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Seizures l: Introduction

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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,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement

Published on: June 25, 2016

Propofol withdrawal seizures (or not).

Steven R Zeiler¹, Peter W Kaplan

¹The Johns Hopkins Outpatient CtrRoom 5050601 N. Caroline StreetBaltimore, MD 21287, United States. steven.zeiler@jhmi.edu

|May 17, 2008

Summary

Propofol can cause seizure-like events during conscious sedation. A case study suggests these abnormal motor events, along with a prolactin increase, indicate an ictal origin.

Area of Science:

Anesthesiology
Neurology
Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

Propofol is a widely used anesthetic agent.
Abnormal motor events resembling seizures are a known, yet poorly understood, side effect of propofol administration.
The ictal nature of these events requires further elucidation.

Observation:

A patient undergoing propofol-induced conscious sedation experienced seizure-like activity.
This event was accompanied by a significant rise in serum prolactin levels.

Findings:

The observed seizure-like activity and elevated prolactin levels strongly suggest an ictal (seizure) origin.
This case provides evidence linking propofol administration to genuine seizure phenomena.

Implications:

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Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying propofol-induced seizures is crucial for patient safety.
Further research is warranted to differentiate between true ictal events and other propofol-related motor disturbances.
Clinical monitoring for prolactin levels may aid in identifying ictal events during propofol sedation.