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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 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization

Published on: September 20, 2024

Intelligence two years after epilepsy surgery in children.

Gerd Viggedal¹, Ingrid Olsson, Göran Carlsson

¹Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B

|November 9, 2013

Summary

Epilepsy surgery outcomes show that cognitive improvements are possible even for children with intellectual disabilities. Seizure freedom significantly correlates with better or stable intelligence post-surgery.

Keywords:

Children Epilepsy surgery IQ Intelligence

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

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

Published on: December 6, 2016

Area of Science:

Pediatric Neurology
Neurosurgery
Developmental Psychology

Background:

Epilepsy surgery is a treatment option for drug-resistant epilepsy in children and adolescents.
The impact of epilepsy surgery on cognitive function, particularly in children with intellectual disabilities, requires further investigation.
Preoperative intellectual quotient (IQ) and seizure outcome are potential predictors of postoperative cognitive performance.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess changes in intelligence in children and adolescents following epilepsy surgery.
To determine the relationship between preoperative IQ, seizure outcome, and postoperative cognitive performance.
To evaluate the suitability of epilepsy surgery for children with intellectual disabilities.

Main Methods:

A cohort of 94 children and adolescents undergoing epilepsy surgery had their intelligence assessed before and two years after the procedure.
Data were analyzed in relation to preoperative IQ levels and seizure control.
Cognitive outcomes were compared between seizure-free individuals and those with persistent seizures.

Main Results:

The median full-scale IQ remained stable at 70 both before and two years after surgery.
Postoperative IQ was higher or unchanged in 49% of those with preoperative IQ ≥ 70, 53% with IQ 50-69, and 36% with IQ < 50.
Children who became seizure-free (60%) were more likely to have a higher or unchanged IQ compared to those with ongoing seizures (32%).

Conclusions:

Epilepsy surgery can lead to cognitive improvement or stability in children, irrespective of their initial intellectual level.
Children with intellectual disabilities should not be excluded from epilepsy surgery consideration based solely on their IQ.
Achieving seizure freedom is a significant factor associated with positive cognitive outcomes after epilepsy surgery.