What Is Epilepsy?

The word 'epilepsy' is derived from the Greek word meaning 'to be seized, to be overwhelmed by surprise'.

To have epilepsy is to have a tendency to have recurring seizures. Anyone can have a seizure, if the brain is exposed to a strong enough stimulus. We know that about 1 in every 20 people will have a single seizure at some time during their lives.

Official figures received by Brainwave support its estimation that there are 30,000 to 40,000 people with epilepsy in Ireland.

The significance of having a tendency to have seizures will vary from person to person, and will depend on many things; for most people, epilepsy, will only affect them for a short period in their lives. For some, however, the consequences can be more lasting.