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Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

796
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...
796
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

898
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:
898
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

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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...
664
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

413
Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
413
Electroconvulsive Therapy01:30

Electroconvulsive Therapy

367
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...
367
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

1.2K
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.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
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Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue
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Epilepsy: A Clinical Overview.

Tracey A Milligan1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.

The American Journal of Medicine
|March 29, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epilepsy affects millions globally, characterized by unprovoked seizures. Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment, including medication or surgery, are key to managing this common neurological disorder.

Keywords:
DiagnosisEpilepsySeizureTreatment

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Seizures and epilepsy are common, with 1 in 10 experiencing a seizure lifetime.
  • Epilepsy is the fourth most prevalent neurological disorder, impacting 1 in 26 in the US and 65 million worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic and treatment strategies for seizures and epilepsy.
  • To highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective management.
  • To discuss special considerations in epilepsy care.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation involves excluding underlying conditions, classifying seizure types, and diagnosing epilepsy.
  • Treatment focuses on accurate epilepsy type and syndrome diagnosis.
  • Medication is the primary treatment, with surgery as an alternative if medication fails.

Main Results:

  • Most patients achieve seizure control with appropriate medication.
  • Surgical intervention offers an option for refractory cases.
  • Special populations require tailored management approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of epilepsy hinges on precise diagnosis and individualized treatment plans.
  • Comprehensive care addresses various seizure types, epilepsy syndromes, and specific patient populations.
  • Ongoing research and clinical practice aim to improve seizure control and quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.