Epilepsy, also called seizure disorder, is a central nervous system condition which effects the brain. It is characterised by recurrent and unprovoked seizures.
About 1 person in 20 has a seizure at some time in their life. It may be the only one that occurs. When a person has had two or more seizures which have not been provoked by specific events such as trauma, infection, fever or chemical change, they are considered to have epilepsy.
A seizure is a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily effects how it works. These electrical impulses can be transmitted to the muscles, causing twitches or convulsions.
Anyone can develop epilepsy, at any time of life, but it’s more common in young children and adults over 65.
It occurs slightly more in males than in females.