Understanding Epilepsy

These resources were created to provide people with epilepsy, their caregivers, and their loved ones with essential educational information in an accessible way.

Epilepsy Basics

Learn about epilepsy and seizures – what they are, what causes them, and important things that people with epilepsy should know for their daily lives.

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What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Learn what epilepsy is, what seizures are, and why we need a cure.

What causes epilepsy?

1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Learn about the different causes of this complex neurological disorder.

A doctor is holding up brain imaging up to a bright screen for patient results.

Seizures 101

Epilepsy is a diverse group of neurological disorders which are characterized by recurrent seizures. Learn what causes seizures and how they’re classified.

Two medical professionals in blue scrubs examining brain scans on a lightbox.

Seizure Classification

Seizures are classified depending upon where they start in the brain, whether a person retains or loses consciousness, and other symptoms.

MRI brain scans showing six cross-sectional images in two rows.

Phases of Seizures

There are four phases of a seizure. Learn the signs, symptoms, and progressions.

Seizure Action Plans

A seizure action plan (SAP) contains the essential information on an individual’s epilepsy to help keep them safe from injury during a seizure.

SUDEP

SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) refers to deaths in people with epilepsy that are not caused by injury, drowning, or other known causes.

Epilepsy Risks

People with epilepsy may experience other medical conditions and challenges related to epilepsy.

Diagnosing Epilepsy

Understand who diagnoses epilepsy, which medical settings epilepsy can be diagnosed in, the diagnostic tools, and much more.

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How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Learn about the first step in diagnosing epilepsy, from the types of doctors involved and the different roles they play to the medical settings in which epilepsy can be diagnosed.

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy Centers are specialized medical centers with a team of experts to help diagnose and treat epilepsy. You can search a database of epilepsy centers in your area.

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Diagnostic Tools and Tests

Getting an accurate diagnosis will guide treatment options and provide insight into a patient’s long-term prognosis.

Genetic testing may help identify the cause of a person's epilepsy.

Epilepsy & Genetics

Epilepsy is said to have a genetic cause if seizures are the result of a known or presumed genetic defect or problem associated with epilepsy.

Syndromes & Rare Epilepsies

Learn about epilepsy syndromes and rare epilepsies and discover where to get more information and support.

A doctor is reviewing brain scan of a patient.

Adult vs Pediatric Diagnosis

Adult and pediatric patients may have different experiences in the diagnostic process. Learn the key differences.

Epilepsy Treatments & Therapies

From medication and surgery to alternative therapies and medical devices, there are many ways to treat epilepsy and seizures. This section includes a comprehensive list of the FDA-approved drug therapies for epilepsy.

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Epilepsy Medications

Drug therapies are available to treat people with epilepsy who have uncontrolled seizures. Learn about the FDA-approved medications use to treat epilepsy.

Dietary Therapies

For many years, the ketogenic diet has been used as an effective treatment for epilepsy in both adults and children.

Epilepsy Surgery

Learn about surgical options and what makes a good candidate.

Alternative Therapies

In addition to medication, devices, and surgery, there are alternative treatments for epilepsy, like CBD or music therapy.

$Neurostimulation devices may help reduce seizure frequency in people with drug-resistant (refractory) epilepsy.$

Neurostimulation Devices

Neurostimulation devices may help reduce seizure frequency in people with drug-resistant (refractory) epilepsy.

Clinical Trials

Some epilepsy patients may qualify for clinical trials for emerging drugs. Visit this section to learn what clinical trials are, get answers to questions you may have, and find a clinical trial near you.

Educational Resources

Additional resources to help patients, caregivers and loved ones understand and deal with epilepsy.

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Three doctors wearing lab coats having a conversation about curing epilepsy in a hospital setting

Epilepsy Explained Videos

Each month a featured epilepsy expert will answer questions about a specific area of epilepsy.

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Person using laptop to explore the latest advancements in the cure for epilepsy

Webinars

Learn about the latest advancements in epilepsy treatment, seizure management strategies, and how to provide support to people living with epilepsy.

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An adult and child sitting together looking at a laptop, with a light background and sofa.

Treatment Talks

Learn more about specific epilepsy syndromes or seizure types, including cutting-edge therapies, treatment options, and holistic approaches for those living with epilepsy.

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Medication Access

Understand the prescription medicine supply chain and how it impacts your access to medications.

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Understanding Epilepsy

These resources were created to provide people with epilepsy, their caregivers, and their loved ones with essential educational information in an accessible way.

Epilepsy Basics

What is epilepsy?

What causes epilepsy?

Seizures 101

Seizure Classification

Phases of Seizures

Seizure Action Plans

SUDEP

Epilepsy Risks

Diagnosing Epilepsy

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Epilepsy Centers

Diagnostic Tools and Tests

Epilepsy & Genetics

Syndromes & Rare Epilepsies

Adult vs Pediatric Diagnosis

Epilepsy Treatments & Therapies

Epilepsy Medications

Dietary Therapies

Epilepsy Surgery

Alternative Therapies

Neurostimulation Devices

Clinical Trials

Educational Resources

Epilepsy Explained Videos

Webinars

Treatment Talks

Medication Access