Epilepsy: Living With the Disorder

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are the most known, but focal seizures (brief sensory or motor symptoms, déjà-vu, automatisms) are far more common and often underdiagnosed.

Diagnosis

EEG and brain MRI form the standard workup. A first unprovoked seizure does not always warrant treatment; epilepsy is defined by recurrence or high recurrence risk.

Treatment

• Levetiracetam, lamotrigine, valproate: first-line for many syndromes
• Surgery for drug-resistant focal epilepsy
• Vagal nerve stimulation, ketogenic diet in selected cases

Daily precautions

Regular sleep, avoiding alcohol excess, and consistent medication intake reduce seizures. Driving regulations vary by country and require a documented seizure-free interval.

Witnessing a seizure: protect the head, time the episode, do not put anything in the mouth.