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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...

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.

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...

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:

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Epilepsy biomarkers.

Jerome Engel¹, Asla Pitkänen, Jeffrey A Loeb

¹Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1769, USA. engel@ucla.edu

|August 6, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Identifying biomarkers for epileptogenesis and ictogenesis can predict epilepsy development, guide treatment, and improve drug discovery. This research aims to define approaches for discovering these crucial epilepsy biomarkers.

Keywords:

Biomarkers Epileptogenesis Ictogenesis Surrogate markers Therapeutic intervention

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Biomarker Discovery

Background:

Biomarkers are objectively measured characteristics of biological processes.
Epileptogenesis and ictogenesis are key to understanding epilepsy development and seizure propensity.

Purpose of the Study:

Define approaches for identifying biomarkers of epileptogenesis and ictogenesis.
Facilitate the development of novel antiepileptogenic and antiseizure therapies.

Main Methods:

The biomarker subgroup of the London Workshop focused on defining identification strategies.
Research efforts are directed towards identifying reliable and validated biomarkers.

Main Results:

Validated biomarkers could predict epilepsy development and progression.
Biomarkers can identify seizure-generating tissue and determine pharmacoresistance.

Conclusions:

Biomarker discovery is essential for advancing epilepsy research and treatment.
Identifying biomarkers may reveal therapeutic targets for new epilepsy medications and devices.