Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures that cannot be attributed to any other cause. It is the most common chronic neurological condition in the UK.

There is very possibly an observable association with deprivation/poor management as shown in the maps here. If this were the case then epilepsy could for some purposes be grouped with other causes for which deaths are exacerbated due to low rates of early diagnosis, or poor subsequent management for poorer social groups clustered in certain areas. At the same time, it is very possible that selective migration of people suffering from severe epilepsy leads to geographic concentrations of the population most at risk.

Epilepsy is considered to be a cause of death that is amenable to medical treatment. Not all deaths that are amenable to treatment will be avoidable, but health care could contribute to reducing mortality from that cause. Variations in the treatment and management of epilepsy may help to explain any variations observed here.

If a person has two or more seizures for which no other reason is found, they are probably epileptic. Seizures can occur at any time and may stop and start for no apparent reason.

A seizure is essentially abnormal electrical activity of a group of brain cells which can lead to an altered mental state, convulsions and involuntary muscle movements. The symptoms experienced reflect the area of the brain that is affected. In some cases the full onset of a seizure may be preceded by warning sensations such as smelling an unpleasant odour or seeing sparkling or flashes; this is called an ‘aura’.

A number of social, psychological and emotional problems can often accompany the condition of epilepsy. The stigma of being marked out as different, the unpredictability of the seizures, and the nature of seizures can all have significant effects on how a person is able to cope with their disease. The unpleasant side effects of medication, having to limit certain activities, and not being able to drive can lead to social isolation and low self-esteem. Epileptics have a higher risk of suicide than non-epileptics (Bruce et al, 2004).