Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by periodic loss of consciousness with or without convulsions associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In some cases it is due to brain damage, but in most cases the cause is unknown. Epilepsy is a common, sometimes chronic, neurological condition with physical risks and psychological and socioeconomic consequences which impair quality of life. It is estimated that there are more than 10 million in India and more than 50 million people with epilepsy worldwide. Epilepsy foundation has also estimated that every 1 in 26 people in United Sates of America will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. The prime requirements for successful management of epilepsy are a complete diagnosis and selection of an optimal treatment to benefit the patient as it is most commonly observed in paediatrics and children, who needs extreme care and counselling by an experienced doctor. The present review article focuses on providing the basic understanding on all aspects of epilepsy as a neurological disorder, considering its classification, causes, diagnosis, and various types of treatments, thus focussing on model of care to be designed in order to prevent, manage or control its occurrence as it cannot be cured.