What are the main symptoms of epilepsy?

The main symptoms of epilepsy primarily manifest as seizures, which are sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Repetitive seizures are characteristic of epilepsy because this condition is defined by the occurrence of at least two unprovoked seizures, indicating a neurological disorder that can significantly affect a person's daily life. Seizures can vary in type and severity, but they are at the heart of the condition, making them the central symptom to recognize.

Loss of consciousness can occur during certain types of seizures, but it is not a universal symptom of epilepsy, as not all seizures involve a loss of awareness. Memory impairment may happen as a consequence of frequent seizures or the effects of anticonvulsant medications, but it is not a primary symptom associated with the condition itself. Increased heart rate may occur during a seizure due to the body's stress response or autonomic effects, but is also not a defining characteristic of epilepsy. Instead, the hallmark of epilepsy is the presence of repeated seizure activity.