A seizure occurs when excitable neurons give off abnormal electrical discharges. There are different types of seizures, depending on where the excitable neurons are located. Epilepsy is diagnosed when an individual has a repeating pattern of seizures. Generalized epilepsy affects the entire brain. The person loses consciousness or awareness of the environment.
Partial epilepsy affects only one part of the brain.
The individual usually doesn't lose consciousness. Signs and symptoms of epilepsy vary according to the type of seizure. Absence seizures used to be called petit mal seizures. Epilepsy may be caused by many diseases and conditions. Damage to a fetus during pregnancy and delivery may increase the risk of epilepsy.