Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain which takes the form of recurring seizures. These occur as a result of a brief disturbance in the brain's electrochemical activity. Sudden bursts of this electrochemical activity scramble the brain's messages upsetting the brain's normal control of the body. Seizures can sometimes look frightening but rarely cause any damage to the brain. Once the seizure is over, the person gradually returns to a normal state without any ill-effects.
Epilepsy is a common condition in our community.
Research suggests that one or two people in every 100 will develop the condition at some stage in their lives. Most people have their first seizure before the age of 20 but epilepsy can develop at any age. Many factors can contribute to the development of epilepsy including brain infections, head injuries, cerebral tumours and strokes. It is also now recognised that some types of epilepsy may be inherited. While advances in modern medical and scientific technology have made it easier to pinpoint those factors which may contribute to the development of epilepsy, it is not always clear why some people develop the condition.