Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system in which the activity of nerve cells in the brain is disturbed. This disorder may lead to convulsions, abnormalities, unusual behavior and loss of consciousness. The symptoms of epilepsy vary from person to person, depending on the part of the brain where the disorder of nerve cell activity manifests..

Approximately 10% of all people may have a single seizure at some stage of their life. However, this does not mean they have epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are required, to have a relevant diagnosis by a neurologist.

According to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), epileptic seizures are classified in focal and generalized, depending on whether the epileptic activity in the brain is manifested in a particular area or simultaneously throughout the brain.

At the same time, depending on whether the cause of the epileptic seizure is known or unknown, epilepsy is classified into

• Idiopathic (unknown cause)
• Symptomatic (result of known brain damage) and
• Cryptogenic (there is a specific cause but cannot be scientifically proven).

Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity of the nerve cells, seizures can affect almost every process that the brain co-ordinates.

Some of the symptoms of an epileptic seizure may be:

Symptoms vary depending on the type of epilepsy, and usually a person with epilepsy tends to exhibit the same symptoms in each episode. The epilepsy diagnosis as well as the treatment is done by a neurologist. Detection of abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain is done by means of an electroencephalography. Imaging methods such as Axial and Magnetic Tomography are usually used to rule out various causes that may cause seizures.

All Programs of “Veresies” Clinic are approved and supervised by the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (CNAA).

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