Epilepsy is far more common than most of us realize. Current estimates indicate that more than one per cent of the population have had, or will have, some form of Epilepsy in their lifetime. Epilepsy can strike anyone at any age. However, most persons who develop seizures during their formative years tend to experience a reduction in the intensity and frequency of their seizures as they grow older. In many cases the Epilepsy will disappear completely.
Epilepsy occurs more frequently in some cultures.
In this case, genetic predisposition to lower seizure thresholds is known to exist. With modern methods of treatment, however, most cases can be fully controlled. Because there are so many nuances in Epilepsy and so many different kinds of seizures, a specific classification system is being promoted by the International League Against Epilepsy. If the excessive electrical discharge in the brain is limited to one area, the seizure is partial. If the whole brain is involved, it is generalized.