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Review
. 2024 Oct 1;16(10):e70654.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.70654. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Seizures and Epilepsy: An Overview for UK Medical Students

Abdullah Ahmed  1 , Abdul-Habib Rahman  2 , Shimul Williams  3 , Mubeen Toufiq  4 , Eyad Jamileh  5 , Sheema Chaudhry  6 , Khadijah Ahmed  7 , Munir Ahmed  8
Affiliations
Review

Seizures and Epilepsy: An Overview for UK Medical Students

Abdullah Ahmed et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder impacting millions globally, marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. This review article, tailored for UK medical students, provides a broad clinical overview of epilepsy, focusing on its pathophysiology, classification, and management strategies. The article clarifies the distinction between epilepsy and seizures and delves into key areas, including risk factors, clinical features, and differential diagnosis. The discussion extends to diagnostic methods, underscoring the importance of conducting a thorough evaluation in diagnosing and managing epilepsy effectively. Data were drawn from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, World Health Organization (WHO) reports, and key peer-reviewed studies. Particular attention was given to UK-specific data on epilepsy incidence, treatment gaps, and clinical outcomes. A review of relevant literature was conducted, covering epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic protocols, and management strategies based on UK practices. Finally, the article addresses the acute management of seizures and the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of epilepsy based on the NICE guidelines. The goal is to offer medical students a concise yet comprehensive understanding of epilepsy, preparing them for practical, evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice.

Keywords: abnormal electrical discharges; anti-epileptic drugs; epilepsy; neurological disorders; seizures.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: Yes, we used the company Proofed to proofread and copyedit our article. . Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Seizure types
Adapted from [17]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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