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Related Concept Videos

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.
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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 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.
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Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
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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.
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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...
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Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
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Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures.

David K Chen1,2, Esha Sharma3, W Curt LaFrance4,5

  • 1Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|August 4, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Diagnosing psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) relies on a comprehensive evaluation, combining clinical history, seizure observations, physical exams, and EEG data. A strong neurologist-patient relationship aids in accurate PNES diagnosis and effective management.

Keywords:
Conversion disorderDifferential diagnosisFunctional neurologic disordersPsychogenic non-epileptic seizuresTreatmentVideo EEG

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Neurophysiology

Background:

  • Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are often misdiagnosed, leading to delayed or inappropriate treatment.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management and improving quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnostic evaluation process for psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES).
  • To outline the minimum clinical criteria for diagnosing PNES using a staged approach.
  • To explore the psychological aspects and management strategies for PNES from a neurologist's viewpoint.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical criteria and diagnostic approaches for PNES.
  • Analysis of historical, semiological, physical examination, and EEG data.
  • Emphasis on the concordance of composite clinical evidence for diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Diagnosis of PNES is supported by clues from patient history, seizure semiology, physical examination, and EEG findings.
  • No single finding is diagnostic; certainty depends on the concordance of multiple clinical data points.
  • A strong neurologist-patient alliance is vital for the evaluation and therapeutic impact.

Conclusions:

  • Reliable diagnosis of PNES is achievable through the concordance of historical, physical examination, and video-EEG findings.
  • Evidence-based treatments are available for PNES.
  • Enhanced timely diagnosis and interdisciplinary management are necessary for optimal patient outcomes.