Epilepsie II: Typen

Epilepsy can be classified in two main ways, by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes.

When classified by seizure type, epilepsies fall into four groups. Focal epilepsy happens when seizures begin in one hemisphere.

Generalized epilepsy arises when both hemispheres are involved from the onset.

In combined epilepsy, individuals experience both focal and generalized seizure types during the course of the disorder.

Lastly, in the case of unknown epilepsy, the site of onset cannot be identified.

A second method of classification is by epilepsy syndromes. These are distinct clinical entities defined by consistent patterns of seizure types, age of onset, EEG findings, and progression over time.

Examples include childhood absence epilepsy, which presents with frequent staring spells in children; juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, which begins in adolescence with morning jerks.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is another example, characterized by multiple seizure types and associated with developmental impairment.