Seizures and epilepsy. Understanding the mechanisms, achieving control

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Seizures indicate central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction.
• Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnostic process for patients experiencing seizures.
• To emphasize the importance of evaluating seizure recurrence risk.
• To discuss current and future treatment strategies for seizures.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic tools including patient/family history, electroencephalography (EEG), and computed tomography (CT).
• Assessment of information from observers.
• Evaluation of seizure recurrence probability based on diagnostic findings.

Main Results:

• Diagnostic evaluation is essential before initiating treatment.
• The majority of seizures are manageable with appropriate pharmacotherapy.
• New antiepileptic drugs are expected in the near future.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is paramount for appropriate seizure management.
• Risk assessment for seizure recurrence guides treatment decisions.
• Non-epileptic seizures may require interventions like psychiatric counseling.