health

Because epilepsy is not contagious, one person cannot catch epilepsy
from another. In about 7 out of 10 cases, doctors describe the disease as
idiopathic (id-ee-o-PATH-ik), which means the cause is unknown. Most
people with idiopathic seizures are between 5 and 20 years of age and
have no brain injuries or abnormalities. Many do, however, have a family
history of epilepsy or seizure disorders.

Some cases of the disease have known causes, which include the
following:

• Maternal injury, infection, or illness that affects a developing fetus
  during pregnancy.
• Brain injury. Although brain injuries can occur at any age, the
  highest incidence is among young adults. These injuries often
  result from car collisions, sports accidents, and falls. Blows to the
  head and gunshot wounds, particularly those that injure brain
  membranes and tissues, can lead to epilepsy. In general, the more
  severe the injury, the greater the chance of developing the disease.
• Brain tumor or stroke. Either of these problems can lead to injury
  or irritation of brain tissue. Especially among people 65 years old
  and older, stroke is a common cause of epilepsy.
  
• Metabolic abnormalities that result from complications from
  diabetes, kidney failure, lead poisoning, use of alcohol or drugs, or
  withdrawal from alcohol or drugs.
  
• Degenerative disorders, such as cardiovascular disease and
  Alzheimer’s disease. Along with stroke, these are common causes of
  epilepsy among people over 65.
  
• Infections. Epilepsy may develop after a major brain illness such as
  meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, or severe infections of any
  part of the body. Less frequently, mumps, measles, and diphtheria
  can lead to the disease.
  
• Complications of AIDS or other immune disorders, including systemic
  lupus erythematosus.