
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions β written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Epileptic
Introduction
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Overview
Overview
Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal, excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy at any one time. Epilepsy is usually controlled, but not cured, with medication, although surgery may be considered in difficult cases. Not all epilepsy syndromes are lifelong β some forms are confined to particular stages of childhood. Epilepsy should not be understood as a single disorder, but rather as a group of syndromes with vastly divergent symptoms but all involving episodic abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Historical Perspective
The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek epilepsia, which in turn can be broken in to epi- (upon) and lepsis (to take hold of, or seizure). In the past, epilepsy was associated with religious experiences and even demonic possession. Claudius Galen was the first person who described epilepsy as a brain disease. Boerhaave was the first person who differentiate petit mal epilepsy, grand mal epilepsy and hysteria. Marshall Hall described reflex theory in which paroxysmal nervous discharges are responsible for epilepsy seizures. The very first evidence of epilepsy treatment goes back to 10,000 years ago when making holes in skull bones was done in order to treat epilepsy. In the past three decades anti-epileptic drugs are used widely for symptomatic control of epileptic patients.
Classification
Epilepsy may be classified according to type of onset into focal, generalized and unknown. Each of these groups can be further divided into motor and non-motor subgroups.
Pathophysiology
It is understood that epileptic seizure is the result of uncontrolled unusual synchronized, localized or widely distributed neuronal electrical discharges. The underlying event in all types of seizures is the paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS) which also causes the EEG changes. In a normal circumstance we have a refractory period after every action potential, but in PDS, the absence of refractory period causes a prolonged membrane depolarization. In order to cause a seizure, so many PDSs most happen in the same time. Any alternation in a synaptic characteristics such as amount of neurotransmitters, function of inhibitory neurons, function of excitatory neurons, synaptic structure and ion channels involved in neurotransmitter release and conduction of action potential can prone a person to epilepsy. In focal epilepsy, epileptiform activity starts in a specific area of brain. It can further spread and cause secondary generalized seizure. In generalized epilepsy seizures occur in both cerebral hemispheres simultaneously or spread so fast from one to another that in EEG, we can see bilateral epileptiform activity from the start.
Causes
Common causes of epilepsy include head trauma, brain tumor, brain hemorrhage, encephalitis, hypoglycemia, hypoxic encephalopathy, stroke, cerebral palsy, electrolyte disturbances, epileptic encephalopathy – Lennox-Gastaut type, febrile seizures, Huntington’s disease, intoxication and uremia.
Differentiating epilepsy from other diseases
Epilepsy must be differentiated from psychogenic nonepileptic attacks (PNEAs), syncope, hypoglycemia, panic attacks, acute dystonic reactions, hemifacial spasm, nonepileptic myoclonus, parasomnias, cataplexy, hypnic jerks, transient ischemic attacks, migraines and transient global amnesia.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epilepsy’s approximate annual incidence rate is 40β70 per 100,000 in industrialized countries and 100β190 per 100,000 in resource-poor countries; socioeconomically deprived people are at higher risk. The prevalence of active epilepsy is roughly in the range 5β10 per 1000 people. Many studies have demonstrated that mortality rate is higher in people with epilepsy. The most common causes of death in these patients are trauma, pneumonia, suicide, status epilepticus and sudden unexpected death. Epilepsy is one of the most common of the serious neurological disorders. Genetic, congenital, and developmental conditions are mostly associated with it among younger patients; tumors are more likely over age 40; head trauma and central nervous system infections may occur at any age. There is no evidence of race differences in incidence and prevalence of epilepsy. It was demonstrated that nonsymptomatic epilepsy such as cryptogenic localization-related and idiopathic generalized epilepsy are more common in women while symptomatic localization-related epilepsy is more common in men.
Risk Factors
Common triggers of seizure include sleep deprivation, fever, light flashing, hyperventilation, alcohol, physical stress such as physical exercise or illness, psychological stress, depression.
Screening
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for epilepsy.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
If left untreated, 23% to 71% of patients with a single unprovoked seizure may experience it again within 2 years. After the second unprovoked seizure, the chance of having another seizure increase to 73%. Recurrent seizures with no underlying illness emphasis on epilepsy diagnosis. Common complications of epilepsy include status epilepticus, sudden unexpected death, submersion Injury, dental injury, burns, fractures, head injury, soft tissue injury and motor vehicle accidents.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
There is no single diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of epilepsy, but epilepsy can be diagnosed based on history, symptoms and physical examination of a patient with seizure complain. Among the patients who present with clinical signs of seizure, the EEG is the most efficient test for diagnosis. Video-EEG monitoring is a combination of recording EEG and clinical behavior of the patient. Although it’s more expensive, it is more effective in differentiating different type if seizures. With the first seizure, we should perform laboratory study ( electrolytes, glucose, calcium, magnesium, complete blood count, renal function tests, liver function tests, urinalysis, toxicology screens), imaging study ( MRI, CT Scan), EEG, video-EEG monitoring and lumbar puncture.
History and Symptoms
A positive history of family member with epilepsy, brain traumatic injuries, meningitis and encephalitis, febrile seizure in the childhood, enuresis, drug abuse and previous episod of seizure is suggestive of epilepsy. The most common symptoms of epileptic seizure include paroxysmal manner, similarity to each other in a patient in the aspect of duration and general characteristics, presenting with a motor phenomena which can be accompanied with sensory and autonomic manifestation, impaied consciousness, aura (sensory, autonomic, or psychic symptoms), starting with a triggers, post-ictal drowsiness, tongue biting and urine and fecal incontinence.
Physical Examination
Common physical examination findings of epileptic seizure include Automatic behaviors, upward eye rolling, unconsciousness, drooling, cyanosis, post-ictal drowsiness, fever, tachycardia, hypertension, mydriasis, nystagmus, urine and fecal incontinence, disorientation to persons, place, and time, altered mental status, automatic behaviors (repetitive muscle movement), Muscle rigidity and hyper-reflexia.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of epilepsy include elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK), elevated cortisol, elevated white blood cell count, elevated lactate dehydrogenase and elevated neuron-specific enolase.
Electroencephalogram
An ECG may be helpful in the diagnosis of epilepsy. Findings on an EEG suggestive of epilepsy include synchronous generalized spikes and waves in all leads in tonic-clonic seizures, spike and wave activity at a frequency of approximately 3 HZ in absence seizures, localized epileptic activity over the seizure focus in focal seizures with intact consciousness and temporal slow waves or spikes in focal seizures with impaired consciousness.
X-Ray
There are no x-ray findings associated with epilepsy.
Echocardiography/Ultrasound
In one case report, a 65-year-old woman presented with seizure. Echocardiography was performed and revealed a left atrium tumor.
CT Scan
CT Scan is mostly used in patients who are contraindicated for MRI or in the cases with skull fracture suspicious.
MRI
MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of epilepsy. Findings on MRI suggestive epileptic seizure include mesial temporal sclerosis, sequelae of head injury, congenital anomalies, brain tumors, cysticercosis, vascular lesions, strokes, cerebral degeneration and neoplasms.
Other Imaging Findings
There are no other imaging findings associated with epilepsy.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Lumbar puncture may be helpful in differentiating epilepsy from infectious etiology of seizures.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Supportive therapy for Guillain-Barre syndrome include respiratory assistance, Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, prevention of thromboembolic complications by heparin, minimal sedation in intensive care units, pain control and early passive movements. Immunomodulating therapy for Guillain-Barre syndrome include plasma exchange, high dose immunoglobulin and Corticosteroids.
Surgery
Surgery is not the first-line treatment option for patients with epilepsy. Surgery is usually reserved for patients who their seizure continues to happen despite using maximum dosage of anti-seizure drugs.
Primary Prevention
Effective measures for the primary prevention of epilepsy include reducing the chance of possible epilepsy causes to happen (Head trauma, Hypoglycemia, Cerebral palsy, Electrolyte disturbances, fever, drug abuse and Vitamin deficiency) and reduce the seizure triggers (sleep deprivation, fever, light flashing, hyperventilation, alcohol, physical stress such as physical exercise or illness, psychological stress and depression).
Secondary Prevention
Effective measures for the secondary prevention of epilepsy include early diagnosis and effective treatment.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.
Historical Perspective
Overview
The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek epilepsia, which in turn can be broken in to epi- (upon) and lepsis (to take hold of, or seizure). In the past, epilepsy was associated with religious experiences and even demonic possession. Claudius Galen was the first person who described epilepsy as a brain disease. Boerhaave was the first person who differentiate petit mal epilepsy, grand mal epilepsy and hysteria. Marshall Hall described reflex theory in which paroxysmal nervous discharges are responsible for epilepsy seizures. The very first evidence of epilepsy treatment goes back to 10,000 years ago when making holes in skull bones was done in order to treat epilepsy. In the past three decades anti-epileptic drugs are used widely for symptomatic control of epileptic patients.
Historical Perspective
Discovery
- The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek epilepsia, which in turn can be broken in to epi- (upon) and lepsis (to take hold of, or seizure)[1]
- In the past, epilepsy was associated with religious experiences and even demonic possession.
- In ancient times, epilepsy was known as the “Sacred Disease” because people thought that epileptic seizures were a form of attack by demons, or that the visions experienced by persons with epilepsy were sent by the Gods.
- Among animist Hmong families, for example, epilepsy was understood as an attack by an evil spirit, but the affected person could become revered as a shaman through these otherworldly experiences.[3]
- However, in most cultures, persons with epilepsy have been stigmatized, shunned, or even imprisoned.
- In the SalpΓͺtriΓ¨re, the birthplace of modern neurology, Jean-Martin Charcot found people with epilepsy side-by-side with the mentally retarded, those with chronic syphilis, and the criminally insane.
- In Tanzania to this day, as with other parts of Africa, epilepsy is associated with possession by evil spirits, witchcraft, or poisoning and is believed by many to be contagious.[2]
- In ancient Rome, epilepsy was known as the Morbus Comitialis (‘disease of the assembly hall’) and was seen as a curse from the gods.
- Stigma continues to this day, in both the public and private spheres, but polls suggest it is generally decreasing with time, at least in the developed world.
- Hippocrates remarked that epilepsy would cease to be considered divine the day it was understood.[3]
- Claudius Galen was the first person who described epilepsy as a brain disease.
- Boerhaave was the first person who differentiate petit mal epilepsy, grand mal epilepsy and hysteria.
- Marshall Hall described reflex theory in which paroxysmal nervous discharges are responsible for epilepsy seizures.[4]
- Important Investigators of Epilepsy:
Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies
- The very first evidence of epilepsy treatment goes back to 10,000 years ago when making holes in skull bones was done in order to treat epilepsy.[4]
- In the past three decades anti-epileptic drugs are used widely for symptomatic control of epileptic patients.[5][6]
Famous Cases
The following are a few famous cases who are said to have had epilepsy:[7]
- Pythagoras (582β500 BC)
- Aristotle (384β322 BC)
- Hannibal (Barca) (247β183 BC)
- Alfred the Great (849β899)
- Dante Alighieri (1265β1321)
- Johanne la Pucelle (Joan of Arc) (1412β1431)
- Leonardo da Vinci (1452β1519)
- Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475β1564)
- Armand-Jean du Plessis (Cardinal Richelieu) (1585β1642)
- King Louis XIII of France (1601β1643)
- Jean-Baptiste Poquelin-MolieΒ΄re (1622β1673)
- Blaise Pascal (1623β1662)
- Sir Isaac Newton (1642β1727)
- William of Orange (1650β1702)
- Jonathan Swift (1667β1745)
- George Frideric Handel (1685β1759)
- William Pitt, Earl of Chatham (1708β1778)
- Samuel Johnson (1709β1784)
- Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712β1778)
- James Madison (1751β1836)
- Ludwig von Beethoven (1770β1827)
- Sir Walter Scott (1771β1832)
- Niccolo Paganini (1784β1840)
- George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788β1824)
- Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792β1822)
- Louis Hector Berlioz (1803β1869)
- Edgar Allan Poe (1809β1849)
- Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809β1892)
- Robert Schumann (1810β1856)
- Charles Dickens (1812β1870)
- SΓΈren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813β1855)
- Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand Von Helmholtz (1821β1894)
- Gustave Flaubert (1821β1880)
- Leo Tolstoy (1828β1910)
- Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, Lewis Carroll (1832β1898)
- Alfred Nobel (1833β1896)
- William Morris (1834β1896)
- Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837β1909)
- Henri-ReneΒ΄-Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850β1893)
- Agatha (Miller) Christie (1890β1976)
- Truman (Streckfus Persons) Capote (1924β1984)
- Richard Burton (1925β1984)
Many studies demonstrated that there are doubts about diagnosis of epilepsy in these patients.
References
- β Harper, Douglas (2001). “epilepsy”. Online Etymological Dictionary. Retrieved 2005-06-05.
- β Morbus sacer in Africa: some religious aspects of epilepsy in traditional cultures. Jilek-Aall L. PMID: 10080524 Retrieved 8 October 2006.
- β Hippocrates quotes
- β 4.0 4.1 4.2 Hassell, Thomas (1981). Epilepsy and the oral manifestations of phenytoin therapy. Basel New York: Karger. ISBNΒ 978-3-8055-1008-0.
- β LΓΆscher W, Schmidt D (April 2011). “Modern antiepileptic drug development has failed to deliver: ways out of the current dilemma”. Epilepsia. 52 (4): 657β78. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03024.x. PMIDΒ 21426333.
- β Schmidt D (June 2012). “Is antiepileptogenesis a realistic goal in clinical trials? Concerns and new horizons”. Epileptic Disord. 14 (2): 105β13. PMIDΒ 22977896.
- β Hughes JR (March 2005). “Did all those famous people really have epilepsy?”. Epilepsy Behav. 6 (2): 115β39. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2004.11.011. PMIDΒ 15710295.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.,Vishnu Vardhan Serla M.B.B.S. [2]
Classification
Overview
Epilepsy may be classified according to type of onset into focal, generalized and unknown. Each of these groups can be further divided into motor and non-motor subgroups.
Classification
- Epilepsy may be classified according to type of onset into:[1]
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Type of onset | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Focal | Β | secondary generalized | Β | Generalized | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Unknown | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Motor | Β | Non-motor | Β | Motor | Β | Non-motor | Β | Motor | Β | Non-motor | Β | Unclassified | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| β’Automatisms β’ Atonic β’ Clonic β’ Epileptic spasm β’ Hyperkinetic β’ Myoclonic β’ Tonic | Β | β’ Autonomic β’ Behavior arrest β’ Cognitive β’ Emotional β’ Sensory | Β | β’ Tonic-clonic β’ Clonic β’ Tonic β’ Myoclonic β’ Myoclonic-tonic-clonic β’ Myoclonic-atonic β’ Atonia β’ Epileptic spasm | Β | β’ Typical β’ Atypical β’ Myoclonic β’ Eyelid myocloni | Β | β’ Tonic-clonic β’ Epileptic β’ Spasm | Β | β’ Behavior arrest | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
References
- β Fisher, Robert S.; Cross, J. Helen; D’Souza, Carol; French, Jacqueline A.; Haut, Sheryl R.; Higurashi, Norimichi; Hirsch, Edouard; Jansen, Floor E.; Lagae, Lieven; MoshΓ©, Solomon L.; Peltola, Jukka; Roulet Perez, Eliane; Scheffer, Ingrid E.; Schulze-Bonhage, Andreas; Somerville, Ernest; Sperling, Michael; Yacubian, Elza MΓ‘rcia; Zuberi, Sameer M. (2017). “Instruction manual for the ILAE 2017 operational classification of seizure types”. Epilepsia. 58 (4): 531β542. doi:10.1111/epi.13671. ISSNΒ 0013-9580.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.
Pathophysiology
Overview
It is understood that epileptic seizure is the result of uncontrolled unusual synchronized, localized or widely distributed neuronal electrical discharges. The underlying event in all types of seizures is the paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS) which also causes the EEG changes. In a normal circumstance we have a refractory period after every action potential, but in PDS, the absence of refractory period causes a prolonged membrane depolarization. In order to cause a seizure, so many PDSs most happen in the same time. Any alternation in a synaptic characteristics such as amount of neurotransmitters, function of inhibitory neurons, function of excitatory neurons, synaptic structure and ion channels involved in neurotransmitter release and conduction of action potential can prone a person to epilepsy. In focal epilepsy, epileptiform activity starts in a specific area of brain. It can further spread and cause secondary generalized seizure. In generalized epilepsy seizures occur in both cerebral hemispheres simultaneously or spread so fast from one to another that in EEG, we can see bilateral epileptiform activity from the start.
Pathophysiology
Physiology
- The normal physiology of neuronal action potential can be understood as follows:
- When an action potential reaches the plasma membrane of a neuron cell, voltage gated Na+ channels will open and Na+ flows into the cell and makes it depolarized.
- When plasma membrane potential reaches a specific level, K+ channel opening will hyperpolarize the neuronal membrane.[1]

Pathogenesis
- It is understood that epileptic seizure is the result of uncontrolled unusual synchronized, localized or widely distributed neuronal electrical discharges.[2]
- The underlying event in all types of seizures is the paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS) which also causes the EEG changes.[3]
- In a normal circumstance we have a refractory period after every action potential, but in PDS, the absence of refractory period causes a prolonged membrane depolarization.[4]
- The likelihood of PDS happening depends on so many factors such as intrinsic neuronal characteristic (channelopathies) and extrinsic characteristics (excess excitatory or inadequate inhibitory neurotransmitters).
- In order to cause a seizure, so many PDSs most happen in the same time.[5]
- Any alternation in a synaptic characteristics can prone a person to epilepsy. They include:
- Amount of neurotransmitters
- Function of inhibitory neurons
- Function of excitatory neurons
- Synaptic structure
- Ion channels involved in neurotransmitter release and conduction of action potential.[6]
- The underlying pathophysiology of focal epilepsy is different than generalized epilepsy.
- Focal epilepsy:
- In these kind of seizures, epileptiform activity starts in a specific area of brain. It can further spread and cause secondary generalized seizure.
- Generalized epilepsy:
- These seizures occur in both cerebral hemispheres simultaneously or spread so fast from one to another that in EEG, we can see bilateral epileptiform activity from the start.[7]
- Focal epilepsy:
Genetics
- There are many genes involved in ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. The polymorphism of these genes determine a personβs susceptibility for developing epilepsy after an offending injury.[8]
- Mutations in several genes have been linked to some types of epilepsy. Several genes that code for protein subunits of voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels have been associated with forms of generalized epilepsy and infantile seizure syndromes.[9]
- there are some forms of Mendelian syndromes which are the result of mutation in SCN1A gene (Dravet syndrome) or GABR1 gene (autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy).[8]
Gross Pathology
- On gross pathology, slight opacity and thickening of the meninges, signs of meningitis, vascular disturbances, ecchymoses on the surface of various organs and fatty changes in the heart and striated muscles can be seen in epilepsy.[10]
Microscopic Pathology
- On microscopic pathology histopathological analysis:
- In the hippocampus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy there is evidence of cell loss mainly in CA1 and CA4 sectors, CA1 neuron loss and gliosis and CA4 neuronal cell loss and gliosis.
- In dentate gyrus there is evidence of Substantial granule cell loss and Cell dispersion.[11]
References
- β Pollard, Thomas (2017). Cell biology. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. ISBNΒ 9780323341264.
- β Fisher RS, van Emde Boas W, Blume W, Elger C, Genton P, Lee P, Engel J (April 2005). “Epileptic seizures and epilepsy: definitions proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE)”. Epilepsia. 46 (4): 470β2. doi:10.1111/j.0013-9580.2005.66104.x. PMIDΒ 15816939.
- β MATSUMOTO H, AJMONEMARSAN C (April 1964). “CELLULAR MECHANISMS IN EXPERIMENTAL EPILEPTIC SEIZURES”. Science. 144 (3615): 193β4. PMIDΒ 14107481.
- β Bragin A, Engel J, Wilson CL, Fried I, Mathern GW (February 1999). “Hippocampal and entorhinal cortex high-frequency oscillations (100–500 Hz) in human epileptic brain and in kainic acid–treated rats with chronic seizures”. Epilepsia. 40 (2): 127β37. PMIDΒ 9952257.
- β Chang BS, Lowenstein DH (September 2003). “Epilepsy”. N. Engl. J. Med. 349 (13): 1257β66. doi:10.1056/NEJMra022308. PMIDΒ 14507951.
- β Samuels, Martin (2017). Samuels’s Manual of neurologic therapeutics. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBNΒ 9781496360311.
- β Mattle, Heinrich (2017). Fundamentals of neurologyΒ : an illustrated guide. Stuttgart New York: Thieme. ISBNΒ 9783131364524.
- β 8.0 8.1 Samuels, Martin (2017). Samuels’s Manual of neurologic therapeutics. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBNΒ 9781496360311.
- β Miriam H. Meisler and Jennifer A. Kearney (2005). “Sodium channel mutations in epilepsy and other neurological disorders”. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 115 (8): 2010β2017. PMID 16075041 doi:10.1172/JCI25466.
- β GOWERS, FirstName (2016). EPILEPSY AND OTHER CHRONIC CONVULSIVE DISEASESΒ : their causes, symptoms, and treatment (classic… reprint. S.l: FORGOTTEN BOOKS. ISBNΒ 1334720053.
- β BlΓΌmcke I, Thom M, Aronica E, Armstrong DD, Bartolomei F, Bernasconi A, Bernasconi N, Bien CG, Cendes F, Coras R, Cross JH, Jacques TS, Kahane P, Mathern GW, Miyata H, MoshΓ© SL, Oz B, Γzkara Γ, Perucca E, Sisodiya S, Wiebe S, Spreafico R (July 2013). “International consensus classification of hippocampal sclerosis in temporal lobe epilepsy: a Task Force report from the ILAE Commission on Diagnostic Methods”. Epilepsia. 54 (7): 1315β29. doi:10.1111/epi.12220. PMIDΒ 23692496.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.
Causes
Overview
Common causes of epilepsy include Head trauma, Brain tumor, Brain hemorrhage, Encephalitis, Hypoglycemia, Hypoxic encephalopathy, Stroke, Cerebral palsy, Electrolyte disturbances, febrile seizures, Intoxication and uremia.
Causes
Life-threatening Causes
Life-threatening causes of epilepsy include:[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Common Causes
Common causes of epilepsy may include:[7][8][9][10][11][12]
- Cerebral palsy
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Epileptic encephalopathy – Lennox-Gastaut type
- Febrile seizures
- Huntington’s disease
- Intoxication
- Uremia
less common causes
Less common causes of epilepsy include:[13]
Causes by Organ System
Causes in Alphabetical Order
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References
- β Annegers JF, Coan SP (October 2000). “The risks of epilepsy after traumatic brain injury”. Seizure. 9 (7): 453β7. doi:10.1053/seiz.2000.0458. PMIDΒ 11034867.
- β Englot DJ, Chang EF, Vecht CJ (2016). “Epilepsy and brain tumors”. Handb Clin Neurol. 134: 267β85. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-802997-8.00016-5. PMCΒ 4803433. PMIDΒ 26948360.
- β Faught E, Peters D, Bartolucci A, Moore L, Miller PC (August 1989). “Seizures after primary intracerebral hemorrhage”. Neurology. 39 (8): 1089β93. PMIDΒ 2761703.
- β Misra UK, Tan CT, Kalita J (August 2008). “Viral encephalitis and epilepsy”. Epilepsia. 49 Suppl 6: 13β8. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01751.x. PMIDΒ 18754956.
- β Sloper JJ, Johnson P, Powell TP (September 1980). “Selective degeneration of interneurons in the motor cortex of infant monkeys following controlled hypoxia: a possible cause of epilepsy”. Brain Res. 198 (1): 204β9. PMIDΒ 7407585.
- β Chung JM (May 2014). “Seizures in the acute stroke setting”. Neurol. Res. 36 (5): 403β6. doi:10.1179/1743132814Y.0000000352. PMIDΒ 24641717.
- β Diaconu G, Burlea M, Grigore I, Frasin M (2003). “[Epilepsy in different types of cerebral palsy]”. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi (in Romanian). 107 (1): 136β9. PMIDΒ 14755984.
- β Riggs JE (February 2002). “Neurologic manifestations of electrolyte disturbances”. Neurol Clin. 20 (1): 227β39, vii. PMIDΒ 11754308.
- β Markand ON (2003). “Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (childhood epileptic encephalopathy)”. J Clin Neurophysiol. 20 (6): 426β41. PMIDΒ 14734932.
- β Shinnar S, Glauser TA (January 2002). “Febrile seizures”. J. Child Neurol. 17 Suppl 1: S44β52. doi:10.1177/08830738020170010601. PMIDΒ 11918463.
- β Cendes F, Andermann F, Carpenter S, Zatorre RJ, Cashman NR (January 1995). “Temporal lobe epilepsy caused by domoic acid intoxication: evidence for glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity in humans”. Ann. Neurol. 37 (1): 123β6. doi:10.1002/ana.410370125. PMIDΒ 7818246.
- β D’Hooge R, Pei YQ, Marescau B, De Deyn PP (October 1992). “Convulsive action and toxicity of uremic guanidino compounds: behavioral assessment and relation to brain concentration in adult mice”. J. Neurol. Sci. 112 (1β2): 96β105. PMIDΒ 1469446.
- β Keyser A, De Bruijn SF (1991). “Epileptic manifestations and vitamin B1 deficiency”. Eur. Neurol. 31 (3): 121β5. doi:10.1159/000116660. PMIDΒ 2044623.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D., Vishnu Vardhan Serla M.B.B.S. [2]
Differentiating Epilepsy from other Diseases

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Overview
Epilepsy must be differentiated from: Psychogenic nonepileptic attacks (PNEAs), syncope, hypoglycemia, panic attacks, acute dystonic reactions, hemifacial spasm, nonepileptic myoclonus, parasomnias, cataplexy, hypnic jerks, transient ischemic attacks, migraines and transient global amnesia.
Differentiating epilepsy from other Diseases
Epilepsy must be differentiated from:
- Psychogenic nonepileptic attacks (PNEAs):
- Psychogenic non epileptic attacks most commonly happens in young women and is the most common disease misdiagnosed with epilepsy.[1][2][3]
- There are some features which can help us differentiate PNEAs from epilepsy:
- These patients are resistance to anti-epileptic drugs.[4]
- PNEAs rarely happens in sleep and mostly happens in the present of an audience.[5]
- In physical examination of PNEAs patients we can observe histrionic features.[6]
- Tongue biting, urine incontinence and postictal confusion are in favor of epilepsy.[6]
- In PNEAs we have normal EEGs.[7]
- Syncope:
- Syncope is another misdiagnosed disease with epilepsy. The reason for this misdiagnosis is that syncope attacks happens in a convulsive manner and patients may have body jerks and clonic movement.[8]
- Syncope also cause EEG changes and make it more difficult to differentiate it from epilepsy.[9]
- There are some presyncope symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, nausea and malaise which helps us differentiate it from epilepsy.[10]
- Hypoglycemia
- Panic attacks: Panic attacks mostly resemble PNEAs rather than epilepsy.[11][12] In mesiotemporal epilepsy the patient experience fear as an aura and it can be mistaken with panic attack specially if the typical seizure doesnβt happen after aura.[13]
- Acute dystonic reactions: Drugs such as anti-dopaminergic, anti-emetics, carbamazepine, lithium and trazodone can cause twisting movements of craniopharyngeal and cervical muscles for seconds to hours. This condition response very well to anticholinergic treatment.[14]
- Hemifacial spasm: Hemifacial spasm (HFS) can be mistaken with simple partial seizure or facial clonic seizure. There are some features which helps us to differentiate it from epilepsy:
- Nonepileptic myoclonus
- Parasomnias: Non-REM parasomnias such as night terrors and sleepwalking can misdiagnosed with epilepsy specially because they are paroxysmal and can cause amnesia and unresponsiveness. These patients have normal EEG and their attacks mostly starts in a specific stage of sleep.[16][17]
- Cataplexy: Cataplexy commonly misdiagnosed with atonic seizures (drop attacks) These attacks mostly trigger by emotion such as laughter.[18][19]
- Hypnic jerks: Hypanic jerk is a very common condition which happens at the beginning of sleep resembles myoclonic seizures.[20]
- Transient ischemic attacks: The key difference between TIA and seizure is TIA attacks have negative symptoms instead of positive symptoms we observe in seizures.[21]
- Migraines
- Transient global amnesia: Patients with this condition experience periods of anterograde amnesia for few hours which resolves on its own.[22]
A quick algorithm to differentiate epilepsy from other causes of altered mental status is demonstrated below:
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Clinical presentation | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Loss of conscoiusness | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | No | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | β’ Transient? β’ Rapid onset? β’ Short duration? β’ Spontaneous recovery? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Falls | Β | Altered consciousnes | Β | Β | Β | Yes | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | No | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Coma | Β | Aborted SCD | Β | Others | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | T-LOC | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Non-Traumatic | Β | Traumatic | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Syncope | Β | Β | Epileptic seizure | Β | Β | Β | Psychogenic | Β | Β | Rare causes | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| β’ Reflex syncope β’ Orthostatic hypotension β’ Cardiac syncope | Β | Β | β’ Tonic β’ Clonic β’ Tonic-clonic β’ Atonic | Β | Β | Β | β’ Pseudo-epileptic β’ Pseudo-syncopal | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abbreviations: SCD: Sudden cardiac death;T-LOC: Transient-Loss of consciousness.
| The above algorithm adopted from ESC guideline [23] |
|---|
References
- β Benbadis SR, O’Neill E, Tatum WO, Heriaud L (September 2004). “Outcome of prolonged video-EEG monitoring at a typical referral epilepsy center”. Epilepsia. 45 (9): 1150β3. doi:10.1111/j.0013-9580.2004.14504.x. PMIDΒ 15329081.
- β Behrouz R, Heriaud L, Benbadis SR (May 2006). “Late-onset psychogenic nonepileptic seizures”. Epilepsy Behav. 8 (3): 649β50. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2006.02.003. PMIDΒ 16531122.
- β Duncan R, Oto M, Martin E, Pelosi A (June 2006). “Late onset psychogenic nonepileptic attacks”. Neurology. 66 (11): 1644β7. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000223320.94812.7a. PMIDΒ 16769934.
- β Benbadis SR (1999). “How many patients with pseudoseizures receive antiepileptic drugs prior to diagnosis?”. Eur. Neurol. 41 (2): 114β5. doi:10.1159/000008015. PMIDΒ 10023117.
- β Benbadis SR, Lancman ME, King LM, Swanson SJ (July 1996). “Preictal pseudosleep: a new finding in psychogenic seizures”. Neurology. 47 (1): 63β7. PMIDΒ 8710126.
- β 6.0 6.1 Benbadis SR, Wolgamuth BR, Goren H, Brener S, Fouad-Tarazi F (November 1995). “Value of tongue biting in the diagnosis of seizures”. Arch. Intern. Med. 155 (21): 2346β9. PMIDΒ 7487261.
- β Davis BJ (2004). “Predicting nonepileptic seizures utilizing seizure frequency, EEG, and response to medication”. Eur. Neurol. 51 (3): 153β6. doi:10.1159/000077287. PMIDΒ 15017116.
- β Aminoff MJ, Scheinman MM, Griffin JC, Herre JM (June 1988). “Electrocerebral accompaniments of syncope associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias”. Ann. Intern. Med. 108 (6): 791β6. PMIDΒ 3369769.
- β Sheldon RS, Koshman ML, Murphy WF (June 1998). “Electroencephalographic findings during presyncope and syncope induced by tilt table testing”. Can J Cardiol. 14 (6): 811β6. PMIDΒ 9676166.
- β Sheldon R, Rose S, Ritchie D, Connolly SJ, Koshman ML, Lee MA, Frenneaux M, Fisher M, Murphy W (July 2002). “Historical criteria that distinguish syncope from seizures”. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 40 (1): 142β8. PMIDΒ 12103268.
- β Merritt TC (May 2000). “Recognition and acute management of patients with panic attacks in the emergency department”. Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. 18 (2): 289β300, ix. PMIDΒ 10767885.
- β Vein AM, Djukova GM, Vorobieva OV (1994). “Is panic attack a mask of psychogenic seizures?–a comparative analysis of phenomenology of psychogenic seizures and panic attacks”. Funct. Neurol. 9 (3): 153β9. PMIDΒ 7988943.
- β Biraben A, Taussig D, Thomas P, Even C, Vignal JP, Scarabin JM, Chauvel P (February 2001). “Fear as the main feature of epileptic seizures”. J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry. 70 (2): 186β91. PMCΒ 1737203. PMIDΒ 11160466.
- β Dressler D, Benecke R (November 2005). “Diagnosis and management of acute movement disorders”. J. Neurol. 252 (11): 1299β306. doi:10.1007/s00415-005-0006-x. PMIDΒ 16208529.
- β Colosimo C, Bologna M, Lamberti S, Avanzino L, Avanzino L, Marinelli L, Marinelli L, Fabbrini G, Abbruzzese G, Defazio G, Berardelli A (March 2006). “A comparative study of primary and secondary hemifacial spasm”. Arch. Neurol. 63 (3): 441β4. doi:10.1001/archneur.63.3.441. PMIDΒ 16533973.
- β Derry CP, Davey M, Johns M, Kron K, Glencross D, Marini C, Scheffer IE, Berkovic SF (May 2006). “Distinguishing sleep disorders from seizures: diagnosing bumps in the night”. Arch. Neurol. 63 (5): 705β9. doi:10.1001/archneur.63.5.705. PMIDΒ 16682539.
- β Iranzo A, SantamarΓa J, Rye DB, Valldeoriola F, MartΓ MJ, MuΓ±oz E, Vilaseca I, Tolosa E (July 2005). “Characteristics of idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder and that associated with MSA and PD”. Neurology. 65 (2): 247β52. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000168864.97813.e0. PMIDΒ 16043794.
- β Guilleminault C, Gelb M (1995). “Clinical aspects and features of cataplexy”. Adv Neurol. 67: 65β77. PMIDΒ 8848983.
- β Krahn LE, Boeve BF, Olson EJ, Herold DL, Silber MH (April 2000). “A standardized test for cataplexy”. Sleep Med. 1 (2): 125β130. PMIDΒ 10767653.
- β Montagna P, Liguori R, Zucconi M, Sforza E, Lugaresi A, Cirignotta F, Lugaresi E (August 1988). “Physiological hypnic myoclonus”. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 70 (2): 172β6. PMIDΒ 2456194.
- β Han SW, Kim SH, Kim JK, Park CH, Yun MJ, Heo JH (October 2004). “Hemodynamic changes in limb shaking TIA associated with anterior cerebral artery stenosis”. Neurology. 63 (8): 1519β21. PMIDΒ 15505181.
- β Quinette P, Guillery-Girard B, Dayan J, de la Sayette V, Marquis S, Viader F, Desgranges B, Eustache F (July 2006). “What does transient global amnesia really mean? Review of the literature and thorough study of 142 cases”. Brain. 129 (Pt 7): 1640β58. doi:10.1093/brain/awl105. PMIDΒ 16670178.
- β Moya, A.; Sutton, R.; Ammirati, F.; Blanc, J.-J.; Brignole, M.; Dahm, J. B.; Deharo, J.-C.; Gajek, J.; Gjesdal, K.; Krahn, A.; Massin, M.; Pepi, M.; Pezawas, T.; Granell, R. R.; Sarasin, F.; Ungar, A.; van Dijk, J. G.; Walma, E. P.; Wieling, W.; Abe, H.; Benditt, D. G.; Decker, W. W.; Grubb, B. P.; Kaufmann, H.; Morillo, C.; Olshansky, B.; Parry, S. W.; Sheldon, R.; Shen, W. K.; Vahanian, A.; Auricchio, A.; Bax, J.; Ceconi, C.; Dean, V.; Filippatos, G.; Funck-Brentano, C.; Hobbs, R.; Kearney, P.; McDonagh, T.; McGregor, K.; Popescu, B. A.; Reiner, Z.; Sechtem, U.; Sirnes, P. A.; Tendera, M.; Vardas, P.; Widimsky, P.; Auricchio, A.; Acarturk, E.; Andreotti, F.; Asteggiano, R.; Bauersfeld, U.; Bellou, A.; Benetos, A.; Brandt, J.; Chung, M. K.; Cortelli, P.; Da Costa, A.; Extramiana, F.; Ferro, J.; Gorenek, B.; Hedman, A.; Hirsch, R.; Kaliska, G.; Kenny, R. A.; Kjeldsen, K. P.; Lampert, R.; Molgard, H.; Paju, R.; Puodziukynas, A.; Raviele, A.; Roman, P.; Scherer, M.; Schondorf, R.; Sicari, R.; Vanbrabant, P.; Wolpert, C.; Zamorano, J. L. (2009). “Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope (version 2009): The Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Syncope of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)”. European Heart Journal. 30 (21): 2631β2671. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehp298. ISSNΒ 0195-668X.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Overview
Epilepsy’s approximate annual incidence rate is 40β70 per 100,000 in industrialized countries and 100β190 per 100,000 in resource-poor countries; socioeconomically deprived people are at higher risk. The prevalence of active epilepsy is roughly in the range 5β10 per 1000 people. Many studies have demonstrated that mortality rate is higher in people with epilepsy. The most common causes of death in these patients are trauma, pneumonia, suicide, status epilepticus and sudden unexpected death. Epilepsy is one of the most common of the serious neurological disorders. Genetic, congenital, and developmental conditions are mostly associated with it among younger patients; tumors are more likely over age 40; head trauma and central nervous system infections may occur at any age. There is no evidence of race differences in incidence and prevalence of epilepsy. It was demonstrated that nonsymptomatic epilepsy such as cryptogenic localization-related and idiopathic generalized epilepsy are more common in women while symptomatic localization-related epilepsy is more common in men.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Incidence
- Epilepsy’s approximate annual incidence rate is 40β70 per 100,000 in industrialized countries and 100β190 per 100,000 in resource-poor countries; socioeconomically deprived people are at higher risk. In industrialized countries the incidence rate decreased in children but increased among the elderly during the three decades prior to 2003, for reasons not fully understood.[1]
Prevalence
- The prevalence of active epilepsy is roughly in the range 5β10 per 1000 people. Up to 50 per 1000 people experience nonfebrile seizures at some point in life; epilepsy’s lifetime prevalence is relatively high because most patients either stop having seizures or (less commonly) die. [1]
Case-fatality rate/Mortality rate
- Many studies have demonstrated that mortality rate is higher in people with epilepsy.[2][3] The most common causes of death in these patients are trauma, pneumonia, suicide, status epilepticus and sudden unexpected death.[4][5][6][7]
Age
- Epilepsy is one of the most common of the serious neurological disorders.[8] Genetic, congenital, and developmental conditions are mostly associated with it among younger patients; tumors are more likely over age 40; head trauma and central nervous system infections may occur at any age.[1]
Race
- There is no evidence of race differences in incidence and prevalence of epilepsy.[9][10]
Gender
- It was demonstrated that nonsymptomatic epilepsy such as cryptogenic localization-related and idiopathic generalized epilepsy are more common in women while symptomatic localization-related epilepsy is more common in men.[11]
References
- β 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sander JW (2003). “The epidemiology of epilepsy revisited”. Curr Opin Neurol. 16 (2): 165β70. PMIDΒ 12644744.
- β Rafnsson V, Olafsson E, Hauser WA, Gudmundsson G (October 2001). “Cause-specific mortality in adults with unprovoked seizures. A population-based incidence cohort study”. Neuroepidemiology. 20 (4): 232β6. doi:10.1159/000054795. PMIDΒ 11684898.
- β Camfield CS, Camfield PR, Veugelers PJ (June 2002). “Death in children with epilepsy: a population-based study”. Lancet. 359 (9321): 1891β5. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(02)08779-2.
- β Logroscino G, Hesdorffer DC, Cascino GD, Annegers JF, Bagiella E, Hauser WA (February 2002). “Long-term mortality after a first episode of status epilepticus”. Neurology. 58 (4): 537β41. PMIDΒ 11865129.
- β Wu YW, Shek DW, Garcia PA, Zhao S, Johnston SC (April 2002). “Incidence and mortality of generalized convulsive status epilepticus in California”. Neurology. 58 (7): 1070β6. PMIDΒ 11940695.
- β SillanpÀÀ M, Shinnar S (September 2002). “Status epilepticus in a population-based cohort with childhood-onset epilepsy in Finland”. Ann. Neurol. 52 (3): 303β10. doi:10.1002/ana.10286. PMIDΒ 12205642.
- β Nilsson L, Ahlbom A, Farahmand BY, Asberg M, Tomson T (June 2002). “Risk factors for suicide in epilepsy: a case control study”. Epilepsia. 43 (6): 644β51. PMIDΒ 12060025.
- β Hirtz D, Thurman DJ, Gwinn-Hardy K, Mohamed M, Chaudhuri AR, Zalutsky R (2007-01-30). “How common are the ‘common’ neurologic disorders?”. Neurology. 68 (5): 326β37. PMIDΒ 17261678. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - β Annegers JF, Dubinsky S, Coan SP, Newmark ME, Roht L (April 1999). “The incidence of epilepsy and unprovoked seizures in multiethnic, urban health maintenance organizations”. Epilepsia. 40 (4): 502β6. PMIDΒ 10219279.
- β Benn EK, Hauser WA, Shih T, Leary L, Bagiella E, Dayan P, Green R, Andrews H, Thurman DJ, Hesdorffer DC (August 2008). “Estimating the incidence of first unprovoked seizure and newly diagnosed epilepsy in the low-income urban community of Northern Manhattan, New York City”. Epilepsia. 49 (8): 1431β9. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01564.x. PMIDΒ 18336560.
- β Christensen J, Kjeldsen MJ, Andersen H, Friis ML, Sidenius P (June 2005). “Gender differences in epilepsy”. Epilepsia. 46 (6): 956β60. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2005.51204.x. PMIDΒ 15946339.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D. Vishnu Vardhan Serla M.B.B.S. [2]
Risk Factors
Overview
Common triggers of seizure include: Sleep deprivation, fever, light flashing, hyperventilation, alcohol, physical stress such as physical exercise or illness, psychological stress, depression.
Risk Factors
Common risk factors of seizure include:[1][2][3]
- Sleep deprivation
- Fever
- Light flashing
- Hyperventilation
- Alcohol
- Physical stress such as physical exercise or illness
- Psychological stress
- Depression
References
- β LΓΈyning Y (August 1993). “[Seizures and traffic risks]”. Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. (in Norwegian). 113 (18): 2231. PMIDΒ 8362382.
- β Thapar A, Kerr M, Harold G (January 2009). “Stress, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy: investigating the relationship between psychological factors and seizures”. Epilepsy Behav. 14 (1): 134β40. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.09.004. PMIDΒ 18824131.
- β LEVIN M (February 1950). “The pathogenesis of narcoleptic and epileptic seizures occurring under acute emotional stress”. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis. 111 (2): 101β8. PMIDΒ 15409992.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.,
Screening
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Overview
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for epilepsy.
Screening
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for epilepsy.
References
Editor-In-Chief:
C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Overview
If left untreated, 23% to 71% of patients with a single unprovoked seizure may experience it again within 2 years. After the second unprovoked seizure, the chance of having another seizure increase to 73%. Recurrent seizures with no underlying illness emphasis on epilepsy diagnosis. Common complications of epilepsy include: Status epilepticus, sudden unexpected death, submersion Injury, dental injury, burns, fractures, head injury, soft tissue injury and motor vehicle accidents.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Natural History
- If left untreated, 23% to 71% of patients with a single unprovoked seizure may experience it again within 2 years.
- After the second unprovoked seizure, the chance of having another seizure increase to 73%.
- Recurrent seizures with no underlying illness emphasis on epilepsy diagnosis.
- In contrast to adolescent onset epilepsy syndromes most of the childhood onset epilepsy such as benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes will go to remission.
- There is no evidence demonstrating the effect of medical therapy on natural history of epilepsy.[1]
Complications
- Common complications of epilepsy include:
- Status epilepticus[2]
- Sudden unexpected death[3]
- Submersion Injury
- Dental injury[4]
- Burns[5]
- Fractures[6]
- Head injury
- Soft tissue injury[7]
- Motor vehicle accidents[8]
- Epileptic heart[9]
- Sudden cardiac death
References
- β Samuels, Martin (2017). Samuels’s Manual of neurologic therapeutics. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBNΒ 9781496360311.
- β Mattle, Heinrich (2017). Fundamentals of neurologyΒ : an illustrated guide. Stuttgart New York: Thieme. ISBNΒ 9783131364524.
- β Samuels, Martin (2017). Samuels’s Manual of neurologic therapeutics. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBNΒ 9781496360311.
- β Buck D, Baker GA, Jacoby A, Smith DF, Chadwick DW (April 1997). “Patients’ experiences of injury as a result of epilepsy”. Epilepsia. 38 (4): 439β44. PMIDΒ 9118849.
- β van den Broek M, Beghi E (January 2004). “Morbidity in patients with epilepsy: type and complications: a European cohort study”. Epilepsia. 45 (1): 71β6. PMIDΒ 14692910.
- β Pack AM, Olarte LS, Morrell MJ, Flaster E, Resor SR, Shane E (April 2003). “Bone mineral density in an outpatient population receiving enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs”. Epilepsy Behav. 4 (2): 169β74. PMIDΒ 12697142.
- β Beghi E, Cornaggia C (September 2002). “Morbidity and accidents in patients with epilepsy: results of a European cohort study”. Epilepsia. 43 (9): 1076β83. PMIDΒ 12199734.
- β Hansotia P, Broste SK (1993). “Epilepsy and traffic safety”. Epilepsia. 34 (5): 852β8. PMIDΒ 8404737.
- β Verrier, Richard L.; Pang, Trudy D.; Nearing, Bruce D.; Schachter, Steven C. (2020). “The Epileptic Heart: Concept and clinical evidence”. Epilepsy & Behavior. 105: 106946. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106946. ISSNΒ 1525-5050.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | EEG | X Ray | CT | MRI | Echocardiography or Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Related Chapters
Related Chapters
External Links
External Links
Professional Resources
- International League Against Epilepsy.
- e-epilepsy from the National Society for Epilepsy.
- Seizures and Epilepsy from eMedicine.
- Epilepsy Currents from PubMed Central
Lists of Organizations
Many organisations provide regional support for those with epilepsy, their families and professionals in the field. Lists of such groups can be found at:
- Epilepsy.com: Epilepsy Websites.
- International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) An umbrella group for various national and regional epilepsy support organisations. For local groups, see their list of chapters and friends.
- The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). A list of professional organisations at ILAE: Links.
- The Joint Epilepsy Council of the UK and Ireland – The JEC is an umbrella organisation which exists to represent the united voice of a number of UK and Irish based epilepsy charities.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.
