title: An approach to the evaluation of a patient for seizures and epilepsy.
abstract: Epilepsy affects approximately 1 percent of the population and is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. A careful clinical history is often helpful in diagnosis, classification of seizure and epilepsy types, selection of appropriate ancillary studies, selection of anti-epileptic drugs, and formulation of a long-term management plan. This article provides directions and guidelines both for the family practice physician and the specialist in evaluating this patient population in the clinics.
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Adult Epilepsy Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, Canada.
authors.forename: S Nizam
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Susan S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Spencer
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D012640:Seizures / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*