Overview
Definition
Disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures.
Epidemiology
Affects ~50 million people worldwide.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Genetic
- Structural (tumor, scar)
- Infectious
- Metabolic
Clinical Symptoms
- Recurrent unprovoked seizures (tonic-clonic, focal, absence)
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- EEG
- MRI Brain (to find structural cause)
Management
- Antiepileptic drugs (Levetiracetam, Valproate, Lamotrigine)
- Surgery
Complications
- Status epilepticus
- SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy)