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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:

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.

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,...

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 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...

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...

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

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Published on: September 20, 2024

Nonepileptic seizures in children.

Hema Patel¹, Eric Scott, David Dunn

¹Section of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Riley Hospital, Indiana University School of Medicine, 575 West Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. hpatel@iupui.edu

|July 25, 2007

Summary

Clinical characteristics of nonepileptic seizures (NES) differ between pre-adolescent children and adolescents. Subtle motor activity is more common in younger children, while prominent motor activity is seen in adolescents, aiding in risk identification.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Pediatric Neurology
Epileptology

Background:

Nonepileptic seizures (NES) are often challenging to diagnose in pediatric populations.
Understanding age-related differences in NES presentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate and compare the clinical characteristics of nonepileptic seizures (NES) in children under 13 years old versus adolescents.

Main Methods:

A retrospective review of medical records and video-electroencephalograms (VEEG) was conducted.
Patients diagnosed with NES via VEEG monitoring were categorized into two groups: under 13 years (Group A) and 13 years and older (Group B).

Main Results:

Of 1,967 patients, 68 were diagnosed with NES. Group A (under 13) showed a higher prevalence of subtle motor activity (p < 0.01) and cognitive dysfunction (p < 0.001) and epilepsy (p < 0.01).
Group B (13+) exhibited a predominance of prominent motor activity (p < 0.001) and more frequent depression. Stressors like school difficulties and interpersonal conflicts were common in both groups.

Conclusions:

Distinct clinical semiology and predisposing factors exist between younger children and adolescents with NES.
These age-specific differences can assist clinicians in identifying pediatric patients at risk for developing NES.