Epiletic

Epiletic is not a standard medical term in most reference works. It is most often encountered as a misspelling or nonstandard variant of "epileptic" or "epilepsy." In proper usage, epilepsy refers to the chronic neurological disorder, while "epileptic" is an adjective describing related features, and historically a noun referring to a person with epilepsy. Because contemporary medical and patient safety language favors person-first terminology, phrases such as "a person with epilepsy" are preferred over "an epileptic."

Epilepsy involves recurrent unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures are classified as focal (beginning in a specific brain region) or generalized (affecting both hemispheres). Some individuals experience a prodrome or aura before a seizure, while others have convulsive or non-convulsive events. Causes range from genetic factors and structural brain abnormalities to head injury, stroke, infections, and developmental disorders; in many cases no single cause is identified.

Diagnosis relies on clinical history, neurological examination, electroencephalography (EEG), and brain imaging such as MRI. Treatment typically centers on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to reduce seizure frequency, though some people remain refractory to medication. Other options for drug-resistant epilepsy include surgical resection, neurostimulation, or dietary therapies in select cases. Management also emphasizes safety, regular follow-up, and addressing psychosocial aspects of living with epilepsy.

Terminology note: because "epiletic" is not a recognized term, it should be corrected to "epileptic," "epilepsy," or the more precise phrases described above when writing about people or seizures.