The actual cause of most epilepsy is unknown. Electrical activity is affected in a large area of the brain. This causes the person to shake all over, lose consciousness, and have muscle spasms and convulsions. Only the body functions controlled by that part of the brain are affected. Partial seizures may occur several times a day or only a few times a year.
Medication can control or prevent partial seizures.
These spells are so short that they may be undetected. There may be a brief loss of consciousness, the patient may become motionless and just stare. The epileptic may repeatedly blink, pick at clothing, or smack his lips. Once a seizure begins, there is no way to stop it. Seizures are not painful, although a fall or dangerous object in the person's way may cause injury.