Epilepsy: risk factors

This section outlines the risk factors for epilepsy - the underlying causes of the condition.

In most cases, the cause of epilepsy is not fully understood - hence the term "idiopathic epilepsy". It is thought that attacks are caused by abnormalities in neurotransmitters, chemicals which regulate electrical impulses in the brain. There may be a genetic component, and in some rare cases a specific gene defect.

In other cases, epilepsy is caused by a specific illness or problem relating to the brain. This kind of epilepsy is termed "symptomatic" and is commoner in older life. Examples of health problems that may cause epilepsy include:

• Developmental anomalies
• Head injury
• Strokes
• Tumours
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Chronic alcohol abuse