Final answer:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It can be caused by a variety of factors, and while there is no cure, it can often be managed with medications or, in severe cases, surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects a considerable portion of the population, estimated at about three percent in the United States alone. Characterized by recurrent seizures, epilepsy can arise from various causes, including brain injuries, diseases, or genetic and environmental factors. During a seizure, a person may experience a range of symptoms, from convulsions and loss of consciousness to subtle changes in mood or sensations.
Seizures are thought to be caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), which is a depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane due to neurotransmitters from a presynaptic cell. Several factors can increase one's risk for developing epilepsy, such as having an intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or experiencing a stroke. Not all seizures are evident to an observer, and they vary widely in terms of duration and severity.
While there is no cure for epilepsy, many individuals manage their condition with anticonvulsant medications. These drugs aim to control seizures and improve quality of life. In more extreme cases, brain surgery may be considered to remove the area where seizures originate. Additionally, some children with epilepsy might outgrow the disorder by the time they reach adulthood.