Research indicates that genetic abnormalities is often a contributing factor to epilepsy. A family history of epilepsy may also increase your risk. However, in many cases, there is no identifiable cause for the disease.

Other conditions and factors that may contribute to seizures include: brain tumor, malformations of the brain, stroke, previous brain trauma or an infection of the brain such as meningitis or encephalitis. Individuals who are at higher risk for developing temporal lobe seizures include those who experienced febrile seizures as children.

Additional risk factors include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Brain infections
• Poisoning from exposure to lead, carbon monoxide and other toxins.