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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.

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:

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...

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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Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Kindling Mouse Model

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Published on: June 12, 2018

Inherited epilepsy in dogs.

Kari J Ekenstedt¹, Anita M Oberbauer

¹Department of Animal and Food Science, College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, River Falls, WI, USA.

Topics in Companion Animal Medicine

|September 28, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Canine epilepsy, a common neurologic condition in dogs, has a genetic basis for many forms. While some gene mutations are identified, primary epilepsy (PE) genetics remain complex, often involving multiple genes and environmental factors.

Keywords:

dog epilepsy gene inheritance progressive myoclonic epilepsy seizures

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Area of Science:

Veterinary Neurology
Canine Genetics
Epileptology

Background:

Epilepsy is the most prevalent neurologic disease in dogs, with a significant portion having a presumed genetic etiology.
While some heritable seizure disorders exist, they are not strictly classified as epilepsy.
Genetic investigations have identified causative gene mutations for specific canine epilepsies, including progressive myoclonic epilepsies and primary epilepsy (PE).

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current understanding of genetic epilepsy in dogs.
To highlight the progress and challenges in identifying genetic factors for canine epilepsy, particularly PE.
To discuss the implications of genetic discoveries for diagnosis, prognosis, and breeding practices.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on canine epilepsy genetics.
Analysis of studies identifying gene mutations and loci associated with canine epilepsy.
Discussion of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and their role in uncovering genetic risk factors.

Main Results:

Nine genes have been identified for progressive myoclonic epilepsies across various dog breeds.
Only one causative gene has been identified for primary epilepsy (PE) to date.
Genetic testing is available for 10 forms of canine epilepsy, aiding in clinical management and breeding decisions.
Genome-wide studies have identified loci of interest for PE, but specific genetic tests are not yet developed.
Many cases of PE lack identified genes or loci, suggesting complex inheritance patterns involving multiple genes and environmental interactions.

Conclusions:

Significant advancements have been made in understanding the genetic basis of some canine epilepsies.
Primary epilepsy (PE) in dogs presents a complex genetic challenge, mirroring human epilepsies.
Continued research utilizing advanced technologies is crucial for further progress in diagnosing and managing inherited canine epilepsy.