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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.

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:

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...

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...

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

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Long-term prognosis for symptomatic (secondarily) generalized epilepsies: a population-based study.

Peter Camfield¹, Carol Camfield

¹Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. pcamfiel@dal.ca

|April 20, 2007

Summary

Childhood-onset secondarily generalized epilepsies (SGEs) often present with early onset and significant disability. While many experience intractable seizures and high mortality, a notable portion achieve long-term seizure remission.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Pediatric Epilepsy
Clinical Outcomes

Background:

Secondarily generalized epilepsies (SGEs) in childhood represent a significant challenge in epilepsy management.
Understanding the long-term prognosis of SGEs is crucial for patient care and research.

Purpose of the Study:

To delineate the long-term outcomes for children diagnosed with secondarily generalized epilepsies (SGEs).

Main Methods:

A population-based cohort of 692 children with epilepsy was analyzed.
SGE was defined by specific seizure types and EEG findings.
Follow-up data was collected primarily in 2003, with a median follow-up of 20 years.

Main Results:

SGE affected 11.6% of childhood epilepsy cases, with 40% not fitting established syndromes.
Early onset (first year of life) was common (60%), and 9% had no intellectual or physical handicap.
Mortality was 24%, 53% had intractable seizures, yet 28% achieved >= 5 years of remission.

Conclusions:

Many childhood SGEs remain ill-defined, characterized by early onset, high rates of disability, intractability, and mortality.
Despite the poor prognosis, a significant minority (one-third) achieve complete seizure control and long-term remission.