A brain disorder characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures and by the neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of this condition.

Epileptic seizures are only one manifestation of neurologic or metabolic diseases. They have many causes, including a genetic predisposition for certain types of seizures, head trauma, stroke, brain tumors, alcohol or drug withdrawal, repeated episodes of metabolic insults (such as hypoglycemia), and other conditions.

Epilepsy is a medical disorder marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures — repeated seizures with an identified provocation (e.g., alcohol withdrawal) do not constitute epilepsy.

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Adapted from Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Epilepsy and seizures. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1184846-overview. Accessed on September 25, 2016. To view the entire article and all other content on the Medscape Drugs & Diseases site, a free, one-time registration is required.