Epilepsy

Epilepsy, known colloquially as the “falling sickness”, occurs in approximately 1 out of 150 to 200 people. An epileptic seizure is caused by a disruption of the electrical activity in the brain, resulting in a short circuit. The disruption in the brain may be limited to a specific region or can extend across the entire brain. A short circuit like this can be caused by a range of things, but is usually the consequence of damage to the cerebral cortex caused by scar tissue (as a result of an infection), an accident, a brain haemorrhage, vascular malformations or brain tumours.

What does the Neurology service offer?

• Diagnosis

Epilepsy is diagnosed by describing and possibly observing the complaints. An electroencephalogram (EEG) can help make this diagnosis.

• Imaging

To rule out certain causes of epilepsy, the neurologist treating you may decide to undertake further imaging of your brain.

• Treatment and follow-up

There are many different drugs to treat epilepsy on the market. It is important to find a drug, together with the neurologist treating you, that results in the reduction or disappearance of the epileptic seizures and has minimum side effects. Regular monitoring and possible adjustment of this treatment are essential. In some cases, your neurologist may consider carrying out surgery on the area of the brain that is responsible for the occurrence of the seizures.