Epilepsy

The treatment of epilepsy involves giving appropriate anti-seizure medication taking into account comorbidities as well as identifying appropriate surgical candidates. The etiology of epilepsy can be subdivided into three categories: namely genetic, structural or metabolic, and unknown. Possible preventable causes of epilepsy include traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain infection. The diagnosis is made by a combination of history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. This chapter observes diagnostic clinical and EEG findings for common seizure types. The goal of treatment with antiepileptic medication is to prevent seizures. It also provides information regarding when to hospitalize and how to manage the hospitalized patient. Ideally, women with epilepsy should be seizure free for at least 9 months prior to pregnancy. Febrile seizures affect children aged 6 months to 6 years of age. The chapter further discusses the natural history of untreated disease and prognosis for treated patients.