Clinical Guidelines

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterised by recurring seizures. The condition presents by way of seizures, which depend on the area of the brain affected, the pattern and speed of epileptic discharges through the brain, the cause and the age of the individual. Different types of epilepsy have different causes. Epilepsy has been estimated to affect between 362,000 and 415,000 people in England, although accurate estimates of incidence and prevalence are difficult to achieve because there can be challenges and inaccuracies in identification and diagnosis. Two-thirds of people with active epilepsy have their epilepsy controlled satisfactorily with AEDs. Other approaches may include surgery. Optimal management improves health outcomes and can also help to minimise other, often detrimental, impacts on social, educational and employment activity.