Condition5 min read
Epilepsy
A chronic brain condition in which seizures keep recurring because of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is not contagious, and many people can become seizure-free with the right treatment.
The WHO defines epilepsy as two or more unprovoked seizures. It affects about 50 million people worldwide, and about 70% can become seizure-free with appropriate treatment. Its causes are many: structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune or unknown.
Seizure types include: tonic-clonic, tonic, atonic, absence, focal and myoclonic. Diagnosis relies on EEG, imaging (MRI or CT), and blood and genetic tests. The core treatment is anti-seizure medicines, and in drug-resistant cases surgery, vagus nerve stimulation or the ketogenic diet.
In one minute12
- What is it?
- A chronic brain disease characterised by recurrent unprovoked seizures.
- Who is usually affected?
- The WHO estimates that about 50 million people worldwide have it.
- Acute or chronic?
- Chronic; up to 70% can become seizure-free with appropriate treatment according to the WHO.
- Main symptoms
- Seizures range from a generalised convulsion to a brief loss of consciousness and unusual sensations or movements.
- Red flags?
- Yes: a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or a first seizure, or consecutive seizures.
- Preventable?
- About 25% of cases are preventable according to the WHO (injuries, childbirth care, infection).
What is it?
A chronic, non-communicable brain disease characterised by recurrent seizures (two or more unprovoked seizures). The WHO estimates that about 50 million people live with it worldwide.
According to the WHO: about 80% of people affected live in low- and middle-income countries, and up to 70% can become seizure-free with appropriate treatment, but about 75% in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need, and their risk of premature death is up to three times higher than the general population.
Causes
The WHO classifies them as structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune, or unknown. Examples include birth injuries, congenital malformations, head injuries, stroke, brain infections and tumours. The NHS adds genetic factors and states that many cases have no clear cause.
Symptoms
Seizure types: tonic-clonic (loss of consciousness, stiffening and convulsion), tonic (sudden stiffening), atonic (sudden limpness), absence (brief loss of awareness), focal (unusual sensations or movements), and myoclonic (brief jerks). A seizure may involve part of the body or all of it, and may be accompanied by loss of control of urine or stool.
How is it diagnosed?
The WHO states that most cases can be diagnosed at the primary care level, and factors predicting seizure recurrence include a documented cause and an abnormal EEG. NHS tests include: brain and heart tracings, MRI or CT, blood tests and genetic tests.
Treatment
The treatment categories usually used are listed here; this is not a prescription. The doctor chooses the plan according to each person's condition; do not change any medicine or dose without a specialist.
Anti-seizure medicines are the first line, and surgery for drug-resistant cases. The NHS also lists vagus nerve stimulation and the ketogenic diet. No doses are given.
Prevention
Reducing injuries (falls, road accidents and sport), good perinatal care, controlling fever in children, lowering cardiovascular risk factors, and controlling parasites and raising awareness of infection. The WHO estimates that about 25% of cases can be prevented.
Living with it
Safety: a medical ID, a seizure diary, adapting the home environment, showering instead of bathing, and alerts when needed. Driving: the NHS states that the driving licensing authority must be informed (UK). The WHO points to stigma around the condition, and notes that misconceptions that it is incurable or contagious remain widespread and hinder education, work and insurance.
When do you need urgent help?
Call emergency services now 998
- A seizure lasting longer than usual or more than 5 minutes, or the first seizure in a person's life, or the person does not recover fully afterwards, or consecutive seizures without recovery between them, or three or more seizures in 24 hours: call the ambulance.2
See your doctor within days
- Suspected seizures not yet assessed, or difficulties adhering to the medicine.2
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Is epilepsy a contagious disease?
No. The WHO describes it as a chronic, non-communicable brain disease, and notes that misconceptions that it is contagious or incurable remain widespread.1
Questions for your doctor
- What type of seizures do I have and what is their likely cause?
- Do I need an EEG or MRI?
- What should those around me do during a seizure?
- What are the restrictions on driving, work and swimming?
- What do I do if I forget the medicine or have a concurrent illness?
References
- 1WHO. Epilepsy — Fact sheet. www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsyHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-04
- 2NHS. Epilepsy. www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-05
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.