Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. With the right medication, around 70% of people with epilepsy achieve good seizure control and live full, active lives.
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This page provides general health information only. A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is a medical emergency — call 112 immediately.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is defined as a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A single seizure does not constitute epilepsy — diagnosis requires two or more unprovoked seizures, or one seizure with a high risk of recurrence based on brain scan findings or EEG abnormalities.
Epilepsy can be caused by brain injury, stroke, tumours, genetic mutations, or other structural brain changes — but in many cases no specific cause is identified. It is not a mental illness or a sign of intellectual disability, and most people with well-controlled epilepsy lead entirely normal lives.
Types of seizure
- Tonic-clonic seizures — the classic "grand mal" seizure involving loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening, and rhythmic jerking
- Absence seizures — brief episodes of staring or "blanking out", often mistaken for daydreaming
- Focal seizures — starting in one part of the brain, causing a wide range of symptoms depending on the area affected
- Myoclonic seizures — sudden brief muscle jerks, often occurring in the morning
- Atonic seizures — sudden loss of muscle tone causing the person to fall
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent medical assessment after any seizure — particularly a first seizure. If you are already diagnosed with epilepsy, contact your doctor if seizure frequency increases, if you experience a new type of seizure, or if side effects from medication are affecting your quality of life.
Call 112 if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if the person does not regain consciousness, or if another seizure follows immediately. This is status epilepticus — a medical emergency.
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Treatment options
- Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) — the mainstay of treatment; selecting the right drug depends on seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, age, and other health factors
- Common AEDs include lamotrigine, levetiracetam, sodium valproate, carbamazepine, and lacosamide
- Surgery — for drug-resistant focal epilepsy where a clear seizure focus can be identified and safely removed
- Ketogenic diet — a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with proven efficacy in certain drug-resistant epilepsies
- Vagus nerve stimulation — an implanted device for drug-resistant epilepsy
Living with epilepsy
Managing epilepsy involves more than medication. Sleep deprivation, alcohol, stress, and missed doses are common seizure triggers. Driving regulations apply — in most European countries, a period of seizure freedom is required before driving is permitted. Our doctors can advise on local regulations and provide supporting documentation where needed.
How eMedClinic can help
Our neurologists provide epilepsy medication reviews, support for people who have moved abroad and need continuity of their AED prescriptions, and guidance on seizure management and lifestyle. We can also provide referrals for EEG, brain imaging, and specialist neurology review where needed.
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