A Brief Overview of Epilepsy with Emphasis on Children

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures over time. A seizure is a sudden change in the electrical and chemical activity in the brain. A single seizure that does not happen again is NOT epilepsy. Most children with epilepsy live a normal life. Certain types of childhood epilepsy go away or improve with age, usually in the late teens or 20s. Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries. The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than for the general population. There is no known way to prevent epilepsy. Proper diet and sleep may decrease the chances of seizures in children with epilepsy. Reduce the risk of head injury during risky activities. This can decrease the likelihood of a brain injury that leads to seizures and epilepsy. Treatment for epilepsy includes: Medicines, Lifestyle changes and Surgery. Three quarters of people with epilepsy living in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need.