What defines epilepsy?

Epilepsy is best defined as a common set of chronic neurological disorders characterized by seizures. This condition results from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to various types of seizures that can differ significantly in severity and manifestation. The classification of epilepsy encompasses a range of seizure types and syndromes, acknowledging that the condition can vary greatly among individuals. Seizures can affect the entire brain (generalized seizures) or start in one specific area (focal seizures), and the frequency and intensity can fluctuate.

The focus on chronic neurological disorders emphasizes that epilepsy is a long-term condition requiring ongoing management. Treatments often include lifestyle adjustments and antiepileptic medications to help control the seizures and improve quality of life. Understanding epilepsy's nature as a neurological, rather than a dermatological or autoimmune condition, is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment approaches.