Epilepsy

It comes from a Greek word meaning 'to hold or seize,' and seizures are what happen to people with epilepsy. Two or more seizures must occur before a person can receive the diagnosis of epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder. It's not uncommon for children to have a single seizure, and an estimated 5 percent to 10 percent of the population will experience a seizure at some time in their life.

Treatment measures

If only one seizure has occurred, treatment may not be needed.

Immediate care of seizures

• Move person away from danger (fire, water, machinery)

• After convulsions cease, turn patient into semi-prone position,.

• Summon medical help.

• Prevent tongue bite by inserting a padded gag or tightly rolled handkerchief between the teeth.

Anticonvulsant drug therapy

Usually considered after two seizures have occurred. In some cases (very abnormal EEG or strong family history) it may be considered after a single unprovoked seizure.

Anticonvulsant drugs generally used are as follows:

• Benzodiazepines, 

• Barbiturates, 

• Diphenylhydantoin, 

• Iminostilbene derivatives

Withdrawal of anticonvulsant therapy

After a period of complete control for seizures (2-4 years), withdrawal of medication may be considered by the attending physician.

Prognosis

Childhood onset epilepsy, particularly classical absence seizures, carries the best prognosis. Seizures, which begin in adult life, particularly those with partial features, are the most likely to recur.

Epilepsy > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4