There is no single cause of Epilepsy. Many factors can injure the nerve cells in the brain or the way the nerve cells communicate with each other. In approximately 70% of all cases there is NO known cause. The following are some of the most frequently identified causes:

• Head injury that causes scaring of the brain tissue.
• Trauma at birth, or high fever.
• Excessively rough handling or shaking of infants.
• Certain drugs or toxic substances when administered in large doses.
• Interruption of blood flow to the brain caused by stroke, tumour, or certain cardiovascular problems.
• Diseases which alter the balance of blood or its chemical structure, or diseases that damage the nerve cells in the brain.

When physicians can identify the underlying condition, such as those mentioned above, the condition is referred to as “symptomatic” Epilepsy. In some cases, however, the underlying condition can’t be identified and this is called “Idiopathic” Epilepsy.

Is Epilepsy inherited?

In most cases Epilepsy is not inherited. In a few cases the tendency towards epilepsy might be inherited, but even with this tendency certain conditions must exist in the brain before a person will experience seizures. It is most unlikely that children will inherit the disease.

Is Epilepsy contagious?

Epilepsy is in no way contagious. No one can get the disease by talking to, kissing, or touching somebody with Epilepsy. Epilepsy can only be transmitted through hereditary transfer. Epilepsy that runs in families suggests an underlying metabolic or genetic etiology, and this is the least common of all Epilepsy causes.

Is it caused by a virus?

Epilepsy can be the result of an infection or disease. Some conditions known to have a risk of resulting in Epilepsy are meningitis, viral encephalitis, and less frequently mumps, measles, diphtheria, and abscesses.