Idiopathic generalized epilepsy: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Idiopathic generalized epilepsy
| synonyms        = [[Primary generalized epilepsy]]
| field          = [[Neurology]]
| symptoms        = [[Seizures]], [[myoclonic jerks]], [[absence seizures]], [[tonic-clonic seizures]]
| onset          = Typically in [[childhood]] or [[adolescence]]
| duration        = [[Chronic (medicine)|Chronic]]
| types          = [[Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy]], [[Childhood absence epilepsy]], [[Juvenile absence epilepsy]], [[Generalized tonic-clonic seizures on awakening]]
| causes          = [[Genetic predisposition]]
| risks          = [[Family history of epilepsy]]
| diagnosis      = [[Electroencephalogram|EEG]], [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]]
| differential    = [[Focal epilepsy]], [[Non-epileptic seizures]]
| treatment      = [[Antiepileptic drugs]], [[Lifestyle modifications]]
| medication      = [[Valproate]], [[Lamotrigine]], [[Levetiracetam]]
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = 15-20% of all [[epilepsy]] cases
}}
'''Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy''' ('''IGE''') is a group of [[epileptic syndromes]] that are characterized by [[seizures]] with no identifiable cause. These syndromes are primarily genetic or presumed genetic in origin. IGE typically manifests during childhood or adolescence, but onset can occur at any age. The term "idiopathic" is used when the epilepsy is not secondary to another condition, and "generalized" refers to seizures that involve both hemispheres of the [[brain]] from the onset.
'''Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy''' ('''IGE''') is a group of [[epileptic syndromes]] that are characterized by [[seizures]] with no identifiable cause. These syndromes are primarily genetic or presumed genetic in origin. IGE typically manifests during childhood or adolescence, but onset can occur at any age. The term "idiopathic" is used when the epilepsy is not secondary to another condition, and "generalized" refers to seizures that involve both hemispheres of the [[brain]] from the onset.
==Classification==
==Classification==
IGE is classified into several syndromes based on the type of seizures and age of onset. These include:
IGE is classified into several syndromes based on the type of seizures and age of onset. These include:
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* [[Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures]] alone
* [[Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures]] alone
* Other less common syndromes
* Other less common syndromes
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
Symptoms vary depending on the specific syndrome but generally include different types of generalized seizures such as [[absence seizures]], [[myoclonic seizures]], and [[generalized tonic-clonic seizures]]. Absence seizures often manifest as brief lapses in awareness, while myoclonic seizures involve sudden jerks of the body. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are characterized by stiffening of the body followed by jerking movements.
Symptoms vary depending on the specific syndrome but generally include different types of generalized seizures such as [[absence seizures]], [[myoclonic seizures]], and [[generalized tonic-clonic seizures]]. Absence seizures often manifest as brief lapses in awareness, while myoclonic seizures involve sudden jerks of the body. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are characterized by stiffening of the body followed by jerking movements.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of IGE is based on the clinical history, seizure types, and findings on [[electroencephalogram]] (EEG). An EEG in individuals with IGE often shows specific patterns, such as generalized spike-and-wave or polyspike-and-wave discharges. Genetic testing may also be helpful in some cases to identify specific genetic mutations associated with IGE.
Diagnosis of IGE is based on the clinical history, seizure types, and findings on [[electroencephalogram]] (EEG). An EEG in individuals with IGE often shows specific patterns, such as generalized spike-and-wave or polyspike-and-wave discharges. Genetic testing may also be helpful in some cases to identify specific genetic mutations associated with IGE.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment of IGE typically involves [[antiepileptic drugs]] (AEDs) that are effective against generalized seizures. The choice of medication depends on the specific syndrome and the patient's response to treatment. Commonly used AEDs include valproate, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam. Lifestyle modifications and avoidance of seizure triggers are also important aspects of management.
Treatment of IGE typically involves [[antiepileptic drugs]] (AEDs) that are effective against generalized seizures. The choice of medication depends on the specific syndrome and the patient's response to treatment. Commonly used AEDs include valproate, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam. Lifestyle modifications and avoidance of seizure triggers are also important aspects of management.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for individuals with IGE varies. Some syndromes, such as CAE, often resolve by adulthood, while others, such as JME, may require lifelong treatment. The response to treatment and long-term outcome can also vary widely among individuals.
The prognosis for individuals with IGE varies. Some syndromes, such as CAE, often resolve by adulthood, while others, such as JME, may require lifelong treatment. The response to treatment and long-term outcome can also vary widely among individuals.
==Epidemiology==
==Epidemiology==
IGE accounts for a significant proportion of all epilepsies, with estimates ranging from 15% to 20%. It affects both males and females equally and has a worldwide distribution.
IGE accounts for a significant proportion of all epilepsies, with estimates ranging from 15% to 20%. It affects both males and females equally and has a worldwide distribution.
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Epilepsy]]
[[Category:Epilepsy]]
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{{medicine-stub}}
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Latest revision as of 05:51, 4 April 2025


Idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Synonyms Primary generalized epilepsy
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Seizures, myoclonic jerks, absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures
Complications N/A
Onset Typically in childhood or adolescence
Duration Chronic
Types Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, Childhood absence epilepsy, Juvenile absence epilepsy, Generalized tonic-clonic seizures on awakening
Causes Genetic predisposition
Risks Family history of epilepsy
Diagnosis EEG, MRI
Differential diagnosis Focal epilepsy, Non-epileptic seizures
Prevention N/A
Treatment Antiepileptic drugs, Lifestyle modifications
Medication Valproate, Lamotrigine, Levetiracetam
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency 15-20% of all epilepsy cases
Deaths N/A


Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy (IGE) is a group of epileptic syndromes that are characterized by seizures with no identifiable cause. These syndromes are primarily genetic or presumed genetic in origin. IGE typically manifests during childhood or adolescence, but onset can occur at any age. The term "idiopathic" is used when the epilepsy is not secondary to another condition, and "generalized" refers to seizures that involve both hemispheres of the brain from the onset.

Classification[edit]

IGE is classified into several syndromes based on the type of seizures and age of onset. These include:

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms vary depending on the specific syndrome but generally include different types of generalized seizures such as absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Absence seizures often manifest as brief lapses in awareness, while myoclonic seizures involve sudden jerks of the body. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are characterized by stiffening of the body followed by jerking movements.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of IGE is based on the clinical history, seizure types, and findings on electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG in individuals with IGE often shows specific patterns, such as generalized spike-and-wave or polyspike-and-wave discharges. Genetic testing may also be helpful in some cases to identify specific genetic mutations associated with IGE.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment of IGE typically involves antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that are effective against generalized seizures. The choice of medication depends on the specific syndrome and the patient's response to treatment. Commonly used AEDs include valproate, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam. Lifestyle modifications and avoidance of seizure triggers are also important aspects of management.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with IGE varies. Some syndromes, such as CAE, often resolve by adulthood, while others, such as JME, may require lifelong treatment. The response to treatment and long-term outcome can also vary widely among individuals.

Epidemiology[edit]

IGE accounts for a significant proportion of all epilepsies, with estimates ranging from 15% to 20%. It affects both males and females equally and has a worldwide distribution.

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