G40.7: Petit mal, unspecified, without grand mal seizures

Many nerve cells in your brain suddenly and temporarily become overactive. This is called epilepsy.

The brain is made up of many nerve cells. The nerve cells route information onwards, thereby controlling our movements and thinking. Epilepsies are disorders in which many nerve cells in the brain are overactive at the same time. This causes various symptoms. It may be that only one area of the brain is affected. But it may also be that multiple areas or the entire brain are affected. The symptoms depend on which areas of the brain are affected.

When symptoms occur, this is called an epileptic fit. The person may then be absent for a short time, for example. Certain muscles may twitch, too, or there may be muscle spasms throughout the body. Epileptic fits usually occur suddenly and at varying degrees of frequency.

After an epileptic fit the person can feel tired. For a short time they may also be unable to remember or speak properly. They may also be unable to move properly for a short time. An epileptic fit may also be preceded by certain symptoms. These symptoms may include nausea, a hot feeling, or changed sensations, for example.

When you have epileptic fits you are absent for a short time. The person often briefly interrupts what they are doing. They usually adopt a staring look. They cannot remember their fit.

Epilepsy has a variety of causes. Epilepsy can be hereditary, for example, or it can be caused by other disorders.