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Epilepsy is a term for the tendency to have seizures. Epilepsy is usually diagnosed only after a person has had more than one seizure.
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A seizure occurs when a burst of electrical impulses in the brain go above their normal limits and create an uncontrolled storm of electrical activity and the impulses can be transmitted to muscles, causing twitches or convulsions.
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A clear cause for epilepsy in only found in a minority of cases, which usually involves some injury to the brain. Some of the main causes of epilepsy include the following
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Almost 40% of all epilepsy cases happen because of a genetic component. If you have a parent or a sibling with epilepsy, you have a higher chance of getting it than someone who doesn't.
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Any brain damage in the womb or in early infancy can increase chances of epilepsy. Brain damage in the womb can happen due to reasons like infection, too little oxygen and poor nutrition.
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Any trauma to head or the brain can trigger seizures which may or may not develop into epilepsy.
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Viral and bacterial infections like AIDS, meningitis and viral encephalitis can also cause epilepsy especially if such infections affect the brain.
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Most cases of epilepsy because of brain damage from a stroke or even after brain surgery. Other brain problems like tumours, blood vessel problems, etc. can trigger epilepsy.
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Certain disorders like Downs syndrome, Autism or neurofibromatosis can increase the chances of epilepsy.
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There are also certain factors known to trigger seizures. These include heavy use of alcohol, missing medications, illegal drugs, medications that interfere with seizure medications etc.
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