What is Epilepsy & Seizures?
Epilepsy is a tendency for recurrent seizures. Diagnosis requires a careful history, EEG, and usually an MRI. The right medication controls seizures in 70% of people; the other 30% are drug-resistant and deserve consideration for surgery, VNS, or ketogenic diet.
When a second opinion really helps
- You've tried 2+ medications without control — you're drug-resistant and may qualify for surgery.
- No epilepsy-protocol MRI (3T with thin temporal cuts) has been done.
- Diagnosis was made without EEG.
- You were told 'epilepsy surgery is too risky' — modern surgery is safe in specialist centres.
Red flags — call 108 / 102 immediately
- Status epilepticus (seizure >5 min or repeated without recovery) — call 108
- Fever + seizure in a child — rule out encephalitis
- First-ever seizure in an adult — needs MRI + EEG within 2 weeks
Frequently asked questions
For drug-resistant epilepsy, surgery offers a 60-80% seizure-free rate when the focal zone is resectable. Many patients wait 15-20 years before being referred — don't be one of them.