Epilepsy is defined as a tendency to have recurrent seizures. Commonly thought of as a single condition, there are many different types of epilepsy and over 40 seizure types.
Symptomatic epilepsy has a known cause, such as meningitis, stroke, or brain damage during a difficult birth. Idiopathic epilepsy, which occurs in approximately six out of ten patients, has no known cause.
The tendency to have seizures, a low seizure threshold, may run in families. Some types of epilepsy, such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy are now believed to be inherited. Additionally, some inherited syndromes have epilepsy as a symptom.
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[ Kids/Teens ]
Explains what epilepsy is, what a seizure is, and what happens during one. Also tells how many people are affected by this condition and discusses some options for controlling it.
[ Teens/Mature Teens ]
Learn about causes, types of seizures, what doctors do and how to live with this condition.
[ Kids/Teens ]
Explains what epilepsy is, what a seizure is, and what happens during one. Also tells how many people are affected by this condition and discusses some options for controlling it.
[ Teens/Mature Teens ]
Learn about causes, types of seizures, what doctors do and how to live with this condition.
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