Disease Database Drug Database Alt. The Greeks believed seizures were caused by demons, and regarded them as a supernatural phenomenon. The true nature of epilepsy has long been distorted by myth and fear, and people continue to hold mistaken notions about the disorder. This brochure attempts to clarify what happens during an epileptic seizure, to look into the causes and effects, and examine the relationship between doctor and patient.
Epilepsy is a physical condition caused by sudden, brief changes in how the brain works.
When brain cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness, movements or actions may be changed for a short time. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is sometimes called a seizure disorder. It affects people from all walks of life, from all races and all nations. It even affects animals.