Understanding Epilepsy: From Diagnosis to Advanced Treatment

Epilepsy is caused by sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity that disrupt how neurons communicate in the brain. Because seizures can look very different depending on where they begin, accurate diagnosis—using tools like MRI and EEG, along with newer techniques that map deeper brain activity—is essential.

While most patients achieve seizure control with medication, others may benefit from advanced options including minimally invasive surgery or neuromodulation devices. In the video above, Yale Medicine experts discuss how ongoing research is helping refine these approaches, with the goal of improving safety, preserving brain function, and giving patients greater control over their lives