What is Epilepsy?
About one out of 100 people in the U.S. have epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which there are episodes of irregular brain electrical activity resulting in seizures. Seizures can have many symptoms ranging from brief sensations, movements, or confusion to convulsions. The frequency of these episodes may be less than once a year to more than once a day. Because the symptoms and frequency of seizures are so variable, making a diagnosis of epilepsy can be difficult. Some people with epilepsy experience seizures for several years before a correct diagnosis is made. Some people with a diagnosis of epilepsy really have a different condition which may mimic epilepsy.
- Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system.
- It affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds.
- More than 2.7 million Americans of all ages are living with epilepsy.
- Every year, 181,000 Americans will develop seizures and epilepsy for the first time.
- It can develop at any time of life, especially in early childhood and old age.
