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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,...

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.

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

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...

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:

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

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...

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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Refractory epilepsy from lead poisoning.

Casey Singleton¹, Wei Kang Yap², Ming Lai³

¹Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, UK.

BMJ Neurology Open

|July 9, 2026

Summary

Lead poisoning in children can cause severe neurological issues like refractory seizures. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term harm in pediatric patients.

Keywords:

EEG PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY TOXICOLOGY

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Inducing Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in a Mouse Model of Repetitive Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury

Inducing Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in a Mouse Model of Repetitive Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: February 10, 2020

Area of Science:

Environmental Health
Pediatric Neurology
Toxicology

Background:

Lead exposure is a significant public health issue in the UK, especially affecting children.
Lead poisoning presents with non-specific symptoms and rare neurological manifestations, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Vulnerable pediatric populations are at higher risk for severe outcomes from lead exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

To report a case of acute-on-chronic lead poisoning presenting as refractory status epilepticus in a child.
To emphasize the importance of considering lead toxicity in pediatric cases of unexplained encephalopathy or seizures.
To illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for lead poisoning in a pediatric patient.

Main Methods:

Case report of a 6-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder and pica.
Diagnostic workup included blood tests (hemoglobin, blood film), MRI, and blood lead level measurement.
Treatment involved intravenous sodium calcium edetate, bowel irrigation, and oral chelation therapy.

Main Results:

The patient presented with new-onset refractory status epilepticus unresponsive to standard treatment.
Diagnostic findings included microcytic anemia, basophilic stippling, diffuse cortical changes on MRI, and markedly elevated blood lead levels.
Treatment led to clinical improvement, seizure resolution, and a declining lead burden.

Conclusions:

Lead toxicity should be considered in children with unexplained encephalopathy or refractory seizures.
Early recognition and intervention are vital to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
This case underscores the challenges and importance of managing lead poisoning in pediatric neurology.