Epilepsy: introduction

The World Health Organisation describes epilepsy as "a chronic disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which may vary from a brief lapse of attention or muscle jerks, to severe and prolonged convulsions. The seizures are caused by sudden, usually brief, excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells (neurones)."

A seizure (a fit or convulsion) may cause shaking of the body or alterations in consciousness. A single seizure may occur as part of various diseases, but epilepsy is defined as having repeated seizures. Epilepsy affects many people in Scotland, can cause major disruption to people's lives and increases the risk of death. In addition to the physical effects there are psychological and social effects, including learning difficulties and stigma. For most people, however, epilepsy can be managed well with appropriate medication, and treatment usually leads to eventual remission.

More detailed information on epilepsy for patients and health professionals is available from the sources listed in the Useful Links section.