[Diagnosis and Classification of Epilepsy: Clinical Reasoning]
Norihiko Kawaguchi1, Kiyohito Terada
1National Epilepsy Center, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders.
Abstract:
Epilepsy is defined as a chronic disorder that presents with recurrent episodes of unprovoked seizures. Epileptic seizures are caused by excessive excitation of cortical neurons. The condition has various etiologies and comorbidities. Here, we introduce the definition of epilepsy and classify it based on the newly proposed ILAE (International League Against Epilepsy) classification. In addition, we explain the process of diagnosing epilepsy and delineating the epileptic focus by presenting a case description. Transient functional alterations occur in an epileptic focus only during seizures. Thus, epileptologists are required to record a detailed history and examine its semiology to determine the epileptic focus based on knowledge in neuroscience and epileptology.
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