Epilepsy + Original Articles

There is currently no cure for epilepsy, but with the right treatment, most people with the condition can lead normal, fulfilling lives. More than 2 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with epilepsy, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). But as common as epilepsy is, stigmas about the condition have only recently begun to be dispelled.

Although much is still unknown about epilepsy, experts agree that these common myths are not true. Epilepsy--the mere word often conjures images that are either terribly frightening or simply inaccurate. And despite being first documented by Hippocrates in 400 B.C., the cause of this brain disorder, which is primarily characterized by recurrent seizures, is still largely a mystery.

With the right treatment, most individuals with epilepsy can live normal, happy lives. Here, a look at the disease by the numbers. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It can usually be controlled with medication, although surgery may be a viable option in some cases. Not all types of epilepsy are lifelong—some forms are even confined to particular stages of childhood.