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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: 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...

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.

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...

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Updated: May 16, 2026

Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale

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Published on: July 8, 2025

A patient experiencing pseudoseizures: a case report.

F Joseph¹, J Quinlan

¹University of Wollongong School of Medicine, Australia, David Berry Hospital, 85 Tannery Road, Berry, NSW 2535, Australia. john.quinlan@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

The West Indian Medical Journal

|November 20, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pseudoseizures are complex neurological events without abnormal EEG activity. Understanding psychological factors is key to managing these disruptive episodes and improving patient function.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Psychiatry
Clinical Psychology

Background:

Pseudoseizures present diagnostic challenges due to their resemblance to epileptic seizures.
Etiology and prognosis of pseudoseizures remain poorly understood.
Psychological factors are increasingly recognized as crucial in the manifestation and management of pseudoseizures.

Observation:

The case involves a 59-year-old male presenting with symptoms initially suspected to be epileptic seizures.
Clinical evaluation revealed no abnormal electroencephalographic (EEG) activity during the episodes.
The patient's presentation was ultimately diagnosed as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES).

Findings:

Pseudoseizures lack the characteristic EEG abnormalities seen in epileptic seizures.
Psychological background is fundamental for effective management of pseudoseizure frequency.
Diagnosis requires careful clinical assessment differentiating from true epileptic seizures.

Implications:

Accurate diagnosis of pseudoseizures is vital to avoid inappropriate anti-epileptic drug treatments.
Understanding the psychological underpinnings can guide targeted therapeutic interventions.
Addressing pseudoseizures can improve patient's quality of life, social interaction, and employment prospects.