scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

What triggers seizures? And what is the difference between seizures and epilepsy? 


Best insight from top research papers

Seizures can be triggered by various factors such as head trauma, abnormal synaptic connectivity, receptor subunits anomalies, and atypical ionic channel function . Epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition, is characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal activity . The distinction between seizures and epilepsy lies in the recurrent nature of epileptic seizures, with epilepsy requiring two or more unprovoked seizures or a high probability of recurrence after a single seizure . Seizures can manifest as subjective feelings (aura) and various objective symptoms, while epilepsy encompasses enduring predisposition to recurrent seizures and their cognitive, psychological, and social consequences . The classification of seizures includes focal, generalized, or unknown onset types, aiding in diagnosis and treatment decisions .

Answers from top 4 papers

More filters
Papers (4)Insight
Seizure triggers include structural and genetic factors like head trauma and abnormal synaptic connectivity. Epilepsy encompasses recurrent seizures, often with unknown causes, affecting individuals worldwide.
Book ChapterDOI
Mona Sazgar, Michael G. Young 
01 Jan 2019
13 Citations
Seizures can be triggered by structural, metabolic, genetic, and autoimmune factors. Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures, while seizures are the result of abnormal neuronal activity in the brain.
Book ChapterDOI
14 Feb 2022
Seizures can be triggered by factors like malformations, trauma, infections, and family history. Seizures are the immediate events, while epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures.
Book ChapterDOI
01 Sep 2019
1 Citations
Seizures can be triggered by abnormal neuronal activity. Seizures are transient neurological events, while epilepsy is defined by recurrent unprovoked seizures or one seizure with a high recurrence risk.

Related Questions

Pathogenesis of epilepsy?5 answersThe pathogenesis of epilepsy involves various factors such as abnormal ion channels, neurotransmitters, genetic mutations like PCDH-19, and environmental triggers like brain injuries. Imbalances between inhibition and excitation at the molecular level, leading to changes in cell excitability, are considered key mechanisms in epilepsy. The abnormal discharge of brain neurons due to genetic or environmental factors can result in recurrent seizures, characterizing epilepsy. The Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway is highlighted as a potential target for epilepsy treatment. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has classified epilepsy into six etiologic categories, emphasizing the complexity and heterogeneity of the disorder. Understanding these diverse factors is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
What is the pathophysiology of epilepsy?5 answersThe pathophysiology of epilepsy involves various factors such as abnormal ion channels, neurotransmitters, neuroglial cells, and neuronal hyperexcitability. Abnormalities in ion channels and neurotransmitters can lead to an imbalance between inhibition and excitation, affecting cell excitability and potentially triggering seizures. Additionally, non-neuronal cells like astrocytes and microglia play a significant role in epilepsy pathogenesis by contributing to hyperexcitability. Seizures in epilepsy are characterized by excessive, hypersynchronous neuronal activity that disrupts normal brain function, leading to a range of epileptic syndromes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments, including antiepileptic drugs, surgical interventions, neuromodulation, and potentially innovative approaches like CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology.
What is Epilepsy?4 answersEpilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Seizures can vary in type and severity, and they are caused by an imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory neuronal activity in the brain. The exact cause of epilepsy is often unknown, although it can be associated with brain damage in some cases. A diagnosis of epilepsy typically requires a minimum of two unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy can have physical, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences that impact the quality of life. However, with proper diagnosis, treatment, and management, individuals with epilepsy can lead fulfilling lives. It is estimated that approximately 0.5% of the population is affected by active epilepsy.
What is epilepy?5 answersEpilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable seizures, which are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can affect different areas and functions of the body, leading to symptoms such as involuntary movements, loss of consciousness, sensory changes, and unusual behavior. The underlying mechanism of seizures involves a disruption in the balance between inhibitory and excitatory neuronal activity, resulting in hyperexcitability. Epilepsy can have various causes and comorbidities, including cerebrovascular disease, metabolic abnormalities, trauma, and brain tumors. The diagnosis of epilepsy involves a detailed history and examination of seizure semiology, and the epileptic focus can be determined through electrophysiological methods and functional mapping. Treatment goals for epilepsy include seizure freedom and minimizing the impact of epilepsy-related comorbidities, with antiseizure medications being the mainstay of therapy. Neurofeedback training has shown promise as an adjunctive therapy for medically refractory epilepsy, with different protocols such as sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) and slow cortical potential (SCP) training demonstrating efficacy in reducing seizure frequency.
What are the neurological mechanisms underlying the connection between epilepsy and Parkinson's disease?4 answersThe connection between epilepsy and Parkinson's disease is thought to involve common molecular pathways and shared mechanisms. Both conditions have been associated with the dysregulation of glutamate pathways and the influx of calcium ions into neurons. Additionally, antiepileptic drugs have been implicated in movement disorders, including drug-induced parkinsonism. The use of certain antiepileptic medications has been found to increase the odds of a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Furthermore, the abnormal aggregation of the presynaptic α-synuclein protein, which is characteristic of Parkinson's disease, has also been observed in epilepsy and other neurodegenerative diseases. These findings suggest that there may be shared underlying mechanisms between epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, although further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two conditions.
How similar bipolar disorder and epilepsy?4 answersBipolar disorder and epilepsy have overlapping characteristics and comorbidity. Individuals with bipolar disorder may develop epilepsy after head injuries, leading to symptoms consistent with interictal personality syndrome. A systematic review and meta-analysis found a pooled lifetime prevalence of bipolar symptoms (BS) in people with epilepsy (PWE) to be 12.3% and bipolar disorder (BD) to be 4.5%. Genetic studies have identified shared loci between epilepsy and psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression, suggesting a complex genetic relationship. In patients diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, epileptiform discharges or other sharp activity on EEGs were associated with a higher frequency of hypomanic episodes and an increased hypomania:depression ratio. These findings suggest that epilepsy and bipolar disorder share clinical features and genetic risk, highlighting the need for further research and careful screening of individuals with epilepsy for bipolar symptoms.

See what other people are reading

Is Halicin effective in murine models of A. baumannii?
4 answers
What are the reasons why age 20 years old above pets more than young?
5 answers
What is the normal results for dexa scan?
5 answers
What non-pharmacological treatments exist for epilepsy ?
4 answers
What non-pharmacological treatments exist for epilepsy ?
4 answers
Can deja vu be induced or manipulated through specific techniques or stimuli?
5 answers
How is LITT used to treat epilepsy?
5 answers
What is the difference between mutlifocal epilepsy and seizure propagation?
5 answers
How is LITT used to treat epilepsy?
5 answers
What is the difference between mutlifocal epilepsy and seizure propagation?
5 answers
How does sodium channel beta 4 subunit expression contribute to epilepsy in glioblastoma patients?
5 answers
The expression of the sodium channel beta 4 subunit (SCN4B) plays a significant role in epilepsy among glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Research indicates that SCN4B is reduced in drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients, suggesting its involvement in epilepsy pathogenesis. Furthermore, alterations in beta-subunits, including beta 4, influence toxin binding to sodium channels, impacting channel function and potentially contributing to epileptogenesis. Additionally, in GBM, dysregulation of aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) expression, which is linked to edema development, is associated with epileptic seizures, highlighting the interplay between channel proteins and epilepsy in GBM patients. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between sodium channel beta 4 subunit expression and the development of epilepsy in individuals with glioblastoma.