First seizure in adults

A seizure is a transient occurrence of symptoms and/ or signs due to abnormal or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain ( ILAE- International League Against Epilepsy )

Estimated that about 10 % of the population would experience atleast one epileptic seizure ( 3 % risk of epilepsy ) In US about 150 000 adults present each year with an unprovoked first seizure ( less than ½ have a readily apparent cause ) WHO estimates that about 70 % of people with epilepsy could live seizure free if properly diagnosed and treated Despite a decrease in disease burden ( from 1990-2016 ) epilepsy remains an important cause of disability and mortality ( Lancet -Neurology Feb 2019 ) UK active epilepsy estimate is 5-10 cases/1000 ( NICE )

International League Against Epilepsy-ILAE recommends making a diagnosis of epilepsy if the patient meets any 1 of the following conditions-Atleast 2 unprovoked seizures occurring 24 hrs apart 1 unprovoked seizure and a probability of further seizures over next 10 yrs is greater than 60 % Diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome

Provoked seizure - seizure due to an underlying acute symptomatic condition ( eg a metabolic or toxic disturbance , cerebral trauma , stroke...