Epilepsy: risk factors

Epilepsy can be of two types, based on about the underlying cause:

1. Idiopathic epilepsy - where the underlying cause is unknown.

It is thought that attacks are caused by abnormalities in neurotransmitters, which regulate the electric impulses in the brain. There may be a genetic component, and in some rare cases a specific gene defect.

2. Symptomatic epilepsy - where the seizures are caused by a known illness or cause relating to the brain. Such illnesses or causes fall into the following categories:

• Developmental anomalies
• Head injury
• Strokes (due to  infarcts (lack of blood to a particular area) or haemorrhages (blood leakage)
• Tumours
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Chronic alcohol abuse