Quality CareFind out why Mayo Clinic is the right place for your health care. Make an appointment.
Meet the StaffFind a directory of doctors and departments at all Mayo Clinic campuses. Visit now.
Research and Clinical TrialsSee how Mayo Clinic research and clinical trials advance the science of medicine and improve patient care. Explore now.
Visit Our SchoolsEducators at Mayo Clinic train tomorrow’s leaders to deliver compassionate, high-value, safe patient care. Choose a degree.
Professional ServicesExplore Mayo Clinic's many resources and see jobs available for medical professionals. Get updates.
Philanthropy at Mayo ClinicYour support accelerates powerful innovations in patient care, research and education. Give today.
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.
Subscribe to Housecall
Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.
Epileptic seizures are more common in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) than in those who don't have MS. While it's estimated that less than 3 percent of people without MS have seizures, about 2 to 5 percent of people with MS are thought to have active seizures.
Exactly why these seizures occur more often in people with MS isn't completely understood. MS lesions in certain areas of the brain might trigger these seizures. However, lesions are very common in MS, and seizures are unusual, so there are probably other factors that play a role in seizures, too.
Seizures may be the first noticeable sign of MS before diagnosis. Seizures can also occur during times when MS symptoms flare up. In some cases, seizures might be the only sign of an MS flare. But, the majority of seizures occur unrelated to MS relapses, and the occurrence of a seizure soon before diagnosis of MS may just be a chance occurrence.
Most seizures can be controlled with anti-seizure medication.
With
B Mark Keegan, M.D.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.