Differential diagnosis of epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is a relatively common neurologic disorder that has important implications for patients, health care providers, and society. Making the correct diagnosis for transient neurologic events as with many neurologic conditions starts with an accurate and complete history and consequently leads to a directed diagnostic workup. In this chapter, we present transient neurologic events that are commonly included in the differential diagnosis for epilepsy and how to evaluate and distinguish among the possibilities. Making the correct diagnosis of epilepsy or one of its mimickers allows the practitioner to prescribe appropriate therapy for what are often divergent conditions.