Your brain is like a super-powered computer that sends messages all over your body. Sometimes, it sends too many messages all at once, and that causes something called a seizure.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurring seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. While anyone might experience a single seizure, epilepsy is typically diagnosed when there's a likelihood of repeated episodes.
In the UK epilepsy affects around 630,000 people, which is roughly 1 in every 100 individuals. Each day, around 80 new cases are diagnosed.
What happens during a seizure?
Our brains constantly send electrical signals. A seizure occurs when there's a sudden surge of intense electrical activity, disrupting normal brain function. The brain gets confused and sends mixed-up signals. The effects vary depending on which part of the brain is involved.
This can make someone:
- stare into space for a few seconds
- shake or jerk their arms and legs
- fall down or feel dizzy
- feels strange or forget things for a moment
Not all seizures look the same, and they usually don't last long.
Who can be affected?
Epilepsy can begin at any stage in life. Some types are temporary, but for many, it's a lifelong condition.
Epilepsy isn’t like a cold, and you can’t catch it from someone else. Lots of children and grown-ups have epilepsy, and they can still do most of the things they love.
What causes epilepsy?
Epilepsy can result from:
- brain injuries such as stroke, trauma or infections
- genetic factors - certain genes may increase susceptibility
In about half of cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is handled by specialists. Neurologists for adults, and paediatricians for children.
Diagnosis involves:
- a detailed symptom history
- tests such as Electroencephalograms (EEG's), brain scans and blood work - these tests don't hurt and help doctors understand what is going on
- genetic testing is carried out in some cases
Treatment options
Medication is the primary approach. These anti-seizure drugs help control or reduce seizures:
- About 50% of people respond well to the first medication they try
- Others may need different medications
- Around one-third have drug-resistant epilepsy and may explore alternatives such as surgery, nerve stimulation, or the ketogenic diet
- Emergency medication may be prescribed for prolonged or cluster seizures. Where needed, parents and carers will receive advice and training on its safe use and administration
- Buccal Midazolam is a rescue medication used to help stop prolonged seizures. It is given into the side of the mouth between the cheek and gum, where it is quickly absorbed and usually works within a few minutes
Living with epilepsy
Lifestyle advice
Good sleep, regular meals, and staying well hydrated can help reduce seizure risk for some children with epilepsy. Illness and fever may increase seizure activity, so it is important to encourage rest, fluids, and continue medication as prescribed.
For children with photosensitive epilepsy, flashing or flickering lights and excessive screen time may trigger seizures. Regular breaks from screens and avoiding screens when overtired can help.
Care plans
Every child with epilepsy should have an individual epilepsy care plan developed with their parents/carers and epilepsy team. This plan ensures that everyone involved in the child’s care understands their epilepsy, seizure types, triggers, and how to respond in an emergency, including if emergency medication is needed. It also helps provide safe and consistent care at home, school, and during everyday activities.
Helping someone during a seizure
Understanding how to help someone during a seizure can be life-saving. Training and resources are available for parents, carers, educators and employers to support individuals with epilepsy confidently and safely.
What you can do to help
- Stay calm and keep them safe
- Move hazards away and cushion their head if needed
- Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth
- Turn the child onto their side when possible
- Loosen tight clothing around the neck
- Time the seizure
- Give emergency medication if it is prescribed and in their care plan
- Stay with the child until they recover
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than their care plan advises, if seizures repeat without recovery, or if you are concerned about breathing or injury.
Meet the team
Dr Muhammad Khan, Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in Epilepsy
Dr Sivaraman, Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in Epilepsy
Kerry Mobbs, Paediatric Epilepsy Nurse Specialist
Please contact Kerry if you have non-urgent questions or need support.
Contact us
Epilepsy Secretary
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026