Q: What is epilepsy?

A: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and causes seizures.

Q: What causes epilepsy?

A: Epilepsy can have a variety of causes, including genetic causes, brain injury, infection, stroke, and brain tumors.

Q: What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

A: The primary symptom of epilepsy is recurrent seizures. Other symptoms may include loss of awareness or headaches.

Q: Can epilepsy be cured?

A: Some epilepsies are self-limiting. Most epilepsies can be managed with anti-seizure medication to stop active seizures.Some epilepsies that are associated with lesions in the brain may be amenable to surgery.

Q: Are seizures dangerous?

A: Seizures can be dangerous, especially if they occur during activities such as driving or cooking. However, with proper management, most people with epilepsy can live normal, healthy lives.

Q: How is epilepsy diagnosed?

A: Epilepsy is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Q: What treatments are available for epilepsy?

A: Treatment options for epilepsy include medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery. The choice of treatment will depend on the type and severity of seizures, as well as individual factors.

Q: Can epilepsy affect cognitive function?

A: Yes, epilepsy can sometimes affect cognitive function. With proper management, most people with epilepsy are able to maintain normal cognitive function.

Q: Can epilepsy be prevented?

A: Some measures that may reduce the risk of developing the disorder include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding head injuries, vaccination against diseases that cause brain infections, and prompt management of other medical conditions that may increase the risk of seizures.