Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that causes brief interruptions in how brain cells send signals to each other. Such interruptions can cause seizures like convulsions, muscle spasms, or other sensations which can effect a person’s ability to remain conscious, to move at will, or control certain behaviors. Seizures can vary in intensity as well as in the amount of time they last.

Epilepsy is not a mental disorder. It is a malfunction of the electrical processes of the brain. Although it can be inherited, it can also be caused by tumors or strokes, or other injuries to the brain. Since most epilepsy is not a condition that worsens with age, adults can generally expect a normal lifespan under the care of a physician.