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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 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: Glutamate Antagonists

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...

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a protein metabolism disorder characterized by high blood levels of the amino acid phenylalanine. This results from a mutation in the gene responsible for phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. When this enzyme is deficient, phenylalanine builds up in the blood, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, seizures, growth deficiency, and severe mental retardation. An early diagnosis and a diet restricting phenylalanine intake...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Modeling Mitochondrial Disease Using Brain Organoids: A Focus on Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes

Modeling Mitochondrial Disease Using Brain Organoids: A Focus on Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes

Published on: October 10, 2025

Mitochondrial diseases and epilepsy.

Laurence A Bindoff¹, Bernt A Engelsen

¹Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. laurence.bindoff@nevro.uib.no

|September 6, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Mitochondrial diseases, affecting energy production, frequently cause epilepsy and status epilepticus. This review covers epilepsy in MELAS, MERRF, and POLG disorders, including their causes and treatments.

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Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Neurology
Genetics

Background:

Mitochondrial respiratory chain defects disrupt cellular energy production.
These defects can manifest in any tissue at any age.
Epilepsy and status epilepticus are common complications across mitochondrial disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current understanding of epilepsy in mitochondrial diseases.
To focus on epilepsy associated with MELAS, MERRF, and POLG disorders.
To discuss the pathogenesis and potential treatments for these conditions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of mitochondrial diseases and epilepsy.
Focus on three common disorders: MELAS, MERRF, and POLG.
Analysis of pathogenesis and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

Epilepsy is a significant clinical feature in mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders.
Specific genetic defects in MELAS, MERRF, and POLG are linked to distinct epilepsy phenotypes.
Understanding pathogenesis is key to developing targeted therapies.

Conclusions:

Epilepsy is a critical manifestation of mitochondrial disease.
Further research into pathogenesis may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
Comprehensive management strategies are needed for affected individuals.