Epilepsy

• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
• These seizures are the result of sudden, excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells (neurons).

• Affects people of all ages.
• Incidence is higher in children and older adults.

• Focal Seizures:
  • Originating in one area of the brain.
  • Can be with or without loss of consciousness.
  • May progress to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures.
• Generalised Seizures:
  • Affect both sides of the brain.
  • Include tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic, atonic, and tonic seizures.

Involves abnormal neuronal activity, which can be due to a variety of factors including ion channel dysfunction, neurotransmitter imbalances, or structural brain changes.

Can be idiopathic (no identifiable cause) or secondary to various conditions like brain injury, stroke, brain tumours, infections, and genetic disorders.

• Depend on the type of seizure.
• Focal seizures may involve involuntary movements, altered emotions, sensory distortions.
• Generalised tonic-clonic seizures involve muscle rigidity, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.
• Absence seizures are characterised by brief lapses in awareness.

• Based on clinical history and characteristic EEG findings.
• Neuroimaging (MRI or CT) to identify structural causes.
• Blood tests to rule out metabolic causes.

• Pharmacological treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is the mainstay.
• Choice of AED based on seizure type, patient age, side effect profile, and comorbid conditions.
• Surgical treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy.
• Lifestyle advice and supportive care, especially regarding safety during seizures.

• Epilepsy (focal or generalised) is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
• Clinical features depend on the type of seizure.
• Diagnosis is based on clinical history and characteristic EEG findings.
• Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstay of treatment, along with lifestyle advice and supportive care.