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About epilepsy

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Mel Allen who has epilepsy and her family

Over 600,000 people in the UK have epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a common and serious neurological condition which affects the brain and nervous system. Seizures always start in the brain and are caused by many different underlying causes, including a person's genetics, a structural change in the brain or from other underlying conditions.

There are over 40 different types of seizure, and not all of them are physical which is why epilepsy can also be an invisible condition.

On this page you'll find information around all aspects of epilepsy including causes, triggers, diagnosing epilepsy and treatment.

Shown on the right is Mel Allen with her family. Mel was diagnosed with epilepsy and found treatment and support from Epilepsy Society.

 

What is epilepsy?

Epileptic seizures

There are many different types of epileptic seizure. Any of us could potentially have a single epileptic seizure at some point in our lives. This is not the same as having epilepsy, which is a tendency to have seizures that start in the brain. 

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy varies greatly and affects everyone differently. If you or someone you know has epilepsy, you may find it helpful to learn more. Here are some basic facts about epilepsy and where to get more information.

Diagnosing epilepsy

Just diagnosed

There can be a lot of misunderstanding about epilepsy and seizures, but it is a common condition. About one in a hundred people has epilepsy, so you may already know people with the condition. This page aims to help you learn more about epilepsy, to understand how it might affect you, and answer some questions you might have about living with the condition.

How do you treat epilepsy?

Looking after your wellbeing

Do you know what to do if someone has a seizure?

Are you #seizuresavvy?

Our #seizuresavvy campaign focuses on tonic clonic seizures as these are the type of seizure that are most easily recognised. The charity’s new campaign gives people three simple but key instructions to remember in an emergency: “Calm, Cushion, Call.”

Christina Marshall

Personal stories

Find out more from people who have been affected by epilepsy in our inspiring personal stories section. 

Want to know more?

Download our What is epilepsy? leaflet 

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