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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 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...

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.

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...

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...

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[Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures].

Caroline Lund¹, Ira Haraldsen, Morten I Lossius

¹Epilepsisenteret - SSE Nevrologisk avdeling, Oslo, Norway. caroline.lund@epilepsy.no

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke

|November 26, 2009

Summary

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) mimic epilepsy but stem from psychological causes. Accurate diagnosis through medical history and EEG is crucial for effective, individualized treatment.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Psychiatry
Epileptology

Context:

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are frequently misdiagnosed as epilepsy.
Patients with PNES often undergo prolonged, ineffective antiepileptic drug treatment.
PNES is a common differential diagnosis in epilepsy care.

Purpose:

To provide an overview of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.
To highlight diagnostic challenges and therapeutic considerations for PNES.
To review the literature on PNES up to January 2009.

Summary:

PNES presents with diverse seizure-like episodes, affecting 10-20% of patients with therapy-resistant epilepsy.
Women constitute 70-80% of individuals diagnosed with PNES.
Causes range from psychological conflicts to psychotrauma, necessitating personalized treatment.

Impact:

Improved diagnostic accuracy for PNES, reducing misdiagnosis of epilepsy.
Optimized treatment strategies for PNES, moving beyond antiepileptic drugs.
Enhanced understanding of PNES as a distinct neurological and psychological condition.