At least one in every 200 people has epilepsy. The condition affects nearly 30,000 Scots and more than 350,000 people in the United Kingdom. Epilepsy does not discriminate. The condition affects men, women and children of all abilities from every race. Although it can begin at any age, it is more common for epilepsy to occur in childhood, adolescence and old age.
Most seizures are minor, short and can be controlled with drugs.
Treatment with antiepileptic drugs helps over 7 in 10 people with epilepsy to be seizure-free. Several new drugs along with established drugs, including rectal diazepam, are commonly prescribed to prevent or stop seizures. Sometimes antiepileptic drugs have side-effects. It can take several months or even longer to find a suitable treatment for different kinds of epileptic seizures. Surgery is sometimes recommended for people with epilepsy that is difficult to control.