Home About Us About Epilepsy • Types of Seizures • Diagnosing Epilepsy • Treatment  • Drug Therapy • First Aid • Living with Epilepsy • Related Articles • Glossary   Programs & Services Resources & Links Events How Can I Help? Contact Us Site Map About Epilepsy ABOUT EPILEPSY The brain is a major component of the central nervous system and is made up of millions of neurons (brain's nerve cells). These neurons send and receive information to each other and helps to control basic, daily functions such as: movement, speech, thought processing, and level of awareness. This sending and receiving is done so at a steady rate. When neurons are firing at an excessive, unsteady rate, it causes seizure activity which manifests through physical actions and responses. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder which causes sudden bursts of hyperactivity in the brain. Seizures that are caused by this hyperactivity vary in frequency and form with each person.  A few common seizures may appear as a brief stare, convulsions or a change in awareness and consciousness. In approximately 60-75% of all cases, there is no known cause. However, a few known causes of the remaining cases include: • Brain injury to the fetus during pregnancy • Birth trauma (lack of oxygen) • Aftermath of an infection (meningitis) • Head trauma (car accident, sports injury, shaken baby syndrome) • Substance abuse • Alteration in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) • Other metabolic illness (hypocalcemia) • Brain tumor • Stroke Although there are treatments available for reducing the frequency and severity of seizures, there is no known cure for epilepsy at present date. Epilepsy is: • Not a disease • Not a psychological disorder or mental illness • Not contagious It is a physical, neurological condition characterized by seizures. Information provided is not intended to replace any medical advice provided by your physician or neurologist. It is intended to supply general information on epilepsy and seizures. For further medical information or specific diagnostic questions, please refer your concerns to your physician or neurologist. Click here for a printable version of this page