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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...

Seizures l: Introduction

Seizures l: Introduction

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,...

Seizures: Classification

Seizures: Classification

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:

Epilepsy ll: Types

Epilepsy ll: Types

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.

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures ll: Types

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...

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

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.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice

Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice

Published on: June 11, 2020

Neonatal Epilepsy: Beyond Seizures in a Developing Brain-A Narrative Review.

Giovanni Boscarino^1,2, Eleonora Cresta¹, Lucia Leonardi¹

¹Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.

|June 26, 2026

Summary

Neonatal seizures are common neurological emergencies in newborns. Continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG) monitoring is crucial for diagnosis, as most seizures are electrographic and undetected clinically, impacting neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Keywords:

electroencephalogram immaturity long-term outcome neurodevelopment newborn phenobarbital seizure

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Published on: June 21, 2019

Area of Science:

Neonatal neurology
Developmental neurobiology
Pediatric epilepsy

Background:

Neonatal seizures are the most frequent neurological emergency in newborns, occurring in a uniquely immature brain.
Electroclinical dissociation is common, making seizures difficult to recognize without continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG) monitoring.
The immature brain's unique neurobiology, including excitation-inhibition imbalance, contributes to distinct seizure characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an integrated overview of neonatal seizures, covering neurobiology, diagnosis, etiology, and treatment.
To highlight the critical role of cEEG in accurate diagnosis and quantifying seizure burden.
To discuss the impact of etiology and seizure burden on prognosis and the potential for precision medicine.

Main Methods:

This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on neonatal seizures.
It integrates findings from developmental neurobiology, clinical diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies.
Key findings are identified and discussed based on the existing evidence base.

Main Results:

The neonatal brain's immature state shapes a unique seizure phenotype, often electrographic only.
cEEG is essential for detecting and quantifying seizure burden, which clinical observation misses.
Etiology (HIE, stroke, genetic disorders) is the primary prognostic factor, with seizure burden as a modifiable factor.

Conclusions:

Accurate diagnosis and quantification of neonatal seizures rely on cEEG due to frequent electrographic-only events.
Etiology dictates prognosis, but seizure burden is a critical, potentially modifiable factor.
Advances in diagnostics and AI are paving the way for precision neonatology, aiming to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes beyond seizure control.