Epilepsy

Epilepsy, the most common serious neurological condition, is the continuing tendency of a person to have seizures. An epileptic seizure is caused by an abnormal electrical discharge from a group of nerve cells in the brain. There are many different types of epilepsy and many different causes.

For more information, see Epilepsy.

Animation: Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder in which there is a sudden, temporary change in how the brain functions. During an epileptic seizure, neurons can generate impulses six times faster than normal.

Watch an animation about epilepsy.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

People with epilepsy may die suddenly and unexpectedly without a clear cause of death. This is known as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is the single most important cause of death in people with epilepsy. In people with SUDEP, no cause for death is found at post mortem.

For more information, see Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.

The burden of epilepsy: the role of pregnancy registers

The inheritance of epilepsy is complex, and is strongly linked to genetic factors. It is influenced by the type of epilepsy, and the family history of epilepsy. As much as half of the people who are treated with epilepsy are women, many of whom are of childbearing age. In these cases, the greatest concern would be whether a child will inherit epilepsy.

For more information, see The Burden of Epilepsy: The Role of Pregnancy Registers.

Antiepileptics

Antiepileptics are a class of drugs that try and prevent rapid, repetitive, stimulation of the brain that causes seizure activity such as in epilepsy. Antiepileptics are used for the prevention of seizures and associated complications. They are also indicated for acute treatment of seizures including status epilepticus and febrile seizures.

For more information, see Antiepileptics.

Generic and branded antiepileptics

The use of generic drugs in epilepsy is highly controversial. While the FDA and TGA have stated that antiepileptic drugs of different brand names are bioequivalent, there is valid reason to believe the drugs are not therapeutically equivalent and therefore not interchangeable.

For more information, see Generic and Branded Antiepileptic Drugs.

Epilepsy videos

Dr Chris Plummer

Dr Chris Plummer discusses epilepsy and the methods developed to localise seizures.

Watch a video about epilepsy.

Dr Wendyl D'Souza

Epilepsy is a common serious neurological condition. Dr Wendyl D'Souza talks about what can be done for people diagnosed with epilepsy, and the resources available to them.

Watch a video about epilepsy.

Patient experience videos

Epilepsy: Seizures

Speaking from experience:
Patients with epilepsy describe their seizures.

Watch the video Epilepsy: Seizures (© Realtime Health)

Childhood epilepsy: Impact

Speaking from experience:
Parents discuss the impact that their children's epilepsy has on their families.

Watch the video Childhood Epilepsy: Impact (© Realtime Health)

Supportive care

Epilepsy Australia

Actively delivering counselling, support and information, Epilepsy Australia is committed to supporting the Australian community in making enlightened and fully informed responses to epilepsy.

For more information on this group, see Epilepsy Australia.