Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It affects approximately 1 in 100 Canadians and can begin at any age, though the highest number of new diagnoses occur in seniors and young children.

According to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), epilepsy is defined as:

“A disease of the brain characterized by any of the following conditions:

• At least two unprovoked (or reflex) seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart;

• One unprovoked seizure and a high probability of further seizures similar to the general recurrence risk (at least 60%) after two unprovoked seizures, occurring over the next 10 years;

• Diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome.”

A diagnosis of epilepsy is typically made after a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures. It is based on several factors, including a detailed description of the episodes, medical and family history, and results from diagnostic tests such as EEG or brain imaging.

Epilepsy can have many causes, including brain injury, genetics, or sometimes unknown reasons. For more detailed information on causes and what might trigger seizures, please visit our Causes and Triggers page.

Although epilepsy is a serious condition, it is also highly treatable. Approximately two-thirds of people with epilepsy achieve good seizure control with medication. For those who do not, alternative treatments are available, including surgery, dietary therapy, and neurostimulation.

What is a Seizure?

A seizure is a temporary disturbance in normal brain activity caused by sudden, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in groups of brain cells (neurons). This “electrical storm” disrupts the brain’s usual function in the area where it occurs.

Since the brain controls everything from movement and sensation to mood and memory, seizures can affect almost any function, including:

• Consciousness or awareness

• Movement and posture

• Vision, smell, hearing, or taste

• Speech and language

• Emotions and behavior

Not all seizures involve convulsions or loss of consciousness. Some may cause brief confusion, muscle twitching, or unusual sensations. Others may be almost unnoticeable to an observer.

Seizures typically last a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and brain function usually returns afterward. Recovery times vary depending on the type of seizure; some people bounce back quickly, while others experience lingering confusion, fatigue, or mood changes.