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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,...

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.

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: 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Inducing Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in a Mouse Model of Repetitive Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury

Inducing Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in a Mouse Model of Repetitive Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: February 10, 2020

Brain tumor-related epilepsy.

Marta Maschio¹

¹Center for Tumor-Related Epilepsy, Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Cervical-Facial Pathology, National Institute for Cancer "Regina Elena" Via Elio Chianesi, 53 00144 Roma, Italy.

Current Neuropharmacology

|December 4, 2012

Summary

Brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) presents treatment challenges, often being drug-resistant. New-generation antiepileptic drugs, like lacosamide, show promise for improving seizure control and patient quality of life.

Keywords:

Antiepileptics brain tumor-related epilepsy chemotherapy epilepsy pharmacological interactions quality of life side effects.

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Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

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Published on: June 21, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Oncology
Pharmacology

Background:

Seizures affect 20-40% of brain tumor (BT) patients at onset and 20-45% during disease course.
Brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) poses complex therapeutic challenges, often being drug-resistant and impacting quality of life.
Epilepsy is a significant risk factor for long-term disability in BT patients, underscoring the need for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the challenges in managing epilepsy in brain tumor patients.
To highlight the role of new-generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in BTRE.
To emphasize the importance of personalized treatment plans and multidisciplinary care for BTRE.

Main Methods:

Literature review of epilepsy management in brain tumor patients.
Analysis of current treatment guidelines and emerging pharmacological options.
Discussion of the impact of BTRE on patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

Main Results:

New-generation AEDs (e.g., gabapentin, lacosamide, levetiracetam) are preferred due to fewer drug interactions and side effects.
Lacosamide demonstrates promising results as a potential treatment option for BTRE.
Effective seizure control significantly improves psychological well-being and relational spheres for patients.

Conclusions:

A customized, multidisciplinary approach is essential for managing BTRE.
Pharmacological therapies, including newer agents like lacosamide, should be tailored to individual patient needs.
Comprehensive patient management must include emotional and psychological support for patients and their families.