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Epilepsy Articles Symptoms, Treatment & More

Written by \"\"Leigh MorganMedically reviewed by \"\"Erin L. George

Published on · Updated on
\"A

Key takeaways

  • Epilepsy involves seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, with symptoms varying by the areas affected.
  • Assessment and treatment are individualized, with medication commonly used and other interventions considered for uncontrolled seizures.
  • Knowledgeable support includes protecting the person during seizures and recognizing when emergency assistance is needed.

What Is Epilepsy?

\nEpilepsy is a medical condition that causes seizures. A seizure is a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain[1]. Every time someone with epilepsy has a seizure, that burst of electrical activity disrupts normal communication in the nervous system, leading to a wide variety of symptoms.

Some people experience generalized seizures, which affect both sides of the brain, while others experience focal seizures, which affect just one part of the brain.\n

The World Health Organization estimates that about 5 million people are diagnosed with this condition each year, affecting 50 million people at any given time[2]. In 2015, approximately 1.2% of the U.S. population had active epilepsy[3]. These estimates included about 3 million adults and 470,000 children.

\nFor population surveys, epilepsy may be classified as active or inactive. An adult with the active version has been diagnosed by a healthcare professional and meets at least one of the following criteria:\n

    \n
  • Taking medication to control their symptoms
    • \n
  • Had at least one seizure within the past year
    • \n

\nAdults with inactive epilepsy have received a diagnosis at some point in their lives, but they're not taking medication to control it, and they haven't had a seizure within the past year[4].

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Samantha Pieterse

Psychiatric nursing and mental health care

View experience

What Causes Epilepsy?

\nIn some cases, epilepsy develops due to the presence of another medical condition, such as stroke, brain tumors, or brain damage caused by a traumatic injury. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when one of the blood vessels in the brain bursts, while ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain[5]. Both events can interfere with normal electrical activity, which may trigger seizures.\n

\n

As brain tumors get larger, they can press on some of the structures in the brain. This causes the nerve cells to fire excessively, disrupting normal communication[6]. In some people, this leads to the development of epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Traumatic brain injuries occur when someone hits their head or has an object penetrate their head.

\n

For example, a bullet that penetrates the skull can cause a traumatic brain injury. Like strokes and tumors, these injuries can disrupt communication between the nerve cells, causing epilepsy.\nEpilepsy also occurs in people with neurotransmitter imbalances[7]. 

A neurotransmitter is a chemical that helps the brain and other parts of the nervous system communicate with each other. In some people, the condition has no obvious underlying cause.\n

What Are Epilepsy Symptoms?

\nEpilepsy causes several types of seizures. The symptoms of a seizure depend on what type it is, where in the brain it occurs, and how much of the brain is affected.

Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures, sometimes start out with an aura, which causes fear, a feeling of déjà vu, a sense of impending doom, or feelings of euphoria. Other symptoms of a focal seizure include nausea, sweating, loss of consciousness, and changes in behavior.\nSomeone with epilepsy may experience the following types of generalized seizures:\n

    \n
  • Absence seizures: During an absence seizure, the person stares blankly for around 30 seconds. These staring episodes are caused by an altered state of consciousness.
    • \n
  • Tonic-clonic seizures: Also known as grand mal seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures cause the arms and legs to flex, expand, and shake. Then the muscles contract and relax before the person enters a postictal state. During the postictal state, which lasts approximately 5 to 30 minutes, the individual may feel confused, drowsy, or nauseated[8]. Some people also experience headaches or elevated blood pressure.
    • \n
  • Atonic seizures: An atonic seizure causes the sudden loss of muscle tone. When this occurs, the individual drops their head or falls from a standing position.
    • \n
  • Myoclonic seizures: A myoclonic seizure is characterized by sudden jerking or quick movements of the muscles.
    • \n

How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

\nEpilepsy is typically diagnosed with a neurological exam and an electroencephalogram (EEG)[9]. During a neurological exam, a doctor or other healthcare professional asks questions about the patient's epilepsy symptoms and medical history. They also check the person's reflexes, evaluate their coordination, and assess their mental functioning[10].\n

An EEG assesses the electrical activity in the brain. During this test, a technician places electrodes on the scalp. These electrodes capture electrical impulses and turn them into a graph that a healthcare provider can interpret[11].\n

How Is Epilepsy Treated?

\nThe most common type of epilepsy treatment is medication. Many people have to try more than one drug before they find one that works well to prevent seizures. In some cases, it's necessary to combine two or more epilepsy medications for adequate symptom control.

Neuromodulation uses a special device to send electrical currents to the nervous system. These impulses may reduce seizure frequency[9].\nPeople with uncontrolled seizures may need surgery to manage their symptoms. Many of these surgeries involve removing a portion of the brain tissue to prevent excessive firing of the nerve cells[9].\n

How to Cope With an Epilepsy Diagnosis

\nA new epilepsy diagnosis can be stressful, especially if the symptoms interfere with work, school, or family relationships. Attending mental health therapy can be helpful for coming to terms with the diagnosis and finding ways to cope with the lifestyle changes necessary to get epilepsy symptoms under control.\nIt's also important for an individual with epilepsy to focus on their health.

Drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious foods, avoiding alcohol, and getting enough sleep every night can all make it easier to manage this condition. People who take medication to prevent seizures should take their medicine exactly as prescribed.\n

How to Help Someone With Epilepsy

\nOne of the best ways to support a person with epilepsy is to learn what to do during a seizure. Staying calm, speaking to the individual in a soothing tone of voice, and knowing when to get emergency medical help are all important.

\n

Once a seizure ends, loved ones can also help by asking the person questions and making sure they feel safe.\nIt's also important to know what not to do during and after a seizure.

Bystanders should not restrain someone having a seizure, put anything in their mouth, or give mouth-to-mouth breaths during the seizure. Call 911 if they have trouble breathing or waking up afterward[12]. Attending doctors' appointments can be a great way to learn more about epilepsy and how to effectively support someone with this diagnosis.

References

  1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Epilepsy - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Accessed October 10 2026.
  2. World Health Organization. (2024, February 7). Epilepsy. WHO. World Health Organization. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. Matthew M. Zack; Rosemarie Kobau. (2017, August 11). National and State Estimates of the Numbers of Adults and Children with Active Epilepsy — United States, 2015. MMWR 66(31):821–825. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. Niu Tian; Rosemarie Kobau; Matthew M. Zack; Kurt J. Greenlund. (2022, May 27). Barriers to and Disparities in Access to Health Care Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years with Epilepsy — United States, 2015 and 2017. MMWR 71(21):697–702. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026.
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About Stroke. CDC. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026.
  6. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Adults. cancer.org. Accessed October 10 2026.
  7. Edward B. Bromfield; José E. Cavazos; Joseph I. Sirven (editors). (2006). Basic Mechanisms Underlying Seizures and Epilepsy. An Introduction to Epilepsy; American Epilepsy Society. National Library of Medicine.
  8. Waleed Abood; Susanta Bandyopadhyay. (2023, July 10). Postictal Seizure State. StatPearls Publishing. National Library of Medicine. Accessed October 10 2026.
  9. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Epilepsy - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Accessed October 10 2026.
  10. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Neurological Exam. MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.
  11. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). EEG. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.
  12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). First Aid for Seizures. CDC. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Leigh Morgan

Writer

Leigh Morgan is a writer who covers essential mental health topics, including teen counseling, online therapy, schizophrenia, disabilities, and more.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Erin L. George

MFT

Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health.

\"\"

Related community

Assessments & Diagnosis

Explore questions about mental health assessments, diagnostic language, and the evaluation process.

Explore community
","text":"Home Library Medical Conditions Epilepsy Articles Symptoms, Treatment & More Epilepsy Articles Symptoms, Treatment & More Written by Leigh MorganMedically reviewed by Erin L. George Published on May 31, 2024 · Updated on August 13, 2025 Key takeaways Epilepsy involves seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, with symptoms varying by the areas affected. Assessment and treatment are individualized, with medication commonly used and other interventions considered for uncontrolled seizures. Knowledgeable support includes protecting the person during seizures and recognizing when emergency assistance is needed. What Is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a medical condition that causes seizures. A seizure is a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain[1]. Every time someone with epilepsy has a seizure, that burst of electrical activity disrupts normal communication in the nervous system, leading to a wide variety of symptoms. Some people experience generalized seizures, which affect both sides of the brain, while others experience focal seizures, which affect just one part of the brain. The World Health Organization estimates that about 5 million people are diagnosed with this condition each year, affecting 50 million people at any given time[2]. In 2015, approximately 1.2% of the U.S. population had active epilepsy[3]. These estimates included about 3 million adults and 470,000 children. For population surveys, epilepsy may be classified as active or inactive. An adult with the active version has been diagnosed by a healthcare professional and meets at least one of the following criteria: Taking medication to control their symptoms Had at least one seizure within the past year Adults with inactive epilepsy have received a diagnosis at some point in their lives, but they're not taking medication to control it, and they haven't had a seizure within the past year[4]. Subject matter expert Samantha Pieterse Psychiatric nursing and mental health care View experience What Causes Epilepsy? In some cases, epilepsy develops due to the presence of another medical condition, such as stroke, brain tumors, or brain damage caused by a traumatic injury. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when one of the blood vessels in the brain bursts, while ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain[5]. Both events can interfere with normal electrical activity, which may trigger seizures. As brain tumors get larger, they can press on some of the structures in the brain. This causes the nerve cells to fire excessively, disrupting normal communication[6]. In some people, this leads to the development of epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Traumatic brain injuries occur when someone hits their head or has an object penetrate their head. For example, a bullet that penetrates the skull can cause a traumatic brain injury. Like strokes and tumors, these injuries can disrupt communication between the nerve cells, causing epilepsy. Epilepsy also occurs in people with neurotransmitter imbalances[7]. A neurotransmitter is a chemical that helps the brain and other parts of the nervous system communicate with each other. In some people, the condition has no obvious underlying cause. What Are Epilepsy Symptoms? Epilepsy causes several types of seizures. The symptoms of a seizure depend on what type it is, where in the brain it occurs, and how much of the brain is affected. Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures, sometimes start out with an aura, which causes fear, a feeling of déjà vu, a sense of impending doom, or feelings of euphoria. Other symptoms of a focal seizure include nausea, sweating, loss of consciousness, and changes in behavior. Someone with epilepsy may experience the following types of generalized seizures: Absence seizures: During an absence seizure, the person stares blankly for around 30 seconds. These staring episodes are caused by an altered state of consciousness. Tonic-clonic seizures: Also known as grand mal seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures cause the arms and legs to flex, expand, and shake. Then the muscles contract and relax before the person enters a postictal state. During the postictal state, which lasts approximately 5 to 30 minutes, the individual may feel confused, drowsy, or nauseated[8]. Some people also experience headaches or elevated blood pressure. Atonic seizures: An atonic seizure causes the sudden loss of muscle tone. When this occurs, the individual drops their head or falls from a standing position. Myoclonic seizures: A myoclonic seizure is characterized by sudden jerking or quick movements of the muscles. How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed? Epilepsy is typically diagnosed with a neurological exam and an electroencephalogram (EEG)[9]. During a neurological exam, a doctor or other healthcare professional asks questions about the patient's epilepsy symptoms and medical history. They also check the person's reflexes, evaluate their coordination, and assess their mental functioning[10]. An EEG assesses the electrical activity in the brain. During this test, a technician places electrodes on the scalp. These electrodes capture electrical impulses and turn them into a graph that a healthcare provider can interpret[11]. How Is Epilepsy Treated? The most common type of epilepsy treatment is medication. Many people have to try more than one drug before they find one that works well to prevent seizures. In some cases, it's necessary to combine two or more epilepsy medications for adequate symptom control. Neuromodulation uses a special device to send electrical currents to the nervous system. These impulses may reduce seizure frequency[9]. People with uncontrolled seizures may need surgery to manage their symptoms. Many of these surgeries involve removing a portion of the brain tissue to prevent excessive firing of the nerve cells[9]. How to Cope With an Epilepsy Diagnosis A new epilepsy diagnosis can be stressful, especially if the symptoms interfere with work, school, or family relationships. Attending mental health therapy can be helpful for coming to terms with the diagnosis and finding ways to cope with the lifestyle changes necessary to get epilepsy symptoms under control. It's also important for an individual with epilepsy to focus on their health. Drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious foods, avoiding alcohol, and getting enough sleep every night can all make it easier to manage this condition. People who take medication to prevent seizures should take their medicine exactly as prescribed. How to Help Someone With Epilepsy One of the best ways to support a person with epilepsy is to learn what to do during a seizure. Staying calm, speaking to the individual in a soothing tone of voice, and knowing when to get emergency medical help are all important. Once a seizure ends, loved ones can also help by asking the person questions and making sure they feel safe. It's also important to know what not to do during and after a seizure. Bystanders should not restrain someone having a seizure, put anything in their mouth, or give mouth-to-mouth breaths during the seizure. Call 911 if they have trouble breathing or waking up afterward[12]. Attending doctors' appointments can be a great way to learn more about epilepsy and how to effectively support someone with this diagnosis. References Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Epilepsy - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Accessed October 10 2026. World Health Organization. (2024, February 7). Epilepsy. WHO. World Health Organization. Accessed October 10 2026. Matthew M. Zack; Rosemarie Kobau. (2017, August 11). National and State Estimates of the Numbers of Adults and Children with Active Epilepsy — United States, 2015. MMWR 66(31):821–825. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026. Niu Tian; Rosemarie Kobau; Matthew M. Zack; Kurt J. Greenlund. (2022, May 27). Barriers to and Disparities in Access to Health Care Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years with Epilepsy — United States, 2015 and 2017. MMWR 71(21):697–702. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About Stroke. CDC. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Adults. cancer.org. Accessed October 10 2026. Edward B. Bromfield; José E. Cavazos; Joseph I. Sirven (editors). (2006). Basic Mechanisms Underlying Seizures and Epilepsy. An Introduction to Epilepsy; American Epilepsy Society. National Library of Medicine. Waleed Abood; Susanta Bandyopadhyay. (2023, July 10). Postictal Seizure State. StatPearls Publishing. National Library of Medicine. Accessed October 10 2026. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Epilepsy - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Accessed October 10 2026. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Neurological Exam. MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). EEG. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). First Aid for Seizures. CDC. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Leigh Morgan Writer Leigh Morgan is a writer who covers essential mental health topics, including teen counseling, online therapy, schizophrenia, disabilities, and more. Published May 31, 2024 Updated August 13, 2025 Medical Reviewer Erin L. George MFT Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health. Related community Assessments & Diagnosis Explore questions about mental health assessments, diagnostic language, and the evaluation process. Explore community Table of contentsChoose a section What Is Epilepsy? What Causes Epilepsy? What Are Epilepsy Symptoms? How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed? How Is Epilepsy Treated? How to Cope With an Epilepsy Diagnosis How to Help Someone With Epilepsy View more","wordCount":1622},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/epilepsy#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Medical Conditions","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/medical-conditions"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Epilepsy Articles Symptoms, Treatment & More","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/epilepsy"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/epilepsy#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/b63c61c778f882470ae0aacf.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/b63c61c778f882470ae0aacf.webp","width":1200,"height":800,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A woman listens carefully to another person during a conversation."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leigh-morgan#person","name":"Leigh Morgan","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leigh-morgan","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/291663a4c119d299a016723c.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-ann-morgan-36430438/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george#person","name":"Erin L. 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