Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

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...

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.

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...

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,...

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

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

A stage-resolved neuron-glia transcriptional atlas reveals a glial inflammatory pivot in epilepsy.

Acta neuropathologica communications·2026

Same author

Transfer learning enhances clinical utility of polygenic scores with small, phenotypically refined cohorts.

Genome research·2026

Same author

Micronutrient intake in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy treated with the modified Atkins diet needs monitoring.

Frontiers in nutrition·2026

Same author

Needs-based epilepsy follow-up: seizure control, treatment adherence and patient care.

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B·2026

Same author

Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke·2026

Same author

Genetic susceptibility for neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to women with epilepsy.

Brain communications·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

[Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy].

Marte Roa Syvertsen¹, Rune Markhus, Kaja Kristine Selmer

¹Nevrologisk avdeling, Drammen sykehus, Norway. marsyv@vestreviken.no

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke

|August 10, 2012

Summary

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a common epilepsy syndrome in youth. Effective treatment with valproate and avoiding triggers like sleep deprivation can achieve seizure freedom in 80% of patients.

More Related Videos

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Simultaneous Video-EEG-ECG Monitoring to Identify Neurocardiac Dysfunction in Mouse Models of Epilepsy

Simultaneous Video-EEG-ECG Monitoring to Identify Neurocardiac Dysfunction in Mouse Models of Epilepsy

Published on: January 29, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Simultaneous Video-EEG-ECG Monitoring to Identify Neurocardiac Dysfunction in Mouse Models of Epilepsy

Simultaneous Video-EEG-ECG Monitoring to Identify Neurocardiac Dysfunction in Mouse Models of Epilepsy

Published on: January 29, 2018

Area of Science:

Neurology
Epileptology

Background:

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a generalized epilepsy syndrome that begins in adolescence.
Accurate diagnosis and management are crucial due to potential misdiagnosis and treatment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an updated review of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of JME.
To highlight diagnostic difficulties and optimal therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

A comprehensive literature review of original articles, meta-analyses, and reviews from PubMed.
Inclusion of authors' clinical experience with JME patients.

Main Results:

JME onset is in adolescence, characterized by myoclonias, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and absences.
Characteristic EEG findings include 4-6 Hz polyspike waves, though focal abnormalities can occur.
Valproate treatment, alongside avoidance of seizure triggers (e.g., sleep deprivation), leads to seizure freedom in approximately 80% of patients.

Conclusions:

JME diagnosis can be challenging due to potential focal epilepsy features in semiology and EEG.
Misdiagnosis as focal epilepsy may lead to inappropriate antiepileptic drug choices, potentially worsening seizures.