Epilepsy Quiz

The word "Epilepsy" is derived from a Greek word meaning "a condition of getting over, seized, or attacked." People used to believe that the seizure was caused by a demon, and Epilepsy became known as a sacred disease. This is the background to the myths and fears that surround Epilepsy; myths that colour people's attitudes and make the goal of a normal life more difficult than it needs to be for people who have Epilepsy. The word "Epilepsy" means nothing more than the tendency to have seizures.

This quiz was designed to offer you some insight to your knowledge of Epilepsy. It involves 35 questions. There is no time limit, and no limit to the number of times you can take the test. The answer to each question/statement is further explained in the web pages found in this site. The "hot link" for the corresponding web page can be found beneath each answer box. Choose only that option which best answers the question/statement.

Once you have finished, click Submit to see your score. The items answered incorrectly will NOT have a check mark next to them.


1) In a major study of status epilepticus, 42% of deaths occurred in individuals with a history of epilepsy.

Epilepsy Information
2) There are more than twice as many people with epilepsy in the U.S. as the number of people with cerebral palsy (500,000), muscular dystrophy (250,000), multiple sclerosis (350,000), and cystic fibrosis (30,000) combined.

Epilepsy Information
3) There are more than 20 different seizure disorders.

Epilepsy Information
4) If Epilepsy is to occur, at what age will it begin?

Epilepsy FAQ I
5) What percentage of the population has Epilepsy?

Epilepsy FAQ I
6) Is Epilepsy inherited?

Epilepsy FAQ I
7) Is Epilepsy contagious?

Epilepsy FAQ I
8) What causes Epilepsy?

Epilepsy FAQ I
9) Can an employer ask about Epilepsy on a job application?

Epilepsy FAQ III
10) Can I be fired because I have Epilepsy?

Epilepsy FAQ III
11) Is Epilepsy related to mental illness?

Epilepsy FAQ III
12) Can a person with Epilepsy have a false negative EEG?

Epilepsy FAQ II
13) Can a person with Epilepsy have a false positive EEG?

Epilepsy FAQ II
14) Is there a cure for Epilepsy?

Epilepsy FAQ II
15) Medications are unable to control seizures in 20 percent of persons who have Epilepsy.

Epilepsy FAQ II
16) What side effects may occur from taking antiepilepic drugs?

Epilepsy FAQ II
17) What is the likelihood that my child will outgrow a seizure disorder?

Epilepsy FAQ II
18) Is there prejudice against people with Epilepsy?

Epilepsy FAQ II
19) Can Epilepsy cause emotional problems?

Epilepsy FAQ II
20) Can Epilepsy lead to problems with self-esteem?

Epilepsy FAQ II
21) What is a seizure?

Epilepsy FAQ I
22) What is an aura?

Epilepsy FAQ I
23) How long do seizures last?

Epilepsy FAQ I
24) What are "status" seizures?

Epilepsy FAQ I
25) Does alcohol affect seizures?

Epilepsy FAQ I
26) Can epilepsy affect intelligence?

Epilepsy FAQ III
27) What are potential causes of Epilepsy?

Epilepsy FAQ I
28) How many newly diagnosed cases of Epilepsy occur each year?

Epilepsy Information
29) You can swallow your tongue during a seizure.

Epilepsy Information
30) You should restrain someone having a seizure.

Epilepsy Information
31) People with Epilepsy have the same range of abilities and intelligence as the rest of us.

Epilepsy Information
32) Eye blinking, chewing of the mouth, and perhaps a slight rhythmic movement of the muscles, head, or arms are possible signs of an absence seizure.

Epilepsy FAQ II
33) What is a blood level?

Epilepsy FAQ III
34) What is the difference between partial and generalized seizures?

Epilepsy FAQ I
35) Which of the following can trigger a seizure?
Epilepsy FAQ I

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A historical side note: Epilepsy is the oldest known brain disorder. It was mentioned more than 2,000 years before Christ. References can be found in ancient Greek texts and in The Bible. It wasn't until the mid 1800's, however, that Epilepsy was given serious study. Sir Charles Locock was the first to introduce a sedative that aided in controlling seizures in 1857. In 1870, John Hughlings Jackson identified that brain's outer layer (pia matter), the cerebral cortex, as the part involved in Epilepsy. Hans Berger demonstrated that the electrical impulses of the human brain could be recorded through an apparatus called Electroencephalograph, in 1929.