Epilepsy: A Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Epilepsy, a disorder of unprovoked seizures is a multifaceted disease affecting individuals of all ages with a particular predilection for the very young and old. In addition to seizures, many patients often report cognitive and psychiatric problems associated with both the seizures themselves and its therapy. Epilepsy has numerous etiologies both idiopathic and acquired with a wide range of therapeutic responses. Despite numerous treatments available to control repetitive seizures including medications, diets, immunotherapy, surgery, and neuromodulatory devices, a large percentage of patients continue to suffer the consequences of uncontrolled seizures, which include psychosocial stigma and death.

Figure 1.

Possible courses of epilepsy. Outline of the potential courses that any given patient may take over the course of their lifetime with epilepsy, starting with the first seizure. AED, antiepileptic drug. (From Jacoby and Baker 2008; reprinted, with permission, from Elsevier © 2008.)

Figure 2.

Quality of life (QOL) in epilepsy. The spectrum of possibilities for any given patient with seizures and the effect that the totality of the condition and its treatment has on the quality of life for patients with epilepsy. (From Jacoby and Baker 2008; reprinted, with permission, from Elsevier © 2008.)