Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes signal abnormally. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behaviour or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. Epilepsy is a disorder with many possible causes. Anything that disturbs the normal pattern of neuron activity — from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development — can lead to seizures. Epilepsy may develop because of an abnormality in brain wiring, an imbalance of nerve signalling chemicals called neurotransmitters, or some combination of these factors.

The terms ‘seizure’ and 'epilepsy' need to be distinguished. People with epilepsy have recurrent seizures due to a chronic, underlying condition. A person with a single seizure, or recurrent seizures due to correctable or avoidable circumstances, does not necessarily have epilepsy. Epilepsy refers to a clinical phenomenon rather than a single disease, since there are many forms and causes of epilepsy.

The annual incidence is estimated at about 70 per 100,000 population, with a further 50 having febrile convulsions and 20 a single fit. The prevalence is between 5 and 10 people per 1000. About 43 persons per 100,000 of the general population have fits every week, and that at least 500 persons per 100,000 will be on anticonvulsant treatment. Each general practitioner will see on average one new case each year. In a population of 100,000 there will be about 1600 people who have suffered three fits during their lives, with at least 500 people on anticonvulsant treatment, 200 attending hospital at least once a year, and about 40 having fits every week. A further 80 patients will probably have fits every month. An average general practitioner will be caring for about 10 patients on anticonvulsant drugs, and may have a further 30 who have suffered three or more fits during their lives.

Epilepsy: Developments in Greater Glasgow

Epilepsy Connections

Epilepsy Scotland

Epilepsy Action

Epilepsy Unit, Glasgow

SIGN Guidelines; quick reference ; full guideline ; (pdf format) ; Update to printed guideline (06/2004)