Epilepsy: A general overview

Abstract

Epilepsy is a common disabling, chronic, and socially isolating condition. Even in the 21st century, an epilepsy diagnosis carries social stigma and affects individuals and their families physically, psychologically, and financially. Despite this, the increasing understanding of its scientific basis, together with advances in neuroimaging, neurosurgery, and neuropharmacology, have given patients with epilepsy and their families greater investigative and therapeutic options and the promise of an improved quality of life. Epilepsy is a clinical diagnosis; there is no one diagnostic test. In all people with undiagnosed blackouts, and even in people with an established label of epilepsy, the clinician must invest considerable time and attention to obtain or confirm the diagnosis, to classify the epilepsy, to identify underlying structural causes, and to plan relevant medical or surgical treatment. The ultimate goals of epilepsy management are seizure freedom without adverse medication effects. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.