Summary

• Epilepsy is a long-term brain condition where a person has repeated seizures.
• Seizures can cause symptoms such as loss of consciousness, unusual jerking movements as well as other unusual feelings, sensations and behaviours.
• Epilepsy can be caused by your genes or anything that damages the brain, including injury, stroke or infection.
• Your doctor will diagnose you with epilepsy, based on if you’ve had seizures before, as well as on various tests.
• Most people with epilepsy can control their seizures with antiepileptic medicines and by avoiding triggers.

These key facts are from healthdirect.gov.au (accessed 28 Jan 2025). Visit the healthdirect website for more information about epilepsy.

Relevant Tests

If your doctor suspects you have epilepsy, they may request one or more tests.

If you are diagnosed with epilepsy, some of these tests will be used to monitor and manage your condition.

Find information about specific tests:

• Blood tests for infections
• Cerebrospinal fluid examination
• Carbamazepine
• Phenytoin
• Valproate