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PubMed · 11419778

Epilepsy.

G K Herkes
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Abstract

Epilepsy may be associated with major social and medical problems, and counselling of patient and family is essential for good management. The workup of a person with a seizure includes history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. An electroencephalogram is essential to help classify the seizure and epilepsy type. Neuroimaging (preferably by magnetic resonance imaging) helps to exclude a structural abnormality. Seizures can be controlled with a single drug (monotherapy) in 70% of patients. The incidence of drug side effects is increased if more than one drug is used. Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of seizures in 30% of women with epilepsy. Frequent assessment throughout pregnancy is important. There is a slightly increased risk of congenital malformation associated with the antiepileptic drugs. Folic acid supplementation is advisable.

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BibTeXRIS

G K Herkes. 2001-05-21. Epilepsy.. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2001.tb143411.x

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