BIOL 373: What is Epilepsy?

Clinical Definition of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disease of the brain defined by any of the following conditions

1. At least two unprovoked seizures occurring >24 hours apart

2. One unprovoked seizure and a probability of further seizures similar to the general recurrence risk (at least 60%) after two unprovoked seizures, occurring over the next 10 years

3. Diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome

Epilepsy is considered to be resolved for individuals who had an age-dependent epilepsy syndrome but are now past the applicable age or those who have remained seizure-free for the last 10 years, with no seizure medicines for the last 5 years.