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Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

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: Classification01:13

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: Types01:22

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: Introduction01:20

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: Types01:19

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: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice
09:29

Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice

Published on: June 11, 2020

Neonatal seizures: multicenter variability in current treatment practices.

Agnes I Bartha1, Jessica Shen, Karol H Katz

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143-0663, and Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, USA.

Pediatric Neurology
|August 7, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Treatment for neonatal seizures varies widely, often using phenobarbital. Many infants continue anticonvulsant therapy post-discharge, highlighting the need for standardized guidelines.

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Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
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Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice
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Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice

Published on: June 11, 2020

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
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Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale

Published on: July 8, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Neurology
  • Pediatric Epilepsy
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for neonatal seizures are lacking.
  • Neonatal seizures represent a significant clinical challenge with variable management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate anticonvulsant selection, blood levels, and post-discharge treatment for neonatal seizures.
  • To identify factors associated with continued anticonvulsant therapy in neonatal seizure survivors.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 480 neonates with seizures across five US NICUs (2000-2003).
  • Data collected on initial anticonvulsant choice, number of drugs used, peak serum levels, and post-discharge treatment.
  • Comparison of characteristics between neonates with and without continued post-discharge therapy.

Main Results:

  • Phenobarbital was the initial treatment for 82% of neonates; 59% received a single anticonvulsant.
  • Significant variability observed in the number of anticonvulsants used and peak phenobarbital levels.
  • 75% of survivors received post-discharge anticonvulsant treatment, often linked to abnormal EEG/imaging or need for a second drug.

Conclusions:

  • Current anticonvulsant therapy for neonatal seizures exhibits wide variability, suggesting a lack of standardized approaches.
  • Continued post-discharge treatment is common, particularly in complex cases.
  • Evidence-based guidelines and trials with long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up are crucial for optimizing neonatal seizure management.