Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures.

Epilepsy most commonly occurs in isolation although certain conditions have an association with epilepsy:

• cerebral palsy: around 30% have epilepsy
• tuberous sclerosis
• mitochondrial diseases

Epidemiology:

There are around 500,000 people in the UK with epilepsy, of whom around two-thirds achieve satisfactory seizure control with antiepileptic medication.

Classification

Based on 3 key features:

1. Where the seizures began in the brain
2. Level of awareness during a seizure (consider patient safety)
3. Other features of seizures

Types

Focal seizures

Generalised

Status epilepticus

PC