Epilepsy.
Epilepsy may be associated with major social and medical problems, and counselling of patient and family is essential for good management. The workup of a person with a seizure includes history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. An electroencephalogram is essential to help classify the seizure and epilepsy type. Neuroimaging (preferably by magnetic resonance imaging) helps to exclude a structural abnormality. Seizures can be controlled with a single drug (monotherapy) in 70% of patients. The incidence of drug side effects is increased if more than one drug is used. Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of seizures in 30% of women with epilepsy. Frequent assessment throughout pregnancy is important. There is a slightly increased risk of congenital malformation associated with the antiepileptic drugs. Folic acid supplementation is advisable.
Herkes
G K
GK
University of Sydney, NSW. gkherkes@onaustralia.com.au
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans