Epilepsy is more common than you might think. About 1 in 26 people will develop this brain disorder during their lifetime, the Epilepsy Foundation reports. That makes understanding epilepsy essential.

What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes a person to have repeated seizures, which are sudden behavior changes caused by a disturbance in the brain’s normal electrical patterns. There are two main types of seizures:

1. Generalized seizures, which affect both sides of the brain at once.
2. Focal seizures, which start in just one area of the brain.

Depending on the type of seizure, a person may stare into space, act confused, lose consciousness, or fall down and shake, for instance. Tell your doctor if you think you may be having seizures. They may refer you to a neurologist for testing.

Diagnosing epilepsy
Not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. Usually, a diagnosis of epilepsy is made if you have two or more seizures not caused by a known medical condition. The doctor will evaluate your medical history and carefully consider all the information about your seizures that you—and witnesses—can provide. They may also recommend an electroencephalogram (EEG), CT or MRI scans, or other diagnostic tests.

Treatment can help
If you do have epilepsy, you’ll most likely be prescribed antiepileptic medications, which may control seizures in up to 70% of people. Many different antiepileptic medications are available, and your doctor can find one that’s right for you.

Your doctor may also suggest dietary changes to help control your seizures. Surgery may be a treatment option for people with hard-to-control seizures.

Helping during a seizure
If someone around you has a seizure, you can help by:

• Calmly staying with them.
• Gently helping them to the ground, if they appear to be falling.
• Removing anything nearby that could injure them.
• Checking for a medical bracelet about their condition.
• Keeping their airway clear by turning them on their side (if they’re lying down) with their mouth angled toward the ground.

Calling 911 if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

Sources: American Association of Neurological Surgeons; Epilepsy Foundation