Epilepsy is a brain condition and is defined by repeated seizures.

There are different types of seizure, depending on which part of the brain it affects.

Types of seizures

People with epilepsy can experience any type of seizure, although most people have a consistent pattern of symptoms.

Focal seizures

There are two main types of focal seizure.

Focal aware seizures

Focal impaired awareness seizures

Generalised seizures

There are 6 main types of generalised seizure.

Absences

Myoclonic seizures

Clonic seizures

Atonic seizures

Tonic seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures

Myoclonic-tonic-clonic seizures and Myoclonic-atonic are seizures involving a combination of the generalised seizures above.

Causes of epilepsy

In some cases of epilepsy a cause cannot be found.

If there’s an identifiable cause, it usually involves the brain being affected by a condition.

The brain is a delicate mix of nerve cells, electrical impulses and chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. Any damage has the potential to disrupt the workings of the brain and cause seizures.

The categories of epilepsy can be separated by their causes which might be:

Structural

Genetic

Infectious

Metabolic

Immune

Unknown

Seizure triggers

These include:
stress
Lack of sleep

• withdrawal from alcohol following heavy drinking
• some medications
• illegal drugs
• your menstrual cycle or period
• flashing lights (this is an uncommon trigger that affects less than 5% of people with epilepsy, and is known as photosensitive epilepsy)

Keeping a seizure diary is a good way to help find out what might trigger your seizures. Every time you have a seizure, record it and make a note of what you were doing. Over time, you might notice some avoidable things that seem to trigger your symptoms.