Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency. Seizures are more common than you might think. Seizures can happen after a stroke, a closed head injury, an infection such as meningitis or another illness.

Can epilepsy go away on its own?

It isnt common for epilepsy to go away on its own. Long-term, recurring seizures usually can be controlled with treatment, which often includes taking medication. About 70 percent of people with epilepsy can control their seizures with medications or surgery.

Is having epilepsy a disability?

Epilepsy itself is not an intellectual disability. Epilepsy, however, is more common in people who live with an intellectual disability.

Is epilepsy a serious illness?

More serious health problems, such as a stroke or a tumor. These conditions carry an increased risk of death and may cause seizures. Falls or other injuries that happen because of seizures. These injuries can be life-threatening.

What happens if epilepsy is untreated?

If epilepsy is not treated, seizures may occur throughout a persons life. Seizures can become more severe and happen more often over time. Epilepsy can be caused by tumors or improperly formed blood vessels.

What is the major cause of epilepsy?

In general, epilepsy and seizures result from abnormal circuit activity in the brain. Any event ranging from faulty wiring during brain development, brain inflammation, physical injury or infection can lead to seizure and epilepsy. Underlying causes for epilepsy include: Brain structure abnormalities.

Does Catamenial epilepsy go away?

Sometimes, but not always. In some women, seizures do seem to just disappear. This usually happens in women who have catamenial epilepsy. For other women, menopause doesnt seem to make a difference in their seizures.

How is catamenial epilepsy treated?

Actually, there is no specific drug treatment for catamenial epilepsy, which is often refractory to many therapies. A variety of therapies for catamenial epilepsy have been proposed, including nonhormonal (acetazolamide, cyclical use of benzodiazepines, or conventional antiepileptic drugs), and hormonal therapies.

Is catamenial epilepsy common?

Catamenial epilepsy is an uncommon condition. Patient claims about frequency of seizures in relation to menstruation are not always accurate.