We now know that epilepsy is due to disturbed brain function. But what brings about these changes? There are different causes for seizures or fits. These vary from person to person.
In several cases, no trigger is detected. Some seizures are idiopathic, in other words the cause of the seizure can not be identified. Such seizures are more common among the young, aged between 5 – 20 years. These individuals have no other neurological complaints, but often have a family history. Sometimes seizures are related to a temporary condition, often arising as result of exposure to or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, or as a result of abnormal levels of lood sodium or glucose. In these cases the seizures subside once the underlying problem is addressed.