Epilepsy: key points

• Epilepsy is a complex condition and there are many different types of seizures, which may affect part or all of the brain. These two broad categories are termed partial and generalised epilepsies, but there are over 40 different seizure types and epilepsy syndromes. 
• Epilepsy is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Scotland
• Data from general practice registers in Scotland in 2008/09 suggest that around 0.7% of the population (around 37,000 people) had a diagnosis of epilepsy recorded by their GP.
• Reports from a sample of Scottish practices indicate that in 2007/08 around 31,000 people (0.6% of the population) consulted their GP practice because of epilepsy.

Section updates: The last major update of this section was completed in March 2009. The next major update is due to be carried out by the end of March 2010.