Epilepsy refers to a group of diverse chronic neurological disorders that are characterized by seizures. Epilepsy might be caused by alcohol addiction, brain cancer, substance abuse, stroke and trauma. Seizures tend to set in due to abnormal neuronal activities in the brain.

As many as 50 million people around the world are affected by epilepsy. Its occurrence becomes more common with increase in age. It is estimated that 80 percent of all the epilepsy cases are found in developing countries. While it is possible to control epilepsy with medication, it might not be completely stopped. In certain cases surgery may be recommended.

Epilepsy patients may experience generalized seizures, partial or focal seizures or absence seizures, depending on whether the whole brain or a part of it is involved. The treatment of epilepsy involves medication and/or surgery.