Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It ranks as the fourth most common neurological disorder globally, and approximately 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. In the United States, nearly 3 million adults and approximately 456,000 children 17 and younger are living with active epilepsy. The condition can occur at any age but is most common in young children and adults over 60. Causes range from genetic factors and brain injuries to infections and stroke, though in many cases no specific cause is identified. With appropriate treatment, 70% of people with epilepsy can achieve seizure freedom — primarily through antiseizure medications, though some patients may benefit from dietary therapies, neurostimulation devices, or surgery. Despite effective treatment options, significant gaps in access to specialized care remain, particularly in lower-income and rural communities.