Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

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...

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 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.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Underutilization of syndrome-specific ICD-10 codes for genetic epilepsies: Implications for precision medicine.

Epilepsia·2026

Same author

Severe, Non-apneic Respiratory Dysfunction and Hypoxia following Generalized Convulsive Seizures.

Annals of neurology·2026

Same author

Long-term seizure reduction with vagus nerve stimulation in Dravet syndrome.

Developmental medicine and child neurology·2026

Same author

Orbitofrontal Epilepsies: Intracranial Electroencephalography and Surgical Aspects.

Journal of clinical neurophysiology : official publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society·2025

Same author

Urologic Manifestations of Nonrelaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Insights on Clinical Workup and Management.

Current urology reports·2025

Same author

Sleep EEG and respiratory biomarkers of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): a case-control study.

The Lancet. Neurology·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

Multi-system Monitoring for Identification of Seizures, Arrhythmias and Apnea in Conscious Restrained Rabbits

Multi-system Monitoring for Identification of Seizures, Arrhythmias and Apnea in Conscious Restrained Rabbits

Published on: March 27, 2021

Seizures, Cerebral Shutdown, and SUDEP.

Alireza Bozorgi¹, Samden D Lhatoo¹

¹Epilepsy Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.

Epilepsy Currents

|December 19, 2013

Summary

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) may result from a combination of factors, not just a single failure. Understanding seizure termination is key to preventing SUDEP.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Epileptology
Pathophysiology

Background:

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a significant concern in epilepsy management.
The exact mechanisms underlying SUDEP remain poorly understood, hindering prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the potential pathophysiologic phenomena contributing to SUDEP.
To highlight the critical need for a better understanding of human seizure termination physiology.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on SUDEP.
Analysis of postulated pathophysiologic mechanisms, including "cerebral shutdown" and seizure termination.

Main Results:

Evidence strongly suggests a seizure-related mechanism for SUDEP.

More Related Videos

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

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 4, 2026

Multi-system Monitoring for Identification of Seizures, Arrhythmias and Apnea in Conscious Restrained Rabbits

Multi-system Monitoring for Identification of Seizures, Arrhythmias and Apnea in Conscious Restrained Rabbits

Published on: March 27, 2021

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

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

A lack of understanding regarding the physiology of human seizure termination is a major obstacle.

SUDEP may arise from a confluence of multiple factors (a "perfect storm") rather than a single failed homeostatic mechanism like postictal arousal.

Conclusions:

SUDEP is likely multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of events.
Further research into the physiology of seizure termination is crucial for developing effective SUDEP prevention strategies.