Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a group of disorders marked by problems in the normal functioning of the brain. These problems can produce seizures, unusual body movements, a loss of consciousness or changes in consciousness, as well as mental problems or problems with the senses.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition that has been known to mankind since ancient times. It affects the brain to cause repeated convulsions or seizures - also called fits in common parlance. The word “epilepsy” comes from the Greek and means to be taken, seized or attacked.

Epilepsy Legal Implications

Epilepsy Treatment

Epilepsy Epidemiology

Epilepsy Pathophysiology

Catamenial Epilepsy

Can Stem Cells be Used to Treat Epilepsy?

Epilepsy Seizure Types

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

Epilepsy Classification

Breath Analysis in Epilepsy Treatment Monitoring

Epilepsy Syndromes

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Catamenial Epilepsy Diagnosis and Treatment

Epilepsy in Children

Latest Epilepsy News and Research

Researchers identify seizure-associated depolarization as cause of post-ictal symptoms

People with temporal lobe epilepsy in particular often wander around aimlessly and unconsciously after a seizure. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) have identified a neurobiological mechanism that could be responsible for this so-called post-ictal wandering and potentially other postictal symptoms.

18 Sep 2025

Frequent soccer heading linked to alterations within the folds of the brain

In amateur soccer players, more frequent heading, or using the head to control or pass the ball, is linked to alterations within the folds of the brain, according to a study published on September 17, 2025, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

17 Sep 2025

Physical frailty linked to higher dementia risk

A new study suggests that physical frailty may contribute to the development of dementia. The study was published on September 17, 2025, in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

17 Sep 2025

Precision targeting of the centromedian nucleus offers hope for people with drug-resistant epilepsy

It is estimated that one-third of the 50 million people worldwide with epilepsy are resistant to anti-seizure medications. These patients, having drug-resistant epilepsy, have limited treatment options beyond surgery to control their seizures.

16 Sep 2025

Parents of children with health conditions face added worries as school year begins

As the new school year begins, some parents may be feeling more nervous than excited - especially those whose children have different health needs.

16 Sep 2025

Study uncovers how the brain flexibly switches communication routes

When we recall something familiar or explore a new situation, the brain does not always use the same communication routes.

16 Sep 2025

Chronic insomnia linked to faster cognitive decline and brain changes

People with chronic insomnia may experience faster declines in memory and thinking skills as they age-along with brain changes that can be seen on imaging scans-than people who do not have chronic insomnia, according to a study published in the September 10, 2025, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

10 Sep 2025

Detecting causality in neural spike trains using a new technique

Understanding the brain's functional architecture is a fundamental challenge in neuroscience. The connections between neurons ultimately dictate how information is processed, transmitted, stored, and retrieved, thus forming the basis of our cognitive functions.

10 Sep 2025

Study links high intake of artificial sweeteners to faster cognitive decline

Some sugar substitutes may come with unexpected consequences for long-term brain health, according to a study published in the September 3, 2025, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

3 Sep 2025

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people face highest stroke rates in the U.S.

A new study found that Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander people had the highest rate of stroke among people from other race and ethnic groups, with a rate more than three times higher than that of white people.

28 Aug 2025

Hormone therapy type may influence postmenopausal cognitive health

The type of estradiol-based hormone therapy taken during and after menopause, such as patches or pills, may be associated with differences in memory performance, according to a study published on August 27, 2025, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

28 Aug 2025

New study reveals long road to seizure control for people with focal epilepsy

Antiseizure medications help the majority of people with focal epilepsy, a common form of the neurological disorder.

25 Aug 2025

How a single gene reshapes pain perception through polyamine signaling

Researchers have identified SLC45A4 as a neuronal polyamine transporter genetically linked to human chronic pain. Loss of this gene in mice disrupts polyamine balance, alters spinal GABA levels, and reduces heat and tonic pain sensitivity.

24 Aug 2025

Aston Medical School secures NIHR funding for 12 academic clinical fellows

Aston Medical School has successfully bid for funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for 12 Academic Clinical Fellows.

22 Aug 2025

Metabolic syndrome linked to higher risk of Parkinson's disease

Having a larger waistline, high blood pressure and other risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, according to a study published on August 20, 2025, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

20 Aug 2025

Hyperactivity in reticular thalamic nucleus drives autism-like behaviors in mice

Stanford Medicine scientists investigating the neurological underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder have found that hyperactivity in a specific brain region could drive behaviors commonly associated with the disorder.

20 Aug 2025

Texas Children’s successfully treats AADC deficiency using FDA-approved gene therapy

Texas Children's is pleased to announce that a three-year-old girl has been successfully treated with the first-ever FDA-approved gene therapy treatment for AADC deficiency.

19 Aug 2025

Leg movement variability provides reliable marker of dystonia in pediatric cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy affects around one in 345 children in the U.S., and more than half of them experience a problem called dystonia - involuntary and often painful muscle contractions, most commonly in the legs, that lead to abnormal movement and postures and make regular activities such as walking difficult.

14 Aug 2025

Aging weakens blood-brain barrier and impairs memory

A new study from researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago reveals how the blood-brain barrier gets leakier with age, contributing to memory deficits.

12 Aug 2025

Brain cells follow rhythmic patterns during learning and memory retrieval

A research team from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and the Medical Center - University of Freiburg has gained new insights into the brain processes involved in encoding and retrieving new memory content.

11 Aug 2025