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Related Concept Videos

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 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,...
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...
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.
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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Anne Lortie1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal and CHU Sainte Justine, Montreal, Canada.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|April 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are events mimicking epilepsy but without abnormal brain activity, often linked to psychological distress. Diagnosis requires prolonged video-EEG, and most children recover with stress management.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) resemble epileptic seizures but lack abnormal electrical activity.
  • PNES are less common in children than adults, accounting for 3.5-9% of prolonged video-EEG admissions.
  • Diagnosis in children is challenging and necessitates prolonged video-EEG (PV-EEG).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the characteristics, diagnosis, and management of PNES in the pediatric population.
  • To highlight the importance of PV-EEG in diagnosing pediatric PNES.
  • To emphasize the generally favorable prognosis and treatment approaches for children with PNES.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric PNES.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and challenges, particularly differentiating from epileptic seizures.

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
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  • Discussion of risk factors, presentation, and treatment strategies.

    • Main Results:

    • PNES can occur in children as young as 5, with varying presentations from subtle signs to prominent motor activity.
    • Boys and girls are equally or more represented in school-aged children, unlike the higher prevalence in adult females.
    • Psychological stressors are key risk factors; psychiatric conditions are less common than in adults.

    Conclusions:

    • Pediatric PNES diagnosis relies heavily on PV-EEG, distinguishing them from epileptic seizures.
    • Addressing psychological stressors is crucial for treatment, leading to a better prognosis than in adults.
    • Clear communication that PNES are not epileptic is vital for patient understanding and management.