Epilepsy, Idiopathic

Alternate Name:

Test:

None specific. Pathological cause must be ex- cluded before diagnosis is made. Screening tests include FBC, ESR, S.electrolytes, S.ureS, U.M/C/S, LFT, S.calcium, S.phosphate, S.ALP, S.glucose, EEG, CT, screen for syphilis

Sign:

Ankle clonus, Babinski's sign, convulsions, re-flexes abnormal

Dd:

Syncopal attacks, psychiatric disorders, sub-normality, cerebral tumours, TB, diabetes, enceph­alitis, meningitis, syphilis, birth injury, phenylketonu­ria, hypocalcaemia, trauma, CVA, alcoholism, drugs, senility

Phys:

Epilepsy describes recurrent convulsions due to many causes. Types include grand mal, petit mal, psychomotor, Jacksonian seizures, somatic and optic seizures