Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that has consequences wherein a person suffers from seizures and periods of unusual behavior. It is particularly the disruption of the functioning of the nerve cell activity in the brain and can also lead to a loss of consciousness for long periods of time.

The seizure particularly takes place when the nerve cells in the brain send out the wrong signal to the body, thereby leading the body to behave in an unusual manner. The effect or the manner in which symptoms reflect will vary from one person to another. While some people may become very nervous and fidget with their fingers, others may behave strangely during sudden periods.

The cause of epilepsy remains unknown in most patients, however, some common factors may include – genetics that may run in the family. The genes will affect the type of seizure that the persons undergo, head injury during an accident and at any point in one’s life can trigger epilepsy. It is seen as one of the most common reasons, diseases that are infectious such as AIDS and meningitis may also lead to causing the disorder. Also, brain damage during birth can be a cause of epilepsy among children.

Although epilepsy can affect people from any age groups, younger kids and senior citizens are at a higher risk of being attacked by this disease. People who heart disease too may be at a risk of a stroke can trigger a sudden damage in the brain and thereby lead to epilepsy. Moreover, the family history plays a key role. If an immediate or close relative suffers from epilepsy, chances are that you may be at the risk of developing epilepsy.

It is important to see the doctor as soon as one is alarmed by a seizure. If you suffer from high fever followed by lack of consciousness, feel a sudden dizziness when involved in your daily activity, experience long periods of seizure, etc you have to seek medical help at the earliest. Parents should pay attention and carefully notice if there is any unusualness in the behavior of their kid.

If you are diagnosed with epilepsy, you will be required to undergo several tests in other to confirm the disorder. Blood tests may be the be the first, followed by several other examinations to check brain activity.

Once diagnosed, a patient will be treated with medication to bring the seizure under control. Although, most medicines have side-effects, taking a combination of medications can eventually result in a seizure-free life.