What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic condition produced by temporary changes in the electrical function of the brain, causing seizures which affect awareness, movement, or sensation. Its effects can be very similar to general seizures, but these usually occur due to causes other than abnormal electrical activity in the brain (e.g. stress, drugs, fever, low blood sugar or sodium).
Seizures can vary from a brief lapse of awareness to unconsciousness and jerking convulsions of the body. The majority of recurring seizures can be prevented by medications.