ABSTRACT
An epileptic seizure is a transient, excessive discharge of neurons in the cerebral cortex causing an event which is clinically discernible by the person experiencing the seizure and/or by an observer. Epileptic seizures have a sudden onset, spread within minutes and usually cease spontaneously. Generalized epilepsies result in seizures occurring throughout the cortex because of a lowering of seizure threshold, and are usually genetically determined. The International Seizure Classification Scheme is the most widely used scheme and it is based on the clinical and electroencephalographic manifestations of the individual seizure. Partial or focal seizures arise from an epileptic focus. Simple partial seizures are the result of localized epileptic activity during which consciousness is fully preserved. It is evident that many issues have to be taken into consideration when dealing with the possibility of epilepsy in both potential and operating aircrew.
