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,...
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...
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...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Diagnostic Utility of Genome-wide DNA Methylation Analysis in Genetically Unsolved Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies and Refinement of a CHD2 Episignature.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences·2023
Same author

Movement Disorders in Patients With Genetic Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies.

Neurology·2023
Same author

Aicardi Syndrome Is a Genetically Heterogeneous Disorder.

Genes·2023
Same author

Familial Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Clinical Spectrum and Genetic Evidence for a Polygenic Architecture.

Annals of neurology·2023
Same author

Evaluation of the feasibility, diagnostic yield, and clinical utility of rapid genome sequencing in infantile epilepsy (Gene-STEPS): an international, multicentre, pilot cohort study.

The Lancet. Neurology·2023
Same author

Fenfluramine in the treatment of Dravet syndrome: Results of a third randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Epilepsia·2023
Same journal

Factors associated with rapid pediatric acute seizure emergency treatment: Quality Improvement in Time to Treat Status Epilepticus baseline cohort.

Epilepsia·2026
Same journal

Outcome trajectories after pediatric epilepsy surgery vary by biopsychosocial phenotypes.

Epilepsia·2026
Same journal

Comparative risk of epilepsy with SGLT2 inhibitors versus incretin-based therapies in type 2 diabetes.

Epilepsia·2026
Same journal

Long-term mortality after status epilepticus: A 5-year analysis study.

Epilepsia·2026
Same journal

The Epilepsy-Cog study: Methods to establish a harmonized study of late onset epilepsy in a metacohort of six population-based cohorts in the United States.

Epilepsia·2026
Same journal

Systematic review and meta-analysis of lifestyle modification interventions and their impact on seizure reduction and quality of life.

Epilepsia·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue
06:45

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

Published on: January 19, 2019

Epilepsy: a classification for all seasons?

Ingrid E Scheffer1

  • 1Epilepsy Research Centre and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Florey Neuroscience Institutes, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. scheffer@unimelb.edu.au

Epilepsia
|July 7, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The 2010 epilepsy classification system has faced criticism but has driven positive debate and modifications. Ongoing discussion is crucial for refining this evolving framework in epilepsy diagnosis.

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

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

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue
06:45

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

Published on: January 19, 2019

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

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

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neuroscience
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Epilepsy classification is fundamental to clinical practice and patient management.
  • The 2010 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification of the epilepsies introduced significant conceptual changes.
  • Implementing new classification systems often encounters resistance and controversy within the medical community.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the impact and reception of the 2010 epilepsy classification.
  • To highlight the ongoing debate and its role in refining epilepsy categorization.
  • To emphasize the need for continuous evolution of epilepsy classification based on scientific advancements.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical discourse and literature surrounding the 2010 ILAE classification.
  • Analysis of the evolution of epilepsy classification frameworks.
  • Discussion of the challenges and benefits of implementing new diagnostic criteria.

Main Results:

  • The 2010 classification has generated considerable debate, criticism, and controversy.
  • Positive engagement with the new framework has led to modifications and gradual acceptance.
  • The ongoing discussion is actively contributing to the maturation of the classification system.

Conclusions:

  • While no classification is perfect, the 2010 system has spurred necessary dialogue.
  • Continuous scientific understanding necessitates regular updates to epilepsy classification.
  • Further discussion and refinement are essential for the optimal organization of epilepsies.