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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...

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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Robotic-Guided Stereoelectroencephalography for Invasive Epilepsy Monitoring

Robotic-Guided Stereoelectroencephalography for Invasive Epilepsy Monitoring

Published on: June 13, 2025

Prodrome in epilepsy.

Frank M C Besag¹, Michael J Vasey

¹East London Foundation NHS Trust, 5-7 Rush Court, Bedford MK40 3JT, UK; University College, London, UK; King's College, London, UK.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B

|April 14, 2018

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Prodromal symptoms (PS) of epileptic seizures occur in about 22% of cases, lasting from minutes to days. Understanding these preictal symptoms may lead to new seizure management strategies.

Keywords:

Preictal Premonitory symptoms Prodrome

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

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Published on: December 18, 2016

Area of Science:

Neurology
Epilepsy Research

Background:

Prodromal symptoms (PS) of epileptic seizures are recognized but under-researched.
Limited data exists on the frequency and nature of these preictal symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing literature on the existence, frequency, and characteristics of prodromal symptoms in epilepsy.
To examine the predictive value of prodrome for seizure onset.

Main Methods:

Conducted a PubMed review of studies published between 2007 and 2017.
Analyzed clinical characteristics, frequency, and duration of PS.
Reviewed prospective studies on prodrome's predictive performance and studies reporting single prodromal signs.

Main Results:

Mean prodrome frequency was 21.9% across 8 studies.
Common symptoms included "funny feeling" (10.4%), confusion (9.0%), anxiety (8.6%), and irritability (7.7%).
Prodrome duration ranged from 10 minutes to 3 days, typically 30 minutes to 24 hours. Headache was the most frequent single symptom (8%).

Conclusions:

Epileptic prodromes present a diverse range of preictal symptoms with variable duration.
The precise nature and predictive value of prodromes remain debated.
Further research into prodromes could enhance understanding of the preictal phase and inform seizure management therapies.