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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,...

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

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: 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: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

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Epilepsy in brain tumor patients.

Andrea O Rossetti¹, Roger Stupp

¹Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. andrea.rossetti@chuv.ch

Current Opinion in Neurology

|August 25, 2010

Summary

Anticonvulsant treatment is crucial for patients with brain tumors and epilepsy. Newer anti-epileptic drugs, particularly levetiracetam and pregabalin, offer better safety and tolerability, though more research is needed.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Oncology
Pharmacology

Background:

Epilepsy is a common complication in patients with brain tumors.
Limited high-quality evidence exists for optimal anticonvulsant selection in this population.
Existing practice parameters are outdated, necessitating updated guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current anticonvulsant treatments for epilepsy in brain tumor patients.
To evaluate the expanding spectrum of available anti-epileptic agents.
To provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of existing literature on anticonvulsant therapy in brain tumor patients with epilepsy.
Analysis of observational studies and clinical series.
Evaluation of pharmacokinetic interactions and tolerability profiles of various anti-epileptic drugs.

Main Results:

Prophylactic anticonvulsant treatment is generally discouraged, but initiation is recommended after a first seizure due to high recurrence risk.
Newer anti-epileptic drugs (e.g., levetiracetam, pregabalin) show promise due to improved safety and tolerability compared to traditional agents.
Most patients achieve seizure control or significant reduction with anti-epileptic treatment, but no specific drug demonstrates superior efficacy.

Conclusions:

Anticonvulsants with minimal pharmacokinetic interactions should be prioritized for brain tumor patients with epilepsy.
Further prospective, comparative studies are essential to determine the optimal role and duration of specific anti-epileptic agents.
Addressing the lack of high-level evidence is critical for refining treatment strategies.