Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports

, Volume 3, Issue 4, pp 325–331 | Cite as

Classification of seizures and epilepsy

  • James J. RivielloJr.
Article

Abstract

The management of seizures and epilepsy begins with forming a differential diagnosis, making the diagnosis, and then classifying seizure type and epileptic syndrome. Classification guides treatment, including ancillary testing, management, prognosis, and if needed, selection of the appropriate antiepileptic drug (AED). Many AEDs are available, and certain seizure types or epilepsy syndromes respond to specific AEDs. The identification of the genetics, molecular basis, and pathophysiologic mechanisms of epilepsy has resulted from classification of specific epileptic syndromes. The classification system used by the International League Against Epilepsy is periodically revised. The proposed revision changes the classification emphasis from the anatomic origin of seizures (focal vs generalized) to seizure semiology (ie, the signs or clinical manifestations). Modified systems have been developed for specific circumstances (eg, neonatal seizures, infantile seizures, status epilepticus, and epilepsy surgery). This article reviews seizure and epilepsy classification, emphasizing new data.

Keywords

Status Epilepticus Seizure Type Infantile Spasm Neonatal Seizure Epileptic Syndrome 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Current Science Inc 2003

Authors and Affiliations

  • James J. RivielloJr.
    • 1
  1. 1.Clinical Neurophysiology LaboratoryChildren’s HospitalBostonUSA

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