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Related Concept Videos

Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

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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,...
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Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

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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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Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

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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.
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Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

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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...
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Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

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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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Understanding Consciousness01:23

Understanding Consciousness

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Consciousness can be defined as the state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, sensations, and surroundings. It encompasses two major components: awareness and arousal. Awareness pertains to the recognition of environmental stimuli and internal states. At the same time, arousal refers to the physiological readiness to engage with these stimuli, which varies significantly between states like sleep and wakefulness.
Sleep, a crucial state, is characterized by reduced...
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Related Experiment Video

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Consciousness as a useful concept in epilepsy classification.

Hal Blumenfeld1, Kimford J Meador

  • 1Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A; Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A; Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A.

Epilepsia
|July 2, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Understanding impaired consciousness in epilepsy is crucial. New classifications based on neuroanatomy and pathophysiology are proposed to better categorize seizures affecting awareness and cognitive function.

Keywords:
Absence seizuresClassificationComplex partial seizuresConsciousnessEpilepsyGeneralized tonic-clonic seizuresSimple partial seizures

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Impaired consciousness during seizures significantly impacts patients' lives.
  • Pathophysiologic studies reveal widespread network involvement in seizures affecting consciousness.
  • Current seizure classification systems are being revised to better incorporate impaired consciousness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss proposed revisions to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) seizure classification regarding impaired consciousness.
  • To propose an alternative classification system for impaired consciousness in epilepsy based on functional neuroanatomy.
  • To refine terminology and improve the description of seizures affecting consciousness.

Main Methods:

  • Review and discussion of existing classification efforts (Lüders et al.).
  • Proposal of a new classification framework based on functional neuroanatomy.
  • Analysis of seizure types based on the extent and severity of corticothalamic dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • Distinction between focal aware conscious seizures (FACS) with selective deficits and seizures with impaired consciousness.
  • Identification of absence seizures and focal impaired consciousness seizures (FICS) as involving widespread corticothalamic deficits.
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are characterized by severe, widespread corticothalamic dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • A neuroanatomically and pathophysiologically informed classification is needed for seizures with impaired consciousness.
  • Proposed terms like "dyscognitive" or "dialeptic" may cause confusion and should be avoided.
  • Further research is essential to understand and manage impaired consciousness in epilepsy, emphasizing its clinical and physiological importance.