Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent ‘seizures’ or ‘fits’. The seizures are caused as a result of sudden, excessive electrical discharges in the neurons (brain cells).
– Sudden twitching (uncontrollable jerking motions of the arms and legs)– Loss of consciousness– Tingling sensation (feeling of pricking pins or needles) in arms or legs– Stiffness in muscles of arms or legs or face
– Brain damage from prenatal and perinatal injury– Congenital abnormalities– Brain Infections– Stroke and Brain Tumors– Head Injury/ Accidents– A prolonged high fever during childhood
It can affect people of any age and each age group has unique concerns and problems. According to WHO, about 50 million people have epilepsy across the world, out of which 80 per cent of people are living in developing countries.