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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...
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: 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:
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...
Electroconvulsive Therapy01:30

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early years,...

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Related Experiment Video

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Performing Behavioral Tasks in Subjects with Intracranial Electrodes
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Published on: October 2, 2014

Defining and diagnosing epilepsy in the elderly.

Richard A Marasco1, R Eugene Ramsay

  • 1Pharmaceutical Care and Management Services, Valdosta, GA, USA. rmarasco@seniorpharm.com

The Consultant Pharmacist : the Journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
|June 27, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Epilepsy and seizures are common in older adults, often presenting differently than in younger individuals. Recognizing these distinctions is key for accurate diagnosis and effective management by healthcare professionals.

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Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

  • Seizures and epilepsy are prevalent in individuals aged 65 and older.
  • Seizure presentation in the elderly can differ from younger populations and may mimic other age-related conditions.
  • Understanding these nuances is critical for appropriate patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate between nonepileptic and epileptic seizures.
  • To categorize epileptic seizures in the elderly.
  • To outline the prevalence, risk factors, and triggers of epilepsy in older adults.
  • To guide the evaluation of elderly patients presenting with seizure symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A live symposium presentation.
  • Informed by clinical practice and current research.
  • Based on established clinical guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Epilepsy and seizures are common in the elderly population (>= 65 years).
  • Seizures in older adults may present atypically, mimicking other common geriatric conditions.
  • Differentiating seizure types is crucial for effective treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Seizures and epilepsy are significant concerns in the elderly.
  • Recognizing atypical presentations and differentiating seizure types are essential for consultant pharmacists.
  • Appropriate classification enables tailored treatment and management recommendations for older patients.