Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes seizures. Seizures are bursts of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that can cause a person to behave or feel differently than they typically would.

There are many different types of epilepsy, and many types of seizures. For example, a person with epilepsy might: 

• Stare off with a blank/dazed expression
• Make repetitive movements like blinking or smacking their lips
• Shake all over or in just one part of the body
• Lose consciousness or experience a change in awareness
• Wander as if sleepwalking
• Experience unusual sensations or emotions

Anyone can have a seizure when their body is under extreme stress (like a high fever). However, someone with epilepsy has multiple seizures “spontaneously” or “unprovoked,” meaning not clearly caused by some other short-term medical event. 

While not usually life threatening, epilepsy and seizures can be deadly. Around 1,000 deaths are related to epilepsy and/or seizures each year in Minnesota. 

Calculated death count includes all deaths where epilepsy and/or seizures are a factor in the person’s death. Epilepsy and/or seizures may be the main cause or part of a set of causes. This minimizes the impact of potential variation in death certificate analysis.

Epilepsy can be costly

• In 2021, epilepsy/seizure care in Minnesota accounted for over $85 million in spending for Minnesotans in public insurance programs
  • $65 million for Minnesota Health Care Program members
  • Over $23 million for Medicare members
• People with epilepsy are more likely to be on public insurance in comparison to peers without epilepsy.

Who is at risk of developing epilepsy? 

Anyone can develop epilepsy at any age. The most common ages of diagnosis are young childhood and older adulthood. 

People living with other neurological differences or conditions such as Alzheimer's, Autism, stroke, and brain injury have a higher risk of developing epilepsy. 

Impact of epilepsy

Support and resources 

• Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota is the leading organization focused on epilepsy in Minnesota. Find information for people living with epilepsy, caregivers, healthcare providers, educators, and more.
• Healthcare providers in facilities ranging from primary care clinics to comprehensive epilepsy centers provide clinical care for diagnosis and treatment.
• Long term care, public benefits, and social services support care access, daily living, independence, and basic needs.

MDH resources

• Managing Seizures in Schools: Minnesota has passed legislation to help schools recognize and respond to seizures. Find information and training resources from MDH for schools to create seizure action plans.

Learn more

• CDC: Epilepsy. Information about epilepsy, how to recognize seizures, self-management programs, data, and more.
• Epilepsy Foundation: A nationwide organization providing community services, public education, advocacy, seizure first aid training, and research funding into new treatments and therapies.
   

What MDH is doing

During the 2025 legislative session, the Minnesota Epilepsy Program at MDH was created through Senate Bill 1538. As part of this legislation, MDH will work with partners to:

• Build awareness and improve linkages among healthcare providers and community organizations to better support people living with epilepsy and their caregivers.
• Collect and analyze data to inform public health strategy.