What Are the Causes of Epilepsy in the Nervous System?

Epilepsy is a condition characterized by spontaneous, repeated seizures. These seizures originate from abnormal electrical signals in the brain, the main component of the central nervous system. There are many potential causes for these epileptic signals.

• The human brain

The Facts

• Epilepsy is only diagnosed if seizures happen more than once, and the condition is not related to non-neurological causes such as high fever, drug exposure, drug withdrawal or abnormalities in blood glucose or sodium levels. The neurological changes associated with epilepsy can affect individuals of any age, race or gender.

Known Causes

• Known causes of epilepsy include traumatic brain injury, brain abscess, meningitis, stroke, dementia and kidney or liver failure. Other recognized causes include congenital birth defects, tumors, metabolic diseases and injuries occurring near the time of birth. In addition, some types of epilepsy can be inherited.

Unknown Causes

• Some cases of epilepsy are idiopathic, meaning that no known cause of the condition can be established.

Testing

• Some individuals with epilepsy show clear signs of abnormal brain activity during testing. Others do not, however, even after extensive neurological examinations.

Outlook

• Whatever the cause, epilepsy is frequently controllable through the use of one or more anti-seizure medications. Many adults and children need medication only for a limited period of time.