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Related Concept Videos

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:
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 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...
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...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

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

Published on: September 20, 2024

Epilepsy (generalised).

Melissa Maguire1, Anthony G Marson, Sridharan Ramaratnam

  • 1Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.

BMJ Clinical Evidence
|March 23, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This systematic review examines epilepsy treatments. Monotherapy with certain drugs, adding second-line medications, and surgery are effective for generalized epilepsy and drug-resistant cases.

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Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue
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Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue

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Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
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Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue
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Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epilepsy affects approximately 3% of the population lifetime.
  • Remission is achieved by about 70% of individuals with epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate monotherapy for newly diagnosed generalized epilepsy (tonic-clonic type).
  • To assess additional treatments for drug-resistant generalized epilepsy.
  • To determine the efficacy of surgery for drug-resistant generalized epilepsy.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of literature up to July 2009.
  • Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies.
  • Inclusion of harms alerts from regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA).

Main Results:

  • Eight systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies met inclusion criteria.
  • GRADE evaluation was performed to assess the quality of evidence for interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Information on effectiveness and safety of specific antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate, topiramate) for monotherapy.
  • Evidence for adding second-line drugs (lamotrigine, levetiracetam) in drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • Evidence for hemispherectomy in drug-resistant epilepsy.