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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: 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...

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...

Action Potential

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy

A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy

Published on: November 13, 2016

Neural mass activity, bifurcations, and epilepsy.

Jonathan Touboul¹, Fabrice Wendling, Patrick Chauvel

¹NeuroMathComp Laboratory, INRIA, CNRS, and ENS, Paris, France. jonathan.touboul@sophia.inria.fr

Neural Computation

|September 17, 2011

Summary

This study presents a framework to link neural mass model behaviors to brain activity patterns, aiding epilepsy research. It helps understand normal and pathological brain function and the effects of medication.

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High-Quality Seizure-Like Activity from Acute Brain Slices Using a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor High-Density Microelectrode Array System

Published on: September 27, 2024

Area of Science:

Computational Neuroscience
Mathematical Biology
Systems Neuroscience

Background:

Neural mass models (NMMs) are crucial for understanding brain dynamics.
Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) form the basis of many NMMs.
Cortical activity patterns, both normal and pathological (e.g., epilepsy), require robust analytical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose a general framework for analyzing NMMs using ODEs.
To establish a relationship between NMM behaviors and cortical activity patterns.
To investigate the origins of pathological brain activity, particularly in epilepsy.

Main Methods:

Studying bifurcations of ODE solutions in NMMs.
Analyzing the sensitivity of NMMs to noise.
Applying the framework to the Jansen and Rit model and the Wendling and Chauvel model.
Investigating the effects of stochastic inputs on NMMs.

Main Results:

A framework linking NMM behaviors to normal and pathological cortical activity was established.
The analysis provided insights into the origins of interictal spikes, interictal bursts, and fast onset activity in epilepsy.
The study demonstrated the utility of the framework for testing neurophysiological hypotheses and evaluating medication effects.

Conclusions:

The developed framework offers a systematic approach to understanding neural mass models.
This research contributes to deciphering the mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures and other cortical dysfunctions.
The findings have implications for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.