Other problems may be present as a result of seizures. These may include problems with muscle control, vision, speech, awareness and movement. Epilepsy may be described in several ways. Idiopathic epilepsy implies that there is no apparent cause of epilepsy, but the cause may be genetic.

Symptomatic epilepsy means that a cause has been identified, while cryptogenic epilepsy means that there is likely a cause, but it is unknown. Epilepsy may also be described as focal or partial, meaning that the seizures start in one area of the brain.

Generalized epilepsy refers to seizures affecting the entire brain at once. Epilepsy may be the result of another injury or condition such as a head injury, brain tumor, brain infection or stroke.

The main symptom of epilepsy is repeated seizures. The seizures may happen without warning and may come on suddenly. If epilepsy is left untreated, seizures may become more frequent.

Patients with epilepsy may experience more than one type of seizure. Depending on the type of seizure the patient experiences, the patient may have problems with their senses, may experience problems with muscle control, may faint, stare off into space or the body may twitch or jerk. Seizures may not always be a result of epilepsy. Seizures may be brought on by other conditions, so checking with a health care professional to diagnose the cause of seizures is important.

Epilepsy may be treated using medications to control seizures. The patient and doctor may work together to find a medicine that causes the fewest side effects. Other treatments may include surgery to remove damaged brain tissue, a change in diet (more fat, less carbohydrates) or a vagus nerve stimulator, a device implanted near the collarbone that sends weak signals to the brain and vagus nerve to control seizures.

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