Epilepsy, Epileptic

Meaning

Chronic condition of the neurological system categorized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain that leads to involuntary functioning of the body (seizure).

Background

Not everyone who has a seizure or seems to have a seizure has epilepsy, and epilepsy can affect everyone differently.

About one-third of people with epilepsy live with uncontrolled seizures, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Three million U.S. adults and 65 million people globally have epilepsy. Its prevalence may make it important for employers to understand, as well.

It can be appropriate to refer to seizures themselves as epileptic events, but it isn't appropriate to call a person "epileptic." It's also usually inappropriate to call seizures fits or attacks, as those categorizations can be both inaccurate and offensive.

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