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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:
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...
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,...
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.
Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers01:17

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement
06:58

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement

Published on: June 25, 2016

Code blue: seizures.

Matthew T Hoerth1, Joseph F Drazkowski, Katherine H Noe

  • 1Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA. hoerth.matthew@mayo.edu

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|May 7, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Seizure-like events frequently trigger "code blue" calls in hospitals, often involving patients without a prior epilepsy diagnosis. Understanding these events is crucial for resource allocation and patient care.

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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale

Published on: July 8, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Eyewitnesses often misinterpret seizures as life-threatening events.
  • Hospital
  • code blue
  • activations for seizure-like events can strain resources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and characteristics of
  • code blue
  • calls related to seizures and seizure mimickers.
  • To compare seizure-like events in hospitalized patients versus visitors/employees.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of a hospital's
  • code blue
  • log from 2001 to 2008.
  • Analysis of 50 seizure-like events, categorizing them by patient status (inpatient vs. non-inpatient) and event type.

Main Results:

  • Seizure-like events accounted for 5.3% of all
  • code blue
  • calls.
  • Epileptic seizures comprised 86% of events.
  • Seizure mimickers, like psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, were more prevalent in non-hospitalized individuals. Inpatients with seizure-like events were less likely to have a prior epilepsy diagnosis compared to non-hospitalized individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Code blue
  • activations for seizure-like events are relatively common.
  • A significant proportion of these events involve individuals without a known epilepsy diagnosis, highlighting the need for accurate on-site assessment.
  • Distinguishing between true seizures and seizure mimickers is important for appropriate medical response and resource management within hospitals.