Seizures can be controlled.

Epilepsy, affecting more than 1,500,000 Americans, is caused by disorganized electrical discharges between brain cells, leading, in turn, to involuntary episodes of alternating muscular contractions and relaxations, with loss of consciousness. The term epilepsy covers a group of nervous system disorders that feature repeated episodes of convulsive seizures, sensory disorders, abnormal behavior, and blackouts.

Seizure frequency varies from patient to patient. Some have several a day; others, only one every few years. Many epilepsy sufferers are sensitive to flashing lights or sudden loud noises.

Physicians agree that most epilepsy usually is of unknown cause, but may result from head injuries, particularly in the young. There is some evidence that genetics also play a role in who has the illness.

Epileptic episodes take many forms. Focal seizures commonly begin as spasms in the face, hand, or foot and spread to other muscles. Grand mal seizures cause unconsciousness and uncontrollable muscle spasms involving the entire body, during which persons may lose bladder control, clench their teeth, or bite their tongue. Sufferers generally do not recall the seizure or waking up and, in many cases, will fall into a deep sleep after the episode. Petit mal seizures begin with a short-term loss of consciousness, followed by severe muscle spasms. Motor seizure is a temporary disturbance in brain function caused by abnormal nerve signals that begin in a local motor nerve area of the brain. A psychomotor seizure is a brief loss of consciousness that makes the person appear to be drowsy, intoxicated, or even violent.

Although most epileptics may be treated with medication and live normal lives, between 10 and 20% do not...