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Debate: When does a seizure imply epilepsy?
Author(s) -
Fisher Robert S.,
Leppik Ilo
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01921.x
Subject(s) - epilepsy , epilepsy syndromes , electroencephalography , psychosocial , seizure types , idiopathic generalized epilepsy , certainty , medicine , neuroimaging , psychology , epileptic seizure , psychiatry , neuroscience , intensive care medicine , philosophy , epistemology
Summary Epilepsy recently has been defined conceptually as a condition of at least one seizure, with an enduring predisposition to have seizures. It is not yet clear how to make this definition operational and practical. A diagnosis of epilepsy has potentially serious consequences for health, psychosocial well‐being, and economics, and, therefore, it should be made with a high level of certainty. A definite diagnosis of epilepsy can be made with two unprovoked seizures at least 24 h apart. This method has the benefit of simplicity and consistency with past epidemiologic studies. Nevertheless, certain circumstances suggest a high likelihood of having a second seizure, as evidenced by common clinical practice of considering treatment after a first unprovoked seizure in conjunction with additional risk factors (surrogate markers). One unifying approach is an operational definition of “definite epilepsy” after two unprovoked seizures at least 24 h apart. An operational definition of “probable epilepsy” can be established with one unprovoked seizure and clinical, electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging, genetic, or other information to suggest greater than a 50% chance of having another seizure. “Possible epilepsy” operationally would exist with a single unprovoked seizure and insufficient evidence to predict a high likelihood of recurrence. Future clinical and epidemiologic evidence would allow refinements of the operational definitions.