This is a central nervous system disorder which is characterized by a disturbance in the nerve cell activity in your brain. This disturbance manifests itself in the form of a seizure during which one experiences abnormal sensations and exhibits abnormal behaviour. The symptoms may vary and some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others twitch their arms or legs.

A seizure can produce symptoms such as:

• Loss of consciousness

• Psychic symptoms

• Uncontainable jerking movements of legs and arms

• A staring spell

The symptoms usually vary depending on the type of seizure.

What causes Epilepsy?

In most cases, the condition may be traced to various factors, such as;

• Infectious diseases such as meningitis, Aids, Viral encephalitis.

• Head trauma that occurs due to an accident or other traumatic injuries.

• Brain conditions that cause damage to the brain such as strokes and brain tumours.

• Prenatal injury, such as an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or oxygen deficiencies.

• Developmental disorders such as autism and neurofibromatosis.

• There are few types of epilepsies which are categorized by the type of seizure one experiences that runs in families. In such cases, it's likely that there's a genetic influence.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following:

• A second seizure follows immediately after the first

• The seizure lasts for more than five minutes

• Consciousness or breathing doesn't return after the seizure stops

• You have a high fever

• You're pregnant

• If you have diabetes

• You have injured yourself during a seizure

Please seek medical advice if you experience a seizure for the first time!