Watch: Things you need to know about epilepsy

Zee Media Bureau/Shruti Mishra

New Delhi: Epilepsy is the most common type of serious brain disorder characterized by repeated seizures. It is also known as seizure disorder and effects the nervous system of the body.

A seizure is sudden disturbances in the electrical activity of the brain that causes change in behavior, movements and consciousness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that epilepsy is treatable and has nothing to do with mental disorder. The type and frequency of seizures varies from person to person but none of them are contagious.

This disease is not age-related but some people experiences first sign of seizure before the age of 20.

In most of the cases the root cause of epilepsy is not known. Health experts suggest that it can be genetic or caused by infections from parasites.

Till now no medication or vaccine is available which can prevent epilepsy from developing. But once it is diagnosed the seizures can be controlled by surgery or medication.

WHO through this animated video explains every details about the low-cost treatment of epilepsy and also encourages countries to participate in 'Reducing the Epilepsy Treatment Gap'.

(Video courtesy: WHO)