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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 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: 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 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: Potassium Channel Activators

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...

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Cognitive-behavioral screening in elderly patients with new-onset epilepsy before treatment.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice

Published on: May 16, 2019

[Epileptic seizures in the elderly].

K J Werhahn¹

¹Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany.

|March 28, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Epilepsy in older adults is rising, presenting unique diagnostic and treatment challenges. This review highlights the need for better guidelines and newer drugs to manage seizures effectively in this growing population.

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

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

Published on: September 20, 2024

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice

Published on: May 16, 2019

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

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

Published on: September 20, 2024

Area of Science:

Geriatric Medicine
Neurology
Clinical Pharmacology

Context:

The global elderly population is expanding, leading to an increased prevalence of epilepsy in older adults.
Current research, including randomized controlled trials, is limited for epilepsy management in the elderly.
Seizure presentation and diagnosis in the elderly are complicated by atypical symptoms and frequent comorbidities.

Purpose:

To review current clinical and therapeutic findings for epilepsy in elderly patients.
To identify gaps in evidence-based guidelines and research for geriatric epilepsy.
To discuss the complexities of diagnosing and treating epilepsy in older individuals.

Summary:

Elderly patients with epilepsy often exhibit seizures that are overlooked due to atypical presentations, such as a higher incidence of sudden loss of consciousness and rarer auras.
Therapeutic approaches are complex, necessitating careful consideration of comorbidities, polypharmacy, and potential drug interactions.
Despite challenges, antiepileptic drug efficacy may be higher in the elderly, but side effects and interactions underscore the need for precise diagnosis and novel treatments.

Impact:

Highlights the critical need for developing specific clinical guidelines and conducting more research, including randomized controlled trials, for epilepsy in the elderly.
Emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment strategies to mitigate risks associated with comorbidities and polypharmacy.
Underscores the demand for newer-generation antiepileptic drugs tailored to the physiological and pharmacokinetic profiles of older adults.