What causes Epilepsy
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In some cases, the causes of epilepsy can be identified. However, in around 2 thirds of children and half of the adults with epilepsy, the cause will not be known. Some cases of epilepsy can be brought on by trauma to the brain. Such things as a brain tumour, stroke, dementia, alcohol and drug abuse, infection, and physical trauma to the head. All of these can cause disruption to the delicate balance of nerve signals in the brain, and bring about epilepsy. Whilst there may not be an obvious cause, certain people are more susceptible depending on life stages. For example, epilepsy is rarely caused by tumours in children, and strokes and dementia more commonly affect older people.
People can also be born with epilepsy. Whilst genetics can have something to do with it, epilepsy can still occur if the brain is put through trauma, even before birth. For example, the baby can be deprived of oxygen during the birthing process, an infection can be passed from the mother to the baby in the womb, and there can be difficulties with brain development when the baby is growing.