What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain and causes recurring seizures. It is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. In Canada, approximately 300,000 people live with epilepsy, including more than 50,000 individuals in British Columbia.

What Happens During a Seizure?

The brain communicates through electrical signals sent between nerve cells (neurons). A seizure occurs when there is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Depending on where the seizure begins and how it spreads, symptoms can vary widely. Some seizures involve visible shaking and loss of consciousness, while others may involve subtle changes such as brief staring, unusual sensations, confusion, or repetitive movements.

Not all seizures look the same, and not all seizures involve convulsions.

When Is It Considered Epilepsy?

A person is typically diagnosed with epilepsy when they have experienced two or more unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart.

A single seizure does not automatically mean someone has epilepsy. Seizures can sometimes be triggered by:

• High fever (especially in children)
• Low blood sugar
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Head injury
• Severe infection

These are called provoked seizures and are not necessarily epilepsy.

What Causes Epilepsy?

In approximately half of all cases, the exact cause of epilepsy is unknown. When a cause is identified, it may include:

• Genetic conditions
• Brain injury or trauma
• Stroke
• Brain tumors
• Brain infections (such as meningitis or encephalitis)
• Developmental brain differences
• Oxygen deprivation at birth

Epilepsy can begin at any age. Some forms appear in infancy or childhood, while others develop in adulthood or later life.

Types of Seizures

Seizures are classified based on where they begin in the brain.

Focal Seizures

These start in one specific area of the brain. A person may remain fully aware (focal aware seizure) or may have impaired awareness (focal impaired awareness seizure). Symptoms can include:

• Sudden emotional changes
• Unusual smells or tastes
• Tingling sensations
• Repetitive movements (lip smacking, hand motions)
• Brief confusion

Generalized Seizures

These involve both sides of the brain from the start. Types include:

• Tonic-clonic seizures – stiffening and rhythmic jerking
• Absence seizures – brief staring spells
• Myoclonic seizures – sudden brief jerks
• Atonic seizures – sudden loss of muscle tone (drop attacks)

For more detailed seizure classifications, visit the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance .

How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by a neurologist and may include:

• Detailed medical history
• Witness descriptions of seizure activity
• EEG (electroencephalogram) testing
• MRI or CT brain imaging
• Blood tests

An EEG measures electrical activity in the brain and can help identify seizure patterns.

Treatment Options

The primary treatment for epilepsy is anti-seizure medication. Approximately two-thirds of people achieve seizure control with medication.

Other treatment options may include:

• Epilepsy surgery
• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
• Responsive neurostimulation (RNS)
• Deep brain stimulation
• Dietary therapies (e.g., ketogenic diet)

Treatment plans are individualized and developed in collaboration with healthcare providers.

Living With Epilepsy

Epilepsy can impact more than physical health. It may affect education, employment, driving eligibility, independence, mental health, and relationships.

Some individuals experience anxiety, depression, or social stigma. Access to education, community support, and appropriate healthcare significantly improves quality of life.

At ESEBC, we recognize that epilepsy is not just a diagnosis, it is a lived experience.

What Is SUDEP?

SUDEP stands for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. It is rare but important to understand. Risk is higher in individuals with uncontrolled tonic-clonic seizures.

Learn more: What Is SUDEP?