Seizures/epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurring seizures. Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy, but not all people who have seizures have epilepsy, and even those who do may also have seizure that are not epileptic in nature. An epileptic seizure is a temporary malfunction of the brain caused by uncontrolled electrical activity from the nerve cells in the cerebral cortex. The seizures rarely damage the brain, but they can make life difficult. The underlying cause, or causes, of epilepsy are relatively unknown.

Seizures may occur for no apparent reason or may be triggered by a wide range of things, including exposure to an allergen; drug or alcohol withdrawal; fever; flashing lights; hunger; hypoglycemia; infection; lack of sleep; metabolic or nutritional imbalances; or trauma, especially head injury. Seizures in children can be particularly disturbing. They are the most common neurological problem affecting children – indeed, one-third of people with seizure disorders are children. Nutritional supplementation is important for people with epilepsy.