Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition defined by recurrent seizures which occur because of a surge of electrical activity within the brain.
Seizures can happen when you are awake or sleeping and can cause changes in consciousness, awareness, behaviour or feelings.
There are many different types of seizure and the type you have will depend on which part of the brain is affected.
Some people will have more than one type of seizure.
Diagnosis
- The diagnosis of epilepsy is based largely on the description of the event from the patient and a first hand eye witness account. You should bring the eye witness, or a written description of the event from them, to your clinic appointment.
- An individual may also undergo investigations such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan, Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electrocardiogram (ECG).
- A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have recurrent seizures.