AN OVERVIEW ON EPILEPSY

Epilepsy as defined by the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) is a disease of the brain that results in at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. A person may also be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have one unprovoked seizure and have a high chance (>60%) of having another seizure within the next 10 years or if they have an epilepsy syndrome. Epilepsy is a disease historically associated with evil spirits and mystery, and still to this day often carries social stigmas. Its long history, along with its social implications, makes epilepsy a unique disorder. This review will discuss epilepsy’s extensive history as well as how societal perceptions of people with epilepsy have evolved over time.^(1)\