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 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 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...

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by

Same author

Methsuximide reduces valproic acid serum levels.

Therapeutic drug monitoring·2002

Same author

Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of remacemide in children.

Pediatric neurology·2001

Same author

Behavioural effects of the new anticonvulsants.

Drug safety·2001

Same author

Treatment of state-dependent learning disability.

Epilepsia·2001

Same author

Epilepsy and learning disabilities:closing comments.

Epilepsia·2001

Same author

Lesson of the week: tonic seizures are a particular risk factor for drowning in people with epilepsy.

BMJ (Clinical research ed.)·2001

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

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

Epilepsy, learning, and behavior in childhood.

¹Institute of Epileptology and St. Piers Lingfield, Lingfield, Surrey, UK.

|October 13, 2012

Summary

Children with epilepsy often face learning difficulties, which can stem from the condition itself or other factors. Identifying reversible causes of intellectual impairment is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes.

Area of Science:

Pediatric Neurology
Developmental Psychology
Epileptology

Background:

Epilepsy in children presents significant challenges impacting learning and cognitive development.
A substantial proportion of children with epilepsy experience schooling difficulties, affecting skill acquisition and potentially leading to skill loss.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the critical distinction between slowed learning and actual skill loss in children with epilepsy.
To emphasize the importance of identifying and managing reversible causes of intellectual impairment, such as nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) or antiepileptic drug (AED) toxicity.
To underscore the need for a structured approach to assess and manage behavioral disturbances in children with epilepsy.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature and clinical observations regarding epilepsy, learning, and behavior in childhood.

More Related Videos

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice

Published on: June 4, 2020

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

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

Published on: January 19, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 17, 2026

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

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice

Published on: June 4, 2020

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

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

Published on: January 19, 2019

Analysis of factors contributing to intellectual impairment and educational difficulties in pediatric epilepsy.

Framework development for assessing behavioral disturbances in children with epilepsy.

Main Results:

Learning problems are common in children with epilepsy, with some experiencing declining IQ.
Distinguishing between temporary, reversible intellectual impairment and permanent deficits is essential for appropriate intervention.
Behavioral issues in children with epilepsy can be linked to educational difficulties but often have multifactorial causes.

Conclusions:

Prompt identification and management of reversible intellectual impairment are vital for children with epilepsy.
A systematic assessment framework aids in diagnosing and treating behavioral disturbances associated with pediatric epilepsy.
Further research is needed to fully understand and address the complex interplay between epilepsy, learning, and behavior in children.