Epilepsy
What is Epilepsy?
Famous People Who Had Epilepsy:
- Socrates
- Alexander the Great
- Julius Caesar
- Alfred Nobel
- Vincent Van Gogh
- Thomas Edison
Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes repeated seizures. Seizures happen when there’s a sudden change in how brain cells send messages. During a seizure, some brain cells become too active—like an "electrical storm" in the brain. This can cause changes in movement, feeling, or awareness.
Important Facts:
- About 2 million people in the U.S. have epilepsy.
- It can happen at any age.
- Having one seizure doesn’t always mean you have epilepsy.
Symptoms of Epilepsy
Seizures can look different depending on the person. Some common symptoms include:
- Confusion or blank staring
- Loss of consciousness (passing out)
- Muscle spasms or stiffening
- Jerking movements in arms or legs
- Sudden changes in taste, vision, smell, hearing, or touch
What Causes Epilepsy
Seizures can be provoked (have a known cause) or unprovoked (no clear reason).
Common Causes in Children:
- Brain injury
- Infection or illness
- Fever
- Genetic conditions
- Chemical or nutrition problems
In Adults:
- Stroke or heart attack
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain tumor
- Past brain surgery
- Liver or kidney disease
- Diabetes or alcohol abuse
Epilepsy is not a mental illness and doesn’t cause intellectual disability.
When to Call a Doctor
You should see a doctor if:
- A seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
- You feel slow to recover
- A second seizure happens right after the first
- You’re pregnant
- You get hurt during a seizure
- Seizures become more frequent or change
- You change medications or start new ones
How is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
At MyMichigan Health’s Neuroscience Center, our expert neurologists work with your doctor to find the cause of your seizures. They may use:
Treatment for Epilepsy
- Medications – About 70% of people with epilepsy stop having seizures when they take anti-seizure medicine. Others may still have seizures, but medicine helps reduce how often and how strong they are.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) – If medication doesn’t work well, VNS might help. This small device is placed under the skin and sends tiny electrical signals to the brain. These signals can stop or prevent seizures. MyMichigan’s team includes specialists trained in this treatment.
- Other Options – Some people may need different or extra treatments. Our neurologists will help you and your doctor decide what’s best for you.
For more information about epilepsy treatments, visit the Epilepsy Foundation® website.
