Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a group of disorders marked by problems in the normal functioning of the brain. These problems can produce seizures, unusual body movements, a loss of consciousness or changes in consciousness, as well as mental problems or problems with the senses.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition that has been known to mankind since ancient times. It affects the brain to cause repeated convulsions or seizures - also called fits in common parlance. The word “epilepsy” comes from the Greek and means to be taken, seized or attacked.

Epilepsy Classification

Epilepsy Epidemiology

Epilepsy Pathophysiology

Epilepsy Seizure Types

Epilepsy Syndromes

Epilepsy Treatment

Epilepsy Legal Implications

Epilepsy in Children

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

Catamenial Epilepsy

Catamenial Epilepsy Diagnosis and Treatment

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Can Stem Cells be Used to Treat Epilepsy?

Breath Analysis in Epilepsy Treatment Monitoring

Latest Epilepsy News and Research

Study sheds light on how the brain processes everyday conversations

A new study has uncovered how the brain seamlessly transforms sounds, speech patterns, and words into the flow of everyday conversations.

7 Mar 2025

Chronic stress may raise stroke risk for younger women

Some people living with chronic stress have a higher risk of stroke, according to a study published on March 5, 2025, online in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

5 Mar 2025

Over-the-counter pain medications may shorten concussion recovery time

People who take over-the-counter pain relievers after a concussion may recover faster than those who do not take pain relievers, according to a preliminary study released today, March 5, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025, in San Diego and online.

5 Mar 2025

Higher folic acid doses in early pregnancy improve verbal and behavioral skills in children

Taking a higher dose of folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy was safe and associated with improved verbal abilities in children at age six as well as improved behavior skills, according to a preliminary study released today, March 4, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025, in San Diego and onli

4 Mar 2025

Simple algorithm may help reduce treatment disparities in multiple sclerosis

A simple treatment algorithm may help reduce treatment disparities for Hispanic and Black people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a preliminary study released today, March 3, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025, in San Diego and online.

3 Mar 2025

Non-invasive 40Hz gamma stimulation could help fight Alzheimer’s

A decade after scientists in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT first began testing whether sensory stimulation of the brain's 40Hz "gamma" frequency rhythms could treat Alzheimer's disease in mice, a growing evidence base supporting the idea that it can improve brain health-in humans as well as animals-has emerged from the work of labs all over the world.

3 Mar 2025

Medtronic receives FDA approval for BrainSense Adaptive DBS technology

For the one million people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the United States, Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, proudly announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of BrainSense™ Adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) and BrainSense™ Electrode Identifier (EI).

3 Mar 2025

Early CPAP treatment may reduce Parkinson's disease risk in people with sleep apnea

People with obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, but if started early enough, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may reduce that risk, according to a preliminary study released today, March 2, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025, in San Diego and online.

2 Mar 2025

Global partnerships transforming diagnosis and treatment for rare genetic diseases

Global partnerships that embed scientific research into clinical care are revolutionising the diagnosis and treatments for children with rare genetic diseases, according to a new report.

27 Feb 2025

Drug may offer new hope for preventing migraines in kids and teens

For children and teens living with migraine, there may be a new preventive treatment, according to a preliminary study released today, February 26, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025, in San Diego and online.

26 Feb 2025

New study identifies effective blood tests for ALS diagnosis and monitoring

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, can sometimes be difficult to diagnose or to predict how quickly the disease is likely to progress. A new study helps determine which blood tests are best at identifying and monitoring ALS.

26 Feb 2025

New AI tool enhances discovery of genes involved in neurodevelopmental conditions

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) approach that accelerates the identification of genes that contribute to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy and developmental delay.

26 Feb 2025

New mathematical model assesses drug exposure for breastfed infants

A new mathematical model developed at the University of Waterloo can determine a baby's overall drug exposure when their mother is taking medication.

26 Feb 2025

New AI tool could improve care planning for patients with learning disabilities

A new artificial intelligence (AI) model has been developed to predict how long a person with a learning disability is likely to stay in hospital, offering valuable insights that could improve care and resource planning.

25 Feb 2025

AI-powered tool improves the detection of focal cortical dysplasia

Scientists have developed an AI-powered tool that detects 64% of brain abnormalities linked to epilepsy that human radiologists miss.

24 Feb 2025

Study focuses on diagnostic delays experienced by people with epilepsy

Any patient suffering from new or worsening medical symptoms hopes for a relatively quick and accurate diagnosis.

20 Feb 2025

CBD boosts endurance in mice by reshaping gut bacteria and enhancing muscle performance

Study shows that cannabidiol (CBD) enhances endurance exercise in mice by reshaping gut microbiota, boosting mitochondrial function, and altering muscle fiber composition for improved performance.

20 Feb 2025

Can chili peppers improve ADHD symptoms? Scientists explore their gut-brain connection

Chili peppers may influence ADHD symptoms by modulating the gut microbiome, with capsaicin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids showing potential effects on neurotransmitters and inflammation. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.

20 Feb 2025

Smoking linked to unexplained strokes in younger adults

Smoking, particularly heavy smoking, is linked to some unexplained strokes in younger adults, mainly in male individuals and in people ages 45 to 49, according to a study published in the February 19, 2025, online issue of Neurology Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

20 Feb 2025