crew. 1  Ella Andersonas Piper. 2  Dan SchneiderCreator. 3  Dana OlsenCreator.  Dan 1  SchneiderWriter. Dana OlsenWriter.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures over time. Seizures are episodes of uncontrolled and abnormal firing of brain cells that may cause changes in attention or behavior. Epilepsy occurs when permanent changes in the brain cause it to be too excitable or irritable. As a result, the brain sends out abnormal signals. This leads to repeated, unpredictable seizures. (A single seizure that does not happen again is not epilepsy.)
2 to 14 years: Often, the cause is unknown (see also Seizures in Children). Adults: A head injury, stroke, or tumor may damage the brain, causing a seizure. Alcohol withdrawal (caused by suddenly stopping drinking) is a common cause of seizures. However, in about half of people in this age group, the cause is unknown. Older adults: The cause may be a brain tumor or stroke.