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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: May 24, 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

  • 1Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK.

BMJ Clinical Evidence
|February 22, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This systematic review examines epilepsy treatments, finding that monotherapy with various drugs is effective for newly diagnosed generalized epilepsy. It also assesses add-on treatments and surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Epilepsy affects approximately 3% of the population lifetime.
  • Remission is achieved by about 70% of individuals with epilepsy.
  • Generalized epilepsy, particularly tonic-clonic type, requires effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of monotherapy for newly diagnosed generalized epilepsy.
  • To assess the effectiveness of additional treatments for drug-resistant generalized epilepsy.
  • To determine the impact of surgical interventions for drug-resistant generalized epilepsy.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of medical literature was conducted.
  • Searches included Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library up to August 2011.
  • Included studies were systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies, with GRADE evaluation of evidence quality.

Main Results:

  • Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
  • Evidence quality for interventions was assessed using the GRADE system.
  • Data on the effectiveness and safety of various antiepileptic drugs and surgical procedures were compiled.

Conclusions:

  • Monotherapy with carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate, or topiramate is presented for newly diagnosed generalized epilepsy.
  • The review provides information on the addition of second-line drugs (lamotrigine, levetiracetam) for drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • Hemispherectomy is discussed as a surgical option for drug-resistant epilepsy.