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Epilepsy

Also called Seizures, Fits, or Seizure disorder

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes repeated seizures, which are sudden bursts of electrical activity that temporarily change how the brain works. Seizures can look very different: some cause shaking and loss of consciousness, while others cause brief staring or strange feelings. It can start at any age.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

Sometimes there is a clear cause, such as a brain injury, stroke or genetic condition, but often there is none.

Most people control their seizures with anti-seizure medicines. Others may be offered surgery, a special diet or a nerve stimulator. Epilepsy affects driving, and some medicines need careful planning before pregnancy.

Common signs

  • Uncontrollable shaking and stiffness
  • Losing awareness and staring
  • Collapsing
  • Strange sensations, such as a rising feeling in the tummy, odd smells or tingling
  • Confusion after a seizure

How it is usually diagnosed

  • A detailed description of the seizures, ideally from a witness or a video
  • EEG
  • MRI scan
  • Blood tests

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • A seizure diary with dates and descriptions
  • Videos of seizures, if possible
  • EEG and MRI reports
  • Your medicines and doses
  • A rescue medicine plan

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What type of epilepsy is it?
  • What are the side effects of my medicine, and what if I am planning a pregnancy?
  • What are the rules about driving?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, repeated seizures without recovery in between, a first seizure, or injury during a seizure: call 112

This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.

Sources

Related conditions

Febrile seizuresFits in young children caused by a high temperature. They are frightening but usually harmless and most children grow out of them.Brain tumoursA growth of cells in the brain. Tumours can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), and symptoms depend on where they are.