Epilepsy: A Problem With The Brain

Abstract Anyone can develop epilepsy, and about one in a hundred people does. This makes epilepsy as common as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. However, people talk much less about epilepsy than about these other conditions. This picture shows 120 people. If they were typical of the whole population, one or two should have epilepsy. Most people with epilepsy would lead a normal life if only people without epilepsy would let them. Unfortunately, many are prejudiced about epilepsy. This book is for people with epilepsy and for people who live or work with them. It is written to inform people about epilepsy. It is meant to explain the causes and treatment of epilepsy. It is meant to be understood by everyone. Other medical conditions, tuberculosis for instance, particularly affect poor people. There are also diseases that are more common in rich people. Epilepsy affects rich and poor alike. A person can develop epilepsy when he or she is a baby, a young adult, or in older age.