How to Recognize the Symptoms and Causes of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes a person to have seizures more than once. A seizure happens when brain cells send unusual electrical signals. These signals move quickly and interrupt the brain’s normal activity for a short time.

During a seizure, a person might shake, stare, or feel confused. Some people fall, while others may not move at all. The signs depend on which part of the brain is affected. No two seizures look exactly the same.

The brain normally sends messages in a smooth and steady way. In epilepsy, this pattern is broken. Brain cells may fire too often or at the wrong time. This sudden change in activity causes a seizure.

Having one seizure does not mean a person has epilepsy. Doctors usually diagnose epilepsy when someone has two or more seizures without a clear reason, like a high fever or injury.

Epilepsy can affect children, teens, adults, and seniors. It may start early in life or later on. Some people have fewer seizures over time, while others may need ongoing treatment to manage them.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Epilepsy?

People with epilepsy have seizures, but the way a seizure looks can be different for each person. Some seizures are easy to see, like shaking or falling. Others are harder to notice, such as staring or confusion. 

A seizure happens when the brain’s electrical signals stop following their normal pattern. This can change how a person moves, feels, or behaves.

Common Signs of a Seizure

Seizure symptoms can include:

• Muscle spasms or sudden stiffening in part of the body
  
  
• Jerking movements, usually in the arms or legs
  
  
• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
  
  
• Loss of awareness, like staring into space or not responding
  
  

Some people feel something unusual before a seizure starts. This is called an aura. An aura can include odd smells, sounds, or emotions. After a seizure, the person might feel tired, dizzy, or have trouble speaking for a short time.

Types of Seizures

Doctors place seizures into two main groups: partial seizures and generalized seizures.

• Partial seizures (also called focal seizures) start in one part of the brain. A person may stay awake and feel things like twitching, strange sights or sounds, or trouble speaking.
  
  
• Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain at the same time. These seizures can cause a person to lose consciousness, fall, shake, or have their body freeze and then jerk.
  
  

People with epilepsy may have just one type of seizure, or more than one. How a seizure looks depends on where it starts in the brain and how far it spreads.

What Causes Epilepsy?

Epilepsy begins when something changes how the brain sends signals. These changes can make brain cells work unusually, which may lead to seizures. In some people, doctors can find a clear cause. In others, the reason for epilepsy is unknown. Even when the cause is not clear, epilepsy can still be treated.

Injuries to the Brain

Some people develop epilepsy after a brain injury. This can happen from a car crash, a fall, or getting hit during sports. When the brain is hurt, scar tissue may form. This can interrupt the normal flow of electrical signals in the brain and cause seizures.

Stroke and Brain Conditions

A stroke can also lead to epilepsy. A stroke happens when blood can’t reach part of the brain, or when a blood vessel breaks. This cuts off oxygen, which can damage brain cells and increase the risk of seizures.

Other conditions like brain tumors or infections (such as meningitis) can also trigger epilepsy. Tumors may press on brain tissue or change how cells nearby work.

Unknown Causes

Sometimes, the brain looks healthy on scans, but seizures still happen. Doctors believe that small changes in how brain cells are built or connected might cause epilepsy, even if they don’t show up on tests.

Mental Health and Epilepsy

Epilepsy is not a mental illness. It does not cause depression, anxiety, or learning problems by itself. However, some people with epilepsy may also experience these challenges. When mental health is supported, it can be easier to manage seizures and feel more in control of daily life.

Who Is at Risk for Epilepsy?

Epilepsy can affect anyone, but some people may have a higher chance of developing it. These are called risk factors. A person may have one or more risk factors or none at all. Even without a clear risk, epilepsy can still occur.

Family History

Having a close family member—like a parent or sibling—with epilepsy may increase a person’s risk. Doctors believe that small changes in a person’s genes can affect how brain cells work. These changes can make seizures more likely to happen.

Head Injuries

A head injury from a fall, car crash, or sports accident can raise the risk of epilepsy. Brain injuries may lead to scarring, which can interrupt normal brain signals. Wearing a helmet and using a seat belt are ways to help protect the brain.

Stroke and Brain Conditions

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel breaks. This can damage brain cells and lead to seizures. Other problems, like brain tumors or infections, may also increase the chance of developing epilepsy.

Other Health Conditions

Some health problems, such as vascular diseases (which affect how blood moves through the body), can lead to brain changes linked to seizures. Taking care of your health—by eating well, exercising, not smoking, and avoiding too much alcohol—can help lower this risk.

How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

Doctors follow several steps to find out if a person has epilepsy. Having one seizure does not always mean someone has epilepsy. To make a diagnosis, a person usually needs to have two or more seizures that were not caused by things like a high fever or a head injury.

Medical History and Seizure Details

The first step is learning about the person’s medical history. A doctor may ask questions about what happened during the seizures—how long they lasted, what the person felt before and after, and what others saw. Family members or friends who were there can give helpful information. Doctors also ask about other health problems that could be related to seizures.

Physical and Brain Function Tests

A doctor may do a physical and neurological exam. This means checking things like balance, muscle strength, reflexes, and how the senses are working. The doctor may also test memory, attention, and how the person solves problems to see how the brain is working overall.

Blood Tests

A blood test can help find out if something in the body caused the seizures. For example, the test can check for infections, low blood sugar, or problems with minerals like sodium or calcium.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An EEG is a test that records the brain’s electrical activity. Small sensors are placed on the person’s scalp. These sensors show patterns in brain waves. 

In people with epilepsy, the EEG might show unusual signals, even if the person isn’t having a seizure during the test. This helps doctors learn where seizures may start in the brain.

Imaging Tests

Doctors may also use a CT scan or MRI scan to take pictures of the brain. These scans can show problems like a stroke, a tumor, or damage from an injury. While these tests don’t show seizures happening, they can help find out what might be causing them.

How Is Epilepsy Treated?

Epilepsy can often be managed with the right treatment. The goal is to reduce the number of seizures or stop them from happening. Some people find a treatment that works quickly. Others may need to try more than one option before finding what helps them most.

Seizure Medications

Most people with epilepsy take seizure medications every day. These medicines help control how brain cells send electrical signals. When brain activity is more steady, the chance of a seizure goes down.

Doctors may need to try different medications or change the dose to find what works best. Some commonly used seizure medications include:

• Dilantin
  
  
• Tegretol
  
  
• Depakene
  
  
• Depakote
  
  
• Keppra
  
  
• Zarontin
  
  
• Trileptal
  
  
• Lamictal
  
  
• Topamax
  
  

These are part of a group known as seizure medications, and some may also help with other conditions that affect the brain and nervous system.

Some people may feel tired, dizzy, or gain weight when they start a new medicine. Others might have mood changes or rashes. If this happens, doctors can adjust the dose or switch to a different medication. Many people take seizure medicine for years without serious problems.

Women who are planning to become pregnant should talk to their doctor first. Some medications can affect pregnancy, so making a plan is helpful.

Lifestyle and Daily Care

In addition to medicine, daily habits can also help manage epilepsy. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and avoiding alcohol may lower the risk of seizures. Keeping a seizure journal or using an app can help track when seizures happen. This information can help doctors adjust treatment.

Some people also join support groups to talk with others who live with epilepsy. Learning more about the condition and making small changes in daily life can lead to better control of seizures and a better quality of life.

Living Well with Epilepsy

People with epilepsy can live full, active lives. Even though seizures may affect daily routines, many things can help keep the body and brain healthy. Small habits and changes can make living with epilepsy safer and more manageable.

Daily Habits That Support Brain Health

Getting enough sleep is important. Being tired can make seizures more likely, so going to bed at the same time each night may help. Eating regular meals and drinking plenty of water also support the brain.

Taking seizure medication at the same time each day helps keep seizures under control. Missing a dose can increase the chance of a seizure. A pill box or phone reminder can help you stay on track.

Managing Seizure Triggers

Some people notice that certain things cause seizures more often. These are called triggers. Common seizure triggers include:

• Stress or strong emotions
  
  
• Not getting enough sleep
  
  
• Flashing lights
  
  
• Skipping meals
  
  
• Having a fever or being sick
  
  

Writing down seizures in a seizure journal can help spot patterns. This can be shared with your doctor to update your treatment plan if needed.

Staying Safe at Home and in Public

Simple changes at home can lower the risk of injury during a seizure. Using a shower chair, padding sharp furniture edges, and being careful while cooking can help. Wearing a medical alert bracelet lets others know how to help in an emergency.

Telling friends, teachers, or co-workers about epilepsy helps them understand what to do during a seizure. Many people are willing to help when they know how.

Finding Support and Community

Sometimes, living with epilepsy can feel lonely. Joining a support group or talking to others with epilepsy can help. Sharing your story or hearing from others can bring comfort, hope, and new ways to manage daily life.

When to Talk to a Doctor

People with epilepsy may not need to see a doctor every time they have a seizure. But there are times when medical help is needed. Knowing when to reach out can help keep seizures under control and prevent serious problems.

Changes in Seizure Patterns

If seizures start to happen more often or feel different than before, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. Changes in how long seizures last, how they begin, or what happens after can be signs that your treatment needs to be updated.

Side Effects from Medication

Some people notice side effects when starting a new seizure medication or changing the dose. These may include feeling very tired, dizzy, moody, or having stomach issues. If these side effects get in the way of daily life, a doctor can help adjust the plan.

Missed Doses or Low Supply

If you often miss a dose of your medicine or notice you’re running low, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Taking your seizure medication regularly helps keep brain signals steady. Skipping doses may raise the risk of having a seizure.

Before Pregnancy or Surgery

Women who are planning to become pregnant should talk to their doctor. Some medications may need to be changed to help protect both the baby and the mother. It’s also helpful to speak with a doctor before any surgery, even if it’s not related to epilepsy.

After a Serious Injury or Emergency

If a seizure causes a fall, or a head injury, or lasts more than five minutes, call for help right away. A doctor may want to check for injuries and update your treatment to help avoid another emergency.

Meet Our Pharmacy Team

Online Pharmacies Canada is a licensed pharmacy service that helps Canadians get long-term medications at affordable prices. All prescriptions are filled by CIPA-certified Canadian pharmacies and checked by registered pharmacists.

If you have questions about epilepsy medications or need help with your prescription, we’re here to support you.

📞 Call us at 1-877-536-8162
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Our pharmacy team can help you stay on schedule, understand your treatment, and feel more confident managing your condition.