Epilepsy means a tendency to have seizures and is a symptom of brain disease rather than a disease itself. A single seizure is not epilepsy but an indication for investigation.

There is a group of disorders whose only or main symptom is epilepsy, whilst in other disorders, epilepsy in just one of the manifestations.

The presence of structural lesion makes complete control of the epilepsy less likely. There is an increased risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy.

Things which trigger seizures are as follows-

1. Sleep deprivation.

2. Alcohol.

3. Drug misuse.

4. Physical and mental exhaustion.

Types of epilepsy-

1. Primary generalized epilepsy.

2. Secondary generalized epilepsy.

3. Partial epilepsy.

1. Primary generalized epilepsy- Onset is almost always in childhood or adolescence. There is often a substantial genetic predisposition.

2. Secondary generalized epilepsy- may arise from spread of partial seizures due to structural disease or may be secondary to drugs or metabolic disorders. Epilepsy presenting in adult life is almost always secondary generalized.

3. Partial epilepsy- may arise from any disease of the cerebral cortex, congenital or acquired and frequently generalize. With the exception of a few idiopathic partial epilepsies of benign outcome in childhood, the presence of partial seizures signifies the presence of focal cerebral pathology.

Investigations-

1. After a single seizure, following cerebral imaging is done-

• CT.

• MRI.

2. EEG.

3. Blood glucose.

4. Liver function tests.

5. Chest x-ray.

6. CSF examination.

7. ESR.

8. Full blood count.

9. Serum calcium.

Management-

The following are performed in management of seizures-

1. Move person away from dangerous area.

2. Ensure airway is clear.

3. Do not insert anything in mouth.

4. If convulsions continue for more than five minutes go to doctor immediately.

5. Give oxygen to offset cerebral hypoxia.

6. Investigate cause and give treatment according to that.

7. Anticonvulsant drug therapy.