Understanding epilepsy

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic (meaning it lasts for a long time) condition that is defined by recurrent seizures.1 But it is more than just seizures. People with epilepsy can have memory problems, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.2

Doctors have many ways to describe epilepsy. They can explain where the seizure is happening in the brain—either partial-onset or generalized. Partial-onset A type of partial seizure in which consciousness and ability to interact with the external environment are not impaired. The patient may experience visual hallucinations, localized tingling, emotional symptoms, and motor symptoms. means that the seizures are caused by a small, specific part of the brain that is not working right.1 Generalized means that the problem is more widespread.1

Childhood epilepsies can range in how severely they impact the child. Some epilepsies may lead to learning disorders.2 And still others, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), do not respond consistently to medical treatment.2 These epilepsies often have a severe impact on the child's social and intellectual development.2

Better understand epilepsy and LGS

See more from this series

Seizures

A seizure is caused by the brain cells and associated electrical activity not working properly.3 This can create uncontrolled muscle movements or loss of consciousness.3

Epilepsy is often diagnosed when a person has 2 or more unprovoked seizures 24 hours apart.4 In some cases, if the seizure causes a long-lasting change in the brain that could lead to other seizures, that one seizure is enough for a diagnosis of epilepsy.3

There are many different kinds of epilepsies, and several options for treatment. A complete evaluation—including medical history, MRI and EEG A test for diagnosing epilepsy. The EEG records electrical activity in the brain. Small, metal disks are attached to the scalp and connected by wires to an EEG machine. The machine records brain activity as a series of lines, each related to a different part of the brain. tests, and close observation—is needed to diagnose and treat epilepsy.1

Doctor Discussion Guide

Be sure to ask the questions most important to you every time you visit the doctor.

Get started >

LGS (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) treatment options

LGS Treatment Option

Find out about a prescription treatment that may help reduce seizures associated with LGS.

Learn more >

NEXT: Diagnosing LGS

References:

1. Benbadis SR. Epileptic seizures and syndromes. Neurol Clin. 2001;19(2):251-270.
2. van Rijckevorsel K. Cognitive problems related to epilepsy syndromes, especially malignant epilepsies. Seizure. 2006;15:227-234.
3. Fisher RS, van Emde Boas W, Blume W, et al. Epileptic seizures and epilepsy: definitions proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE). Epilepsia. 2005;46(4):470-472.
4. Shafer, PO. About epilepsy: the basics. Epilepsy Foundation Web site. http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics. Published January 2014. Accessed December 1, 2019.

About LGS