Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

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: 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 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: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators01:18

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Helen Gertrude Leyton (1874-1959).

Journal of neurology·2026
Same author

Evaluation of metformin for epilepsy prevention or seizure control in people without evidence of diabetes: retrospective cohort study.

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2026
Same author

Seizure prophylaxis in glioma surgery (SPRING): A multi-center, unblinded, randomized trial.

Neuro-oncology practice·2026
Same author

HLA genotype testing for carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine and eslicarbazepine: A guideline developed by the UK Centre of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation in Pharmacogenomics (CERSI-PGx).

British journal of clinical pharmacology·2026
Same author

Women and the Neurological Society, 1897-1907.

Journal of the history of the neurosciences·2026
Same author

Seizure prophylaxis in glioma surgery: a synopsis from the SPRING RCT.

Health technology assessment (Winchester, England)·2026
Same journal

Rheumatoid arthritis: previously untreated early disease.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016
Same journal

Diabetic retinopathy: intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors for diabetic macular oedema.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016
Same journal

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (spontaneous aneurysmal).

BMJ clinical evidence·2016
Same journal

Malaria: fluid therapy in severe disease.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016
Same journal

Age-related macular degeneration: anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016
Same journal

MRSA: treating people with infection.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 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 (partial).

Melissa Maguire1, Anthony G Marson, Sridharan Ramaratnam

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

BMJ Clinical Evidence
|May 10, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This systematic review evaluates treatments for epilepsy, including antiepileptic drugs, behavioral therapies, and surgery. It provides evidence on effectiveness and safety for various epilepsy types and remission stages.

More Related Videos

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
09:06

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

Published on: December 22, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 2, 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

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
09:06

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

Published on: December 22, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

  • Epilepsy affects approximately 3% of the population lifetime.
  • A significant majority (70%) of individuals with epilepsy achieve remission.
  • Understanding effective treatment options is crucial for managing this chronic neurological condition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the evidence on various epilepsy interventions.
  • To answer specific clinical questions regarding antiepileptic drug treatment, behavioral therapies, and surgery.
  • To assess the safety and effectiveness of interventions for different epilepsy scenarios.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a systematic review of literature up to July 2009.
  • Searched major databases including Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library.
  • Included harms alerts from regulatory agencies like the FDA and MHRA.
  • Evaluated the quality of evidence using the GRADE system.

Main Results:

  • Identified 83 relevant systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational studies.
  • Synthesized evidence on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for single seizures and monotherapy.
  • Reviewed additional AEDs for drug-resistant epilepsy and AED withdrawal in remission.
  • Examined behavioral/psychological treatments and surgical options for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy.

Conclusions:

  • Provides comprehensive information on the effectiveness and safety of numerous epilepsy interventions.
  • Covers AEDs, behavioral therapies, and surgical options for diverse epilepsy presentations.
  • Highlights evidence for treatments including carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, CBT, and temporal lobectomy.