ANGELS OF EPILEPSY — EDUCATION CENTER
Your Trusted Hub for Epilepsy Information, Safety Guidance & Family Support
Epilepsy 101
Foundational Knowledge for Patients, Families & Communities
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes a person to experience repeated, unprovoked seizures. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affects how the body works.
Epilepsy is not contagious, not a mental illness, and not a sign of weakness. It is a medical condition that affects millions worldwide.
How Epilepsy Develops: The Brain Basics
The brain sends signals through electrical impulses. When those impulses misfire or become overactive, a seizure can occur. Depending on where in the brain this activity happens, symptoms can vary from staring spells to full-body convulsions.
How Common Is Epilepsy?
More than 3.4 million Americans live with epilepsy.
1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their life.
Anyone can be affected—children, adults, and seniors.
Causes & Risk Factors
Epilepsy can be caused by:
Genetics
Head Injury
Brain infections
Stroke
Developmental conditions
Unknown causes (in nearly half of all cases)
Common Myths vs. Facts
Myth:
People with epilepsy cannot live normal lives.
Fact:
With proper treatment and safety planning, most people live full, active lives.
Myth:
You should hold someone down during a seizure.
Fact:
Never hold someone down — it can cause injury.
Myth:
Epilepsy is rare.
Fact:
It is one of the most common neurological conditions.
Types of Epilepsy
Understanding the different types of epilepsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and improved quality of life for individuals living with this condition.
Generalized Epilepsy
Seizures start on both sides of the brain (or quickly affect neurons on both sides)
Focal Epilepsy
Seizures develop in a particular area on one side of the brain
Generalized and focal epilepsy
An individual with this type of epilepsy can develop both generalized and focal seizures
Unknown if generalized or focal epilepsy
A clear understanding of where the seizures are coming from is unknown
When to Seek Medical Care
Call for professional help if:
Seizures last longer than 5 minutes
A person has repeated seizures without recovery
Breathing doesn’t return to normal
The person is injured during the seizure
It’s their first seizure ever
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