Brain Tumor and Stroke. Poisoning, such as lead poisoning. More than 5,000 persons are reported each year to suffer seizures caused by alcoholism. Maternal Injury, infection or systemic illness affecting developing fetus during pregnancy. Heredity plays a role in some cases.
All people inherit varying degrees of susceptibility to seizures.
The genetic factor is assumed to be greater when no specific cause can be identified. Some seizure disorders of infancy and the early childhood are still highly resistant to current therapies. Some 20 antiepileptic drugs are currently in use. Surgical - used only when medication fails. Most common form takes place when the brain tissue causing seizures is confined to a small focal area of the brain which can be safely removed without damaging personality or function.