[Epilepsy diagnosis: diagnostic criteria, syndromic and etiologic evaluation]

The initial assessment of a patient with possible new-onset epilepsy is an important issue, epilepsy diagnosis leading to major consequences. Considering the new definition, epilepsy can be diagnosed after a single epileptic seizure reducing the morbidity associated with the seizure recurrence. This definition supposed a meticulous diagnostic approach to eliminate differential diagnosis and seizure occurring during an acute symptomatic event. A prompt and accurate diagnostic assessment of the epileptic syndrome and of the etiology is also essential to guide the therapeutic strategy and to provide information about the global outcome. This diagnostic evaluation should be performed or supervised by a specialist and severe cases need to be referred in a specialized epilepsy center.