Summary

• Seizures may occur as a stand-alone event or they may be recurring (epilepsy).
• Aetiology can be either genetic, or the manifestation of a secondary disease process or structural abnormality of the brain.
• An attempt should be made to recognise a pattern of clinical and EEG characteristics to classify the disorder as an epilepsy syndrome.
• Detailed history is of paramount importance in the diagnosis, as key diagnostic factors lie in the history as opposed to investigations.
• Main treatment options will depend on the epilepsy syndrome but include anticonvulsants, a ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, or lifestyle measures. Surgery is rarely recommended.