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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 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:

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement

Published on: June 25, 2016

[Epilepsy in pregnancy].

Revital Gandelman-Marton¹, Miri Neufeld

¹EEG and Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin. revitalgm@hotmail.com

|October 31, 2013

Summary

Women with epilepsy require antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. Pre-conception counseling and folic acid supplementation are crucial for managing risks and ensuring positive pregnancy outcomes.

Area of Science:

Neurology
Obstetrics
Pharmacology

Context:

Epilepsy management during pregnancy necessitates careful consideration of antiepileptic drug (AED) use.
Most women with epilepsy require continued AED treatment throughout pregnancy.

Purpose:

To provide guidance on managing epilepsy in pregnant women.
To outline recommendations for pre-conception counseling, folic acid supplementation, and drug monitoring.
To inform about risks of major congenital malformations (MCMs) associated with AEDs.

Summary:

Pre-conception counseling should address obstetrical complications, seizure frequency changes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Folic acid (0.4-5 mg/day) supplementation is recommended for women of childbearing potential.

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

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Serum AED concentrations should be monitored, with more frequent checks for complicated cases or specific AEDs like lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine.

The incidence of MCMs is 4-10%, a two-fold increase compared to the general population, with higher rates for valproate and lower for carbamazepine and lamotrigine.

Morphological assessments targeting the neural axis, heart, and face are recommended at 11-13 and 18-22 weeks gestation.

Breastfeeding is generally considered safe, but data on newer AEDs are limited.

Impact:

Informs clinical practice for managing pregnant women with epilepsy.
Highlights the importance of proactive management to minimize risks to mother and fetus.
Emphasizes the need for individualized treatment strategies and monitoring during pregnancy.