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Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...

Seizures: Classification

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...

Seizures l: Introduction

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...

Epilepsy ll: Types

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Published on: April 15, 2015

Epilepsy and Cortical Dysplasias.

Crino¹, Chou

¹Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 3 West Gates Building, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. crinop@mail.med.upenn.edu

Current Treatment Options in Neurology

|November 30, 2000

Summary

Focal and diffuse cortical dysplasias (CD) are brain malformations causing difficult-to-treat epilepsy. While anti-epileptic drugs are standard, epilepsy surgery offers curative potential for select patients with these conditions.

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Frontal Disconnection for Treating Mild Malformation of Cortical Development with Oligodendroglial Hyperplasia in Epilepsy (MOGHE) in the Frontal Lobe

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Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex

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Published on: April 15, 2015

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

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Frontal Disconnection for Treating Mild Malformation of Cortical Development with Oligodendroglial Hyperplasia in Epilepsy (MOGHE) in the Frontal Lobe

Frontal Disconnection for Treating Mild Malformation of Cortical Development with Oligodendroglial Hyperplasia in Epilepsy (MOGHE) in the Frontal Lobe

Published on: August 16, 2024

Area of Science:

Neurology
Neuroscience
Epileptology

Background:

Focal and diffuse cortical dysplasias (FCD/DCD) are heterogeneous disorders characterized by abnormal cerebral cortical cytoarchitecture.
These conditions are frequently associated with epilepsy, often refractory to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), even with polytherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the diverse etiologies, clinical presentations, and therapeutic strategies for focal and diffuse cortical dysplasias.
To highlight the significant role of epilepsy surgery in managing refractory epilepsy associated with cortical dysplasias.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on cortical dysplasias and associated epilepsy.
Analysis of therapeutic outcomes, including anti-epileptic drugs and surgical interventions.

Main Results:

Cortical dysplasias have diverse etiologies, including genetic syndromes and acquired insults.
Nearly 30% of epilepsy specimens show overt or microscopic cortical dysplasia.
While standard AEDs are the mainstay, specific AEDs offer limited advantages; ketogenic diet benefits a subset of patients.

Conclusions:

Epilepsy surgery, including focal resections, lobectomies, or hemispheric procedures, can be curative in appropriately selected patients with FCD/DCD.
Understanding the specific type and etiology of cortical dysplasia is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies.