Disorders of the circulatory system. Tumors usually in the brain. Poor nutrition or disturbances in metabolism. There are many cases where no cause can be identified. Anyone can develop recurring seizures at any time.
Major causes are problems in pregnancy, birth defects, injuries, infections and fever.
Many are triggered by accidents and illnesses. Major causes are head injuries, tumors and circulatory problems. Males are slightly more likely to have epilepsy than females - perhaps because they're more likely to have head injuries in sports and work. Heredity usually is not a direct factor in epilepsy. But some kinds of brain wave patterns associated with seizures do tend to run in families.