy or devices.
Brain injury, stroke, infections such as neurocysticercosis, birth problems, family history and brain tumours.
Overview
Epilepsy is caused by bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It isn't a mental illness and isn't contagious.
About 70% of people become seizure-free with the right medicine. In India, a common cause is neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm infection of the brain.
Symptoms
Convulsions
Stiffening and jerking of the body.
Staring spells
Brief absences or blank moments.
Confusion afterwards
Sleepiness, headache or confusion.
Emergency
A seizure lasting over 5 minutes or repeated seizures: call 112.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
Abnormal electrical activity in the brain, from a known cause (injury, infection, stroke) or unknown/genetic causes.
Key Risk Factors
- Brain injury Head injuries and stroke.
- Infections Meningitis, encephalitis and neurocysticercosis.
- Family history Some epilepsies are inherited.
Management & Treatment
01. Medicines
Such as sodium valproate, levetiracetam, carbamazepine or lamotrigine.
02. Regular routine
Take medicines on time, sleep well and avoid triggers.
03. Other options
Surgery, ketogenic diet or nerve stimulation for some people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if someone has a seizure?
Can I drive?
Can women with epilepsy have children?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Epilepsy(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Epilepsy(opens in a new tab) · NHS