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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...

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,...

Overview of Synapses

Overview of Synapses

A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...

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:

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.

Electrical Synapses

Electrical Synapses

Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Generation of Local CA1 γ Oscillations by Tetanic Stimulation

Generation of Local CA1 γ Oscillations by Tetanic Stimulation

Published on: August 14, 2015

Synchronization and desynchronization in epilepsy: controversies and hypotheses.

Premysl Jiruska¹, Marco de Curtis, John G R Jefferys

¹Department of Developmental Epileptology, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Prague 4-Krc, Czech Republic. jiruskapremysl@gmail.com

The Journal of Physiology

|November 28, 2012

Summary

Epilepsy involves complex neuronal network dynamics, not just excessive synchronization. Understanding desynchronization and synchronization changes offers new insights into seizure mechanisms and epilepsy pathophysiology.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Generation of Local CA1 γ Oscillations by Tetanic Stimulation

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Published on: August 14, 2015

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

Recording and Modulation of Epileptiform Activity in Rodent Brain Slices Coupled to Microelectrode Arrays

Recording and Modulation of Epileptiform Activity in Rodent Brain Slices Coupled to Microelectrode Arrays

Published on: May 15, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Epilepsy Research
Computational Neuroscience

Background:

Epilepsy traditionally viewed as a hypersynchronous neuronal state.
Recent findings highlight complex network interactions and dynamic synchronization changes during seizures.

Purpose of the Study:

To review cellular and network mechanisms underlying dynamic synchronization changes in epilepsy.
To explore recent advances challenging established views on epilepsy pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

Review of current scientific literature on epilepsy and neuronal synchronization.
Analysis of cellular and network mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis.
Discussion of recent experimental and theoretical findings.

Main Results:

Seizures arise from heterogeneous neuronal firing and evolving synchronization dynamics.
Desynchronization often precedes seizures; synchronization may facilitate termination.
Identified cell-type-specific interactions and discrepancies between neuronal firing and field potentials.

Conclusions:

Established views on epilepsy pathophysiology are being challenged.
A more realistic understanding of epilepsy involves complex dynamic network changes.
Recent advances offer new perspectives on neuronal mechanisms in epilepsy.