What is an epileptic seizure?

Back to Epileptic Seizures

On this page we tell you about what an epileptic seizure is, signs and symptoms of an epileptic seizure, epileptic seizures in babies and infants, and non-epileptic seizures and episodes.

On this page:

What is an epileptic seizure?
Signs and symptoms of an epileptic seizure
Seizures in babies and infants
Non-epileptic seizures and episodes
Febrile seizures
Functional seizures
Other conditions

What is an epileptic seizure? 

An epileptic seizure happens when there is a sudden electrical discharge in the brain. It can happen in different parts of the brain. The type of seizure you have depends on where in the brain the sudden electrical discharge happened.

Watch one of our nurses explain what an epileptic seizure is: 

  

Find out about different types of seizures

Seizure types

Learn about the differences between focal and generalised seizures and how to identify each.

Generalised onset seizures

Learn about generalised onset seizures, their types, causes, and management. Find resources and support for children and young people with epilepsy.

Focal onset seizures

Learn about epileptic seizures in babies and infants, including types and signs, from birth to one year old.

Seizure triggers

Learn about common seizure triggers in children and young people, including poor sleep, missed medication, and flickering lights.

Monitoring seizures

Young Epilepsy’s information about nocturnal seizure monitors and other equipment, apps and services for parents of children with epilepsy.

More information about epilepsy

Causes of epilepsy

Learn about the causes of epilepsy, including genetic, metabolic, unknown origins, and epilepsy in infants, from Young Epilepsy.

Epilepsy syndromes

Learn about common childhood and rare infancy epilepsy syndromes in this informative guide from Young Epilepsy.

Epileptic seizures

Understand epileptic seizures, their types, causes, and management. Find resources and support for living with epilepsy.

Diagnosing epilepsy

Find out how epilepsy is diagnosed, what to expect at your first appointment, and how to get the right support for children and young people.

Treatments for epilepsy

Explore various epilepsy treatments, including medication, surgery, and dietary options. Find resources and support for managing epilepsy effectively.

Common co-occurring conditions

Explore common co-occurring conditions like autism, ADHD and dyspraxia in children with epilepsy, and how to recognise and support them early.

This page is PIF TICK approved

Young Epilepsy is a certified member the PIF TICK scheme. The scheme is the only independently assessed certification for both print and digital health information.