Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by the occurrence of two or more unprovoked epileptic seizures, more than 24 hours apart. In Portugal, it is estimated to affect about 10 in every 1,000 inhabitants, and can occur at any age, although it is more frequent in the first year of life and from the age of 60-65. The causes are very varied, including acquired brain lesions, brain development abnormalities, genetic, metabolic or immune causes, and remain unknown in up to half of cases.
Diagnosis is essentially clinical, using electroencephalogram and brain magnetic resonance imaging to estimate the risk of recurrence. First-line treatment is pharmacological, allowing about two-thirds of patients to become seizure-free. In the remaining cases, in selected cases, other therapeutic options are considered, such as epilepsy surgery.
In the event of a tonic-clonic seizure, the most important thing is to remain calm and protect the person, moving away objects that may cause injury, without trying to restrain movements or place anything in the mouth. Emergency medical help should be called if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if seizures recur without recovery of consciousness between them.
The article states that, with adequate treatment, most people with epilepsy can live a normal life. In Portugal, about 44% of patients with epilepsy do not have regular medical follow-up, and this follow-up allows for reassessment of the diagnosis and optimization of therapy. The article is authored by Dr. Pedro Beleza, neurologist at Hospital da Luz Póvoa de Varzim, Hospital da Luz Clínica de Amarante, and Hospital da Luz Clínica de Cerveira.
