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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: Glutamate Antagonists

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...

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...

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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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Published on: December 18, 2016

Approaches to refractory epilepsy.

¹Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology

|May 3, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Refractory epilepsy affects many, with medication often failing. Multidisciplinary centers offer specialized evaluation and treatments like surgery or neurostimulation for better seizure control and quality of life.

Keywords:

Complementary and alternative medicine diagnostic approaches epilepsy surgery ketogenic diet neurostimulation refractory epilepsy

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Published on: October 2, 2014

Area of Science:

Neurology
Epileptology

Background:

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting millions.
30-40% of epilepsy patients experience drug-resistant seizures.
Refractory epilepsy is defined by persistent seizures despite adequate medication trials.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the importance of specialized evaluation for refractory epilepsy.
To discuss alternative treatment options beyond medication.
To emphasize the role of multidisciplinary epilepsy centers.

Main Methods:

Review of diagnostic approaches for pharmacoresistance.
Exploration of surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities.
Discussion of psychological and social support services.

Main Results:

Apparent pharmacoresistance can stem from various factors, including noncompliance and misdiagnosis.
Surgery offers the best seizure freedom for eligible patients.
Non-surgical options include neurostimulation and ketogenic diet.

Conclusions:

Multidisciplinary epilepsy centers are crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
Improved referral rates to these centers are needed for better patient outcomes.
Comprehensive care, including supportive services, enhances quality of life.