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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

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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,...

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: Classification

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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.
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Electroconvulsive Therapy

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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,...

Seizures ll: Types

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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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

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

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

Published on: December 22, 2016

Perimenstrual catamenial epilepsy.

Doodipala S Reddy¹

¹North Carolina State University, Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. samba_reddy@ncsu.edu.

Women'S Health (London, England)

|October 7, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Catamenial epilepsy, linked to menstrual cycles, affects many women. Natural progesterone and synthetic neurosteroids show promise for treating these hormone-related seizures.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Endocrinology
Women's Health

Background:

Catamenial epilepsy is a subtype of epilepsy characterized by seizure clustering around specific menstrual cycle phases.
Affecting at least one-third of women with epilepsy, it lacks specific treatments, and its molecular pathophysiology is poorly understood.
Current antiepileptic drugs do not specifically target the hormonal fluctuations implicated in catamenial seizures.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the pathophysiology and hormonal basis of perimenstrual catamenial epilepsy.
To outline current diagnostic approaches for this condition.
To explore potential therapeutic strategies for managing catamenial seizures.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on catamenial epilepsy, focusing on hormonal influences.
Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying seizure exacerbation during specific menstrual phases.
Evaluation of the efficacy of hormonal therapies in preclinical and clinical studies.

Main Results:

Perimenstrual catamenial epilepsy is strongly associated with hormonal fluctuations, particularly during the perimenstrual and periovulatory periods.
Neurosteroids, influenced by ovarian hormones, play a critical role in seizure susceptibility.
Natural progesterone and synthetic neurosteroid replacement therapies demonstrate potential as targeted treatments.

Conclusions:

Understanding the hormonal basis of catamenial epilepsy is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Hormone replacement therapy, specifically with progesterone or its synthetic analogs, offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
Further research into neurosteroid modulation is warranted to refine treatment strategies for catamenial epilepsy.