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Neurology — Epilepsy (Overview)

Diagnosis, classification and lifelong management of chronic seizure disorders.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Neurology — Epilepsy (Overview)?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder defined by either two unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, one unprovoked seizure with high recurrence risk, or diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome.

Seizures are classified by ILAE 2017 framework into focal, generalised and unknown onset, with awareness, motor and non-motor descriptors.

Approximately one third of patients have drug-resistant epilepsy and may benefit from epilepsy surgery, neurostimulation, ketogenic diet or new anti-seizure medications.

Symptoms

Recurrent seizures with stereotyped semiology
Sudden loss of consciousness with tonic-clonic activity
Focal motor activity, sensory aura or autonomic features
Postictal confusion, fatigue and headache
Cognitive impairment and mood disorders interictally
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) risk in uncontrolled disease

Risk Factors

Family history of epilepsy and genetic syndromes
Brain trauma, stroke and CNS infections
Brain tumours and developmental cortical malformations
Neonatal hypoxia and febrile seizures in childhood
Alcohol withdrawal and toxic-metabolic conditions
Mesial temporal sclerosis (most common surgical aetiology)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • First seizure (without provocation)
  • Recurrent or worsening seizures despite therapy
  • New seizure type in established epilepsy
  • Status epilepticus (seizure longer than 5 minutes — emergency)
  • Pregnancy planning in women with epilepsy

Treatment Methods

01
Detailed history with witness, video EEG and brain MRI as diagnostic basis
02
Anti-seizure medication tailored to seizure type and patient factors (levetiracetam, lamotrigine, valproate, lacosamide)
03
Drug-resistant cases: epilepsy surgery (temporal lobectomy), laser ablation, vagus nerve or responsive neurostimulation
04
Ketogenic and modified Atkins diet in selected patients
05
Driving restrictions, lifestyle counselling, sleep hygiene
06
Multidisciplinary planning for pregnancy, contraception and bone health

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.