What Causes Epilepsy?

In about half of the cases, no doctors can tell you the cause of epilepsy. In the remainder, there has been evidence that a portion of the brain has been injured by an infection, severe trauma, stroke, tumor, lack of oxygen, or some other cause. Epileptic seizures occur when large numbers of brain cells “fire” (send electrochemical messages) rhythmically and in unison. It is this simultaneous “firing” of large numbers of brain cells which disrupts normal behaviors and causes the shaking, confusion, and other signs and symptoms of seizures.