Overview
Epilepsy is a brain condition causing repeated seizures — episodes of abnormal electrical activity that may involve convulsions, staring spells or unusual behaviour. It is a medical condition, not a spiritual attack, and it is not contagious. With daily medication, most people become completely seizure-free.
Symptoms
- Convulsions — stiffening and jerking of the body
- Brief staring spells with loss of awareness
- Sudden falls without warning
- Unusual smells, sensations or fear before an episode
- Confusion or deep sleep after an episode
- Tongue biting or loss of bladder control during attacks
Causes & risk factors
- Often no identifiable cause
- Brain injury from birth complications, trauma or stroke
- Brain infections such as meningitis or cerebral malaria
- Family history
- Missed medication, sleep deprivation or alcohol triggering seizures
Treatment & self-care
Daily anti-seizure medication, taken consistently and reviewed by a doctor, controls seizures in most people; never stop suddenly. During a convulsion, protect the person from injury, turn them on their side and do not put anything in the mouth — spoons and forced liquids cause harm. Adequate sleep and avoiding alcohol reduce attacks.
See a doctor urgently if
- A first-ever seizure
- A seizure lasting more than five minutes — emergency
- Repeated seizures without regaining consciousness
- Seizures in pregnancy
- Injuries during a seizure or seizures despite medication