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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 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 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...

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

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Epileptic spasms in tuberous sclerosis complex.

David T Hsieh¹, Melanie M Jennesson, Elizabeth A Thiele

¹Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 175 Cambridge Street, Suite 340, Boston, MA 02114-2796, USA. david.t.hsieh.mil@mail.mil

Epilepsy Research

|June 26, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Epileptic spasms (ES) in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are not uncommon after age two, often occurring with other seizure types. Vigabatrin (VGB) shows some effectiveness but is less successful for ES than for infantile spasms in TSC.

Keywords:

AED EEG ES Epileptic spasms ILAE IQ IS Infantile spasms International League Against Epilepsy LGIT MRI TSC Tuberous sclerosis complex VGB Vigabatrin anti-epileptic drug electroencephalogram epileptic spasms infantile spasms intelligence quotient low glycemic index treatment magnetic resonance imaging tuberous sclerosis complex vigabatrin

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Published on: June 25, 2016

Area of Science:

Neurology
Genetics
Epileptology

Background:

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder associated with various neurological complications, including epilepsy.
Epileptic spasms (ES) are a challenging seizure type, particularly in the context of TSC.
Vigabatrin (VGB) is a first-line treatment for infantile spasms (IS) in TSC, but its efficacy for later-onset ES is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize epileptic spasms (ES) in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) occurring after the age of two years.
To evaluate the treatment response to vigabatrin (VGB) for these later-onset ES in TSC.

Main Methods:

Retrospective review of 19 patients diagnosed with TSC and ES.
Analysis of clinical data, treatment outcomes, neurocognitive status, EEG, MRI findings, and genetic mutations.
Assessment of VGB efficacy and comparison with other treatments and epilepsy surgery.

Main Results:

Epileptic spasms (ES) were identified in 4.8% of 391 TSC patients, with onset or persistence after age two.
These ES occurred alongside other seizure types, and hypsarrhythmia was rare on EEG.
Vigabatrin (VGB) led to spasm freedom in 4 out of 13 treated patients, with combined dietary therapy showing benefit in one case; epilepsy surgery was effective in five patients, but seven patients remained refractory to VGB.

Conclusions:

Epileptic spasms (ES) are a significant clinical feature in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), particularly in those with TSC2 mutations.
ES in TSC often present as part of refractory epilepsy with diverse seizure types.
While VGB can be effective for ES in TSC, its success rate is not comparable to its efficacy in infantile spasms (IS) within the same condition.