Define seizure.
an excessive and/or hypersynchronous activity of cortical neurons that results in transient neurological symptoms
Define acute symptomatic seizure.
(provoked seizure): a seizure that occurs at the time or soon after the onset of an acute systemic or CNS condition. Examples include: [2]
Within 1 week of stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), anoxic encephalopathy, or intracranial surgery
Subdural hematoma
Acute CNS infection
Exacerbation of multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune diseases
Metabolic disturbances
Drug/alcohol intoxication or withdrawal
Define reflex seizure.
a seizure constantly evoked by a particular stimulus (trigger) that lowers seizure threshold (e.g., flashing lights)
Define unprovoked seizure.
a seizure that occurs in the absence of an identifiable cause or beyond the specified interval after an acute CNS condition
Describe so-called “descriptors”.
the following terms are used to describe events, clinical features, and EEG signs related to seizures [3]
Ictal: occurring during a seizure
Interictal: occurring between the seizures
Postictal: occurring signs after a seizure
Define epilepsy.
a chronic neurologic disorder characterized by a predisposition to seizures as defined by one of the following: [1][4]
Two or more unprovoked or reflex seizures separated by more than 24 hours
One unprovoked or reflex seizure in an individual with a high risk of subsequent seizures (e.g., after traumatic brain injury, stroke, CNS infections)
Diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome: a group of epileptic disorders characterized by a set of features typically occurring together.
Common features include triggers, age of onset, EEG patterns, radiological findings, and associated conditions (e.g., depression and other mood disorders, psychosis, and anxiety disorders)
Define reflex epilepsy.
Epilepsy in which seizures are consistently provoked by a certain trigger (e.g., lights, music, hormonal changes during menstrual cycle). Subtypes can be determined based on the trigger and include:
Photosensitive epilepsy
Musicogenic epilepsy
Catamenial epilepsy
Define drug-resistant epilepsy.
epilepsy in which at least two antiepileptic drugs (administered as sequential monotherapies or as combination therapy) have failed to prevent seizures
Define resolved epilepsy.
An age‐dependent epilepsy syndrome that has not recurred in individuals who are now past the applicable age.
No recurring seizures for 10 years in individuals who have not taken antiepileptic drugs for at least the last 5 years.
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