Why does epilepsy suddenly start?
Causes of epilepsy In epilepsy, the electrical signals in the brain become scrambled and there are sometimes sudden bursts of electrical activity. This is what causes seizures. In most cases, it’s not clear why this happens.
Can epilepsy just start out of nowhere?
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 100 people in the U.S. has had a single unprovoked seizure or has been diagnosed with epilepsy. 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
What happens after you are diagnosed with epilepsy?
With some types of seizure you remain alert and aware of what’s going on around you, and with other types you lose awareness. You may have unusual sensations, feelings or movements. Or you may go stiff, fall to the floor and jerk.
When do you know you have epilepsy when you have a seizure?
When you have epilepsy, it means you have a tendency to have epileptic seizures. Anyone can have a one-off seizure, but this doesn’t always mean they have epilepsy. You will usually only be diagnosed with epilepsy if your doctor thinks that there is a high chance you could have more.
How old do you have to be to get diagnosed with epilepsy?
You will usually only be diagnosed with epilepsy if your doctor thinks that there is a high chance you could have more. Epilepsy can start at any age. There are many types of epilepsy. Some types last for a short time, and some types can last for the whole of your life.
What kind of doctor should I see if I think I have epilepsy?
If your doctor thinks you may have epilepsy, they should arrange for you to see a specialist doctor with experience in diagnosing and treating epilepsy. This is usually a neurologist. The specialist will base their diagnosis on what they are told about your seizures. Usually, they will also ask you to have some tests.
Why are so many people not diagnosed with epilepsy?
But for over half of all people with epilepsy, doctors can’t find a cause. It’s thought that our genes play a part in who does and who doesn’t develop epilepsy. This may explain why some people develop epilepsy with no clear cause. Researchers have found a number of genes linked to particular types of epilepsy.
When you have epilepsy, it means you have a tendency to have epileptic seizures. Anyone can have a one-off seizure, but this doesn’t always mean they have epilepsy. You will usually only be diagnosed with epilepsy if your doctor thinks that there is a high chance you could have more.
Can a person develop epilepsy at any age?
content highlights. Epilepsy and seizures can develop in any person at any age. 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Factors such as other health conditions, age, and race may make developing epilepsy and seizures more likely.
What to ask your doctor if you have epilepsy?
Since you were recently diagnosed with epilepsy, ask your doctor these questions at your next visit. What type of epilepsy do I have? Am I likely to have more seizures if I don’t get medication or other treatments? If I need medication, what side effects can I expect?
When do new cases of epilepsy go down?
The rate of new cases of epilepsy gradually goes down until about age 10 and then becomes stable. After age 55, the rate of new cases of epilepsy starts to increase, as people develop strokes, brain tumors, or Alzheimer’s disease, which all can cause epilepsy. Does epilepsy occur more often in people after traumatic brain injury?