You might know lots about your condition, or have many questions about epilepsy but not know who to ask. Epilepsy is a really varied condition and so talk to your team if you have any questions or about your health.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting about 1 in 100 people in the UK. Anyone can have an isolated (one-off) seizure, epilepsy may be diagnosed after investigations where there has been more than one, or the doctor thinks there could be more.

 All people have constant electrical activity happening in their brain. This activity communicates messages throughout the body including about movement, our senses and thoughts. If you have epilepsy you will have had seizures, which are events where there is a sudden burst of electrical activity that means that these messages aren't communicated as they should be. There are different types of seizures; the above tabs give you a bit more information about the types of seizures you may experience and their potential triggers.

Epilepsy can start at any age and often lasts for only a limited time, although for some people it can be a lifelong condition. Epilepsy can have a number of causes and these can include:

• As a result of a stroke
• Through an infection affecting the brain, such as meningitis
• Following a severe head injury
• As a result of complications and restricted oxygen during birth
• A difference in one of your genes. These affect who you are, such as your eye colour. This difference can be hereditary or have happened spontaneously when you were developing in the womb.

Sometimes no cause for epilepsy is found. There is lots of research happening that is identifying more causes. Making sure you come to follow up appointments is important in managing your condition but can also help with this.