Epilepsy classification

Epilepsy Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Epilepsy from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Epilepsy classification On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Epilepsy classification All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Epilepsy classification
CDC on Epilepsy classification
Epilepsy classification in the news
Blogs on Epilepsy classification
Directions to Hospitals Treating Epilepsy
Risk calculators and risk factors for Epilepsy classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vishnu Vardhan Serla M.B.B.S. [2] Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.

Classification

• Epilepsy may be classified according to:
  • By their first cause (or etiology).
  • By the observable manifestations of the seizures, known as semiology.
  • By the location in the brain where the seizures originate.
  • As a part of discrete, identifiable medical syndromes.
  • By the event that triggers the seizures, as in primary reading epilepsy.

• In 1981, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) proposed a classification scheme for individual seizures that remains in common use. This classification is based on observation (clinical and EEG) rather than the underlying pathophysiology or anatomy and is outlined later on in this article. In 1989, the ILAE proposed a classification scheme for epilepsy and epileptic syndromes. This can be broadly described as a two-axis scheme having the cause on one axis and the extent of localization within the brain on the other. Since 1997, the ILAE have been working on a new scheme that has five axes: Ictal phenomenon, seizure type, syndrome, etiology and impairment.