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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...
Overview of Synapses01:25

Overview of Synapses

A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
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: 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.
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
09:06

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Published on: December 22, 2016

The interactions between sleep and epilepsy.

Alcibíades J Rodríguez1, Ruben I Kuzniecky

  • 1Department of Neurology and NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

Reviews in Neurological Diseases
|April 18, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Sleep and epilepsy are closely linked, with sleep disturbances affecting epilepsy and vice versa. Improving sleep can help manage epilepsy, while treating epilepsy positively impacts sleep disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • The relationship between sleep and epilepsy is historically recognized.
  • Diagnostic tools like electroencephalogram (EEG) and polysomnogram (PSG) aid in understanding this connection.
  • Some epilepsy syndromes manifest predominantly during sleep, and sleep disorders can be mistaken for epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the complex interactions between sleep and epilepsy.
  • To highlight the bidirectional impact of sleep disturbances and epilepsy on each other.
  • To emphasize the role of sleep management in comprehensive epilepsy care.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and contemporary understanding of sleep-epilepsy interactions.
  • Utilizing electroencephalogram (EEG) and polysomnogram (PSG) data.

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Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue
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Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue

Published on: January 19, 2019

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Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
09:06

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Published on: December 22, 2016

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

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06:45

Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue

Published on: January 19, 2019

  • Analysis of clinical observations regarding epilepsy syndromes and sleep disorders.

    • Main Results:

    • Specific epilepsy syndromes exhibit increased prevalence during sleep.
    • Sleep disorders are often misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures.
    • Effective epilepsy management correlates with improved sleep quality and quantity.

    Conclusions:

    • Sleep quality and quantity are crucial components in the management of epilepsy.
    • Aggressive treatment of epilepsy demonstrates a beneficial effect on co-existing sleep disorders.
    • A holistic approach addressing both sleep and epilepsy is essential for patient well-being.