EPILEPSY

A neurological condition in which spontaneous abnormal electrical discharges in the brain give rise to fits or seizures. Seizures are of many types, but their pattern is consistent for a particular individual.

After specialist diagnosis and initiation of treatment, most patients are managed in primary care. Patients should be reviewed annually; some may not wish to attend, but it is important for them to be kept informed about their epilepsy and how its management might be improved. If a patient has been seizure free for a period, remaining so is important to maintain quality of life, e.g. if a change in medication leads to a fit, a driving licence may be forfeited.