[Diagnosis of epilepsy in private practice].

Careful recording of family and personal history is all-important in the diagnosis of epilepsy. If possible, a description of seizures should be obtained from an observer. Occasional seizures are to be distinguished from real epilepsy. The indications for cranial computerized tomography (CCT) are discussed: the indication is imperative in fresh partial epilepsies with elementary symptoms (some 30% brain tumors) and less so in fresh partial epilepsies with complex symptoms (some 5-10% brain tumors). In late epilepsy (onset after age 20-30, negative family and personal history), CCT is always worth considering.