Causes of Seizures and Epilepsy

Epilepsy affects nearly 1% of the global population, making it the second most common neurological disorder after stroke. Despite its prevalence, many people remain unfamiliar with the condition. A seizure is a sudden episode caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, while epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to persistent abnormal brain circuits and electrical activity.

The causes of epilepsy stem from congenital or acquired issues in the brain that lead to the formation of abnormal neural circuits and irregular electrical discharges. These can result in episodic or chronic abnormal brain activity. Common symptoms include convulsions, unusual sensations, and varying degrees of impaired consciousness—some individuals may not even be aware they are having a seizure.

Below are some common causes of epilepsy:

Our epilepsy education article at Health Resources Center (NTUH)