Epilepsy
Understanding epileptic seizures, current diagnostic approaches, treatment and clinical research.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving a lasting tendency to have recurrent epileptic seizures. Seizures arise from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, but they do not always involve convulsions or loss of consciousness. Different types of epilepsy may have genetic, structural, metabolic, infectious or unknown causes.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Seizures can present as altered awareness, unusual sensations, involuntary movements or loss of consciousness. Assessment involves a detailed medical history, descriptions of events and, when indicated, an electroencephalogram (EEG), brain imaging and other tests.
Treatment and follow-up
Anti-seizure medicines control seizures for many people. When seizures remain uncontrolled despite appropriate treatment, specialist teams may consider surgery, neurostimulation or selected dietary treatments. Medication should not be changed without medical supervision.
Research at our unit
Studies explore emerging therapies, long-term safety and approaches for difficult-to-treat epilepsies and specific epilepsy syndromes. Participation depends on each study’s official eligibility criteria.