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Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

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: Classification01:13

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: Types01:19

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...
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

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,...
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

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...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

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...

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Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
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Idiopathic focal epilepsies.

Federico Vigevano1, Nicola Specchio, Natalio Fejerman

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|April 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Pediatric focal epilepsies are often benign and self-remitting, frequently not requiring drug treatment. Genetic assessment divides these idiopathic epilepsies into nonautosomal dominant and autosomal dominant groups.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Idiopathic focal epilepsies in children present with focal seizures, normal development, and a benign, self-remitting course.
  • These age-dependent epilepsies often resolve spontaneously without long-term sequelae, reducing the need for pharmacological intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To classify idiopathic focal epilepsies in pediatric patients based on genetic assessment.
  • To delineate distinct groups of idiopathic focal epilepsies, including nonautosomal dominant and autosomal dominant forms.

Main Methods:

  • Classification of epilepsies based on clinical presentation (focal seizures, onset age, developmental course) and genetic inheritance patterns.
  • Review of specific epilepsy syndromes, including benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes, Panayiotopoulos syndrome, and familial infantile/neonatal-infantile seizures.

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Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
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Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice

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Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
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Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice

Published on: May 16, 2019

  • Genetic analysis, including identification of mutations in genes such as SCN2A.

    • Main Results:

    • Idiopathic focal epilepsies are categorized into nonautosomal dominant (e.g., benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes, Panayiotopoulos syndrome) and autosomal dominant groups.
    • Nonautosomal dominant forms exhibit characteristic EEG abnormalities, while autosomal dominant forms (e.g., benign familial infantile seizures) show clusters of partial seizures with no typical interictal EEG findings.
    • Mutations in the SCN2A gene have been identified in some families with autosomal dominant idiopathic focal epilepsies.

    Conclusions:

    • Pediatric idiopathic focal epilepsies are a heterogeneous group, classifiable by genetic inheritance.
    • Understanding these classifications aids in predicting prognosis and management, with many forms being benign and self-limiting.
    • Genetic factors, such as SCN2A mutations, play a role in specific subtypes of these epilepsies.