Who is affected by seizures

Any of us could potentially have a single epileptic seizure at some point in our lives. This is not the same as having epilepsy, which is a tendency to have seizures that start in the brain. Epilepsy is not just one condition, but a group of many different 'epilepsies' with one thing in common: a tendency to have seizures that start in the brain.

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Epilepsy facts and myths. Most seizures happen suddenly without warning, last a short time a few seconds or minutes and stop by themselves. Seizures can be different for each person. Just knowing that someone has epilepsy does not tell you what their epilepsy is like, or what seizures they have.

The names of seizures used on this page describe what happens during the seizure. Some people have more than one type of seizure, or their seizures may not fit clearly into the types described on this page.

But even if someone's seizures are unique, they usually follow the same pattern each time they happen. Not all seizures involve jerking or shaking movements. Some people seem vacant, wander around or are confused during a seizure. Some people have seizures when they are awake, called 'awake seizures'.

The names 'awake' and 'asleep' do not explain the type of seizures, only when they happen. Injuries can happen during seizures, but many people don't hurt themselves and don't need to go to hospital or see a doctor.

About epilepsy and seizures Epilepsy is a neurological condition - which means it affects the brain. It is also a physical condition, because the body is affected when someone has a seizure. Epilepsy is described as the tendency to have repeated seizures that start in the brain. Epilepsy is usually only diagnosed after the person has had more than one seizure.

The Greek philosopher Hippocrates BC was the first person to think that epilepsy starts in the brain. Seizures happen when there is a sudden interruption in the way the brain normally works. In between seizures the brain functions normally.

Epilepsy is a variable condition that affects different people in different ways. There are over 40 different types of seizure. Seizures are the main sign of epilepsy. Some seizures can look like staring spells. Usually, a seizure lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. It depends on the type of seizure. Sometimes it is hard to tell when a person is having a seizure.

A person with epilepsy can have more than one kind of seizure. Read more about types of seizures and what they look like. Not always. Seizures can also happen because of other medical problems. These problems include:. Some known causes include:. For 2 in 3 people, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. This type of epilepsy is called cryptogenic or idiopathic. Learn more about Epilepsy in the United States. Sometimes we can prevent epilepsy. These are some of the most common ways to reduce your risk of developing epilepsy:.

Read more about epilepsy prevention. A person who has a seizure for the first time should talk to a health care provider, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner.

The provider will talk to the person about what happened, and look for the cause of the seizure. Many people who have seizures take tests such as brain scans for a closer look at what is going on. These tests do not hurt. Learn more about how epilepsy is diagnosed external icon from the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are many things a provider and person with epilepsy can do to stop or lessen seizures. Read more about the treatment options for epilepsy in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke publication: Seizures and Epilepsy: Hope Through Research external icon.

Contact Our Helpline. Some differences in how often epilepsy occurs has been seen in a few studies. A review of research about the racial differences in epilepsy suggests that:.

Joe Sirven, epilepsy. Donate to Support Our Mission. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. Skip to main content. Who Gets Epilepsy? Epilepsy and seizures can develop in any person at any age.

Seizures and epilepsy are more common in young children and older people. About 1 in people in the U. People with certain conditions may be at greater risk.

See "What causes epilepsy and seizures? However, seizures may occur more often in different age groups very young and older people , in different races, and in different areas of the world. Epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological condition and epilepsy affects more than 65 million people worldwide.

More men than women have epilepsy overall by a small amount. Contact Our Helpline When are people most likely to get epilepsy? New cases of epilepsy are most common among children, especially during the first year of life.

The rate of new cases of epilepsy gradually goes down until about age 10 and then becomes stable.