Epilepsy

Question 1

Define epilepsy.

Answer 1

A disorder which causes seizures. There are many different forms of epilepsy and treatment depends on which form it is.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of epilepsy.

Answer 2

Age - The onset of epilepsy is most common in children and older adults, but the condition can occur at any age.
Family history
Head injuries
Stroke and other vascular diseases
Dementia
Brain infections
Seizures in childhood

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of epilepsy.

Answer 3

Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.
It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated.

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of epilepsy. Recognise the signs of epilepsy on physical examination.

Answer 4

Symptoms range from generalised tonic-clonic seizures which are easily recognisable due to the whole body to absence seizures which is when people appear to lose focus for 5-10 seconds but otherwise appear perfectly normal and exhibit no other symptoms.

Question 5

Identify appropriate investigations for epilepsy and interpret the results.

Answer 5

EEG
MRI
fMRI

Question 6

Identify the possible complications of epilepsy (incl. status epilepticus) and its management.

Answer 6

The patient may hurt themselves during the seizure by falling. As well as this, prolonged seizures can cause brain damage.
Breathing in food or saliva into the lungs during a seizure, which can cause aspiration pneumonia.

Question 7

Summarise the prognosis for patients with epilepsy.

Answer 7

Prognosis depends on the type and severity of the epilepsy. There is no cure but it can be managed.