The causes of epilepsy may be congenital or acquired. Most congenital causes remain unknown but may be due to fetal injuries but also to hereditary factors. The acquired causes include factors that disrupt the anatomical consistency of brain tissue and the physicochemical parameters of brain function. These causes are: alcoholism, drugs, hyperthermia, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, blood electrolyte disorders, injuries, hematomas, ischemic or inflammatory lesions, vascular malformations and CNS tumors.

The clinical picture of the epileptic seizure depends on the functioning of neurons that discharge abnormally. These seizures are called focal and may affect movement (e.g. involuntary movements), sensation (e.g. paresthesia), the autonomous nervous system (e.g. nausea), even the psychological situation of the patient. If this disorder extends in other parts the brain, then focal seizures become secondarily generalized seizures, resulting in loss of consciousness.

The diagnosis of epilepsy is based on clinical information from a specialist neurologist and often requires the assistance of other specialties for differential diagnosis of other causes of consciousness loss. Laboratory tests should include investigating the causes of epilepsy, and thus brain imaging tests with brain CT or MRI scan, as well as  complete biochemical and hematological tests are performed. Particularly useful for accurate diagnosis is the electroencephalogram, which records the electrical activity of the brain revealing possible disorders.

The treatment is based on the removal of the epileptogenic causes. If this is not possible, then drugs are used that will reduce the neuronal stimulation. Patients with epilepsy should receive their medications without interruption and be monitored by a neurologist. They should avoid sleep deprivation, alcohol and drug abuse in general. Since seizures are mostly unpredictable and can occur even during treatment, special caution is advised when driving and operating machinery. In some selected cases, neurosurgery is recommended.