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Epilepsy: what it is, types & causes

Epilepsy Syndrome: Meaning & Examples

Last updated 27 October 2026 · 5 min read · By Sarah M., Support Coordinator
In short

An epilepsy syndrome is diagnosed when a person’s epilepsy has a particular set of features, such as specific seizure types. Epilepsy Action Australia says there are over 30 epilepsy syndromes (Epilepsy Action Australia).

This quick guide explains the term and the names you may see in letters and reports. For the basics, start with our definition of epilepsy.

Epilepsy syndrome: what it means

A syndrome name describes a pattern of features in a person’s epilepsy. The table shows how it sits alongside related terms.

TermMeaningExample
EpilepsyThe broad condition; a syndrome name describes it more specificallySee the definition guide linked above
Seizure typeThe kind of seizure a person hasMyoclonic seizures, absence seizures
Epilepsy syndromeA diagnosis made when the epilepsy has particular features, such as specific seizure typesDravet syndrome, where first seizures usually occur around 5 to 8 months of age
CauseThe underlying reason for the epilepsy, which differs from person to personSee what can cause epilepsy

Epilepsy Action Australia states that juvenile myoclonic epilepsy accounts for approximately 10 percent of all epilepsies and is typically diagnosed in youth (10–24 years). Your specialist can explain which syndrome, if any, applies to you.

These plain-language notes help you read reports and prepare questions for appointments. They do not replace your specialist’s advice.

TermWhat it generally refers to
Abdominal epilepsyA term sometimes used when stomach-related symptoms are thought to be seizures; ask a neurologist what it means for you.
Autoimmune epilepsyA term used when seizures are thought to be linked to the immune system; a neurologist can explain whether it applies.
Benign myoclonic epilepsy of infancyA syndrome name for epilepsy in babies involving myoclonic (jerking) seizures; ask your child’s specialist what the label means.
DEE epilepsyShort for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy; your specialist can explain what the term means for the person.
ESES epilepsyShort for electrical status epilepticus in sleep, a term that refers to a pattern on a brain-wave recording taken during sleep.
FIRES epilepsyShort for febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome; a neurologist can explain what the diagnosis involves.
Hydrocephalus and epilepsyHydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid in the brain; if a person has both, their specialist can explain how the two relate for them.
KCNT1 epilepsyEpilepsy linked to changes in the KCNT1 gene; a neurologist or genetics service can explain what this means.
Progressive myoclonic epilepsyA term for a group of conditions involving myoclonic seizures; ask your specialist what it means for the person.
Reflex epilepsyA term used when seizures are set off by a specific trigger; see epilepsy triggers.
Tubers epilepsyA phrase used for epilepsy in people with tuberous sclerosis complex, where growths called tubers form in the brain; a neurologist can explain more.

Epilepsy syndrome, disability and the NDIS

To receive NDIS supports, you need to meet the NDIS access requirements. The NDIA’s guideline explains how it decides access and what evidence it uses.

  • Read the NDIA’s Applying to the NDIS guideline before you gather letters and reports.
  • Ask your specialist for letters that name the syndrome and the seizure types, and describe how they affect your daily life.
  • Describe the impact in everyday terms, such as supervision at bath time, safe travel or help with medicine routines, rather than only naming the diagnosis.
  • Read our guide to whether epilepsy is a disability to learn more about epilepsy and disability in Australia.
  • Ask your neurologist or GP about a written seizure management plan that support workers can follow, and read our guide to epilepsy treatment.
  • Focal epilepsy: seizures that start in one area of the brain; see what is focal epilepsy.
  • Myoclonic epilepsy: epilepsy with sudden jerks, including the syndrome explained in our guide to juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
  • Genetic epilepsy: epilepsy linked to gene changes; see can epilepsy be genetic.
  • Seizure trigger: something that makes a seizure more likely for a particular person.
  • Syndrome name: the label a specialist gives when the epilepsy has a recognised set of features, such as Dravet syndrome.
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Sarah M., Support CoordinatorTQN Care is a registered NDIS provider supporting people across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC).
Common questions

FAQs about epilepsy syndrome

Is epilepsy an autoimmune disease? +

Epilepsy has different causes for different people. Autoimmune epilepsy is the term used when seizures are thought to be linked to the immune system. Whether this applies to you or someone you care for is a question for a neurologist, who can explain the tests involved and what the result means.

Is every epilepsy a syndrome? +

Not necessarily. Epilepsy Action Australia says a syndrome is diagnosed when the epilepsy has features such as specific seizure types. If your epilepsy has not been given a syndrome name, your specialist can explain why, and your support needs are just as real.

Who can tell me which syndrome applies? +

A neurologist is the specialist to ask. They can explain what tests they use and whether a syndrome name fits your epilepsy. Your GP can refer you to a neurologist and help you keep a record of seizures to bring to your appointments.

If you or someone you care for needs help at home or in the community, TQN Care offers high-care and complex support, and our guide to high intensity supports explains how those supports work.

References

Sources

  1. Epilepsy syndromes — Epilepsy Action Australia
  2. Our Guideline – Applying to the NDIS — National Disability Insurance Agency
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Related guides

What can cause epilepsyWhat is focal epilepsyCan epilepsy be geneticWhat can trigger epilepsy