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All About Epilepsy
What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition. It is the general term for more than 20 different types of seizure disorders produced by brief, temporary changes in the normal functioning of the brain's electrical system.

These brief malfunctions mean that more than the usual amount of electrical energy passes between cells. The sudden overload may stay in just one small area of the brain, or it may swamp the whole system.

The result is a seizure. Depending on where and how much of your brain is affected, the seizure can alter your awareness, change your movements, or produce strange sensations.

Seizures are generally brief, lasting only a couple of minutes or even, in some cases, a few seconds.

Because seizures are a symptom of epilepsy, the condition is sometimes called a seizure disorder.

Epilepsy is usually not the type of condition that becomes worse over time, nor is it a mental illness.  It is a condition produced by a temporary malfunction of the brain.

Once the seizure is over, brain function returns to normal.

Recovery time following a seizure varies.  Some people recover quickly.  Others find headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue linger for some time afterwards.


 
 
 
Copyright © 2010 Epilepsy Foundation Greater Southern Illinois.
An independently incorporated affiliate of The Epilepsy Foundation.

Not another moment lost to seizures™