Generalized epilepsy: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Spike-waves.png| | | name = Generalized epilepsy | ||
| image = [[File:Spike-waves.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = EEG showing generalized 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges, typical of generalized epilepsy | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Seizures]], [[loss of consciousness]], [[muscle stiffness]], [[convulsions]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[childhood]] or [[adolescence]] | |||
| duration = [[Chronic (medicine)|Chronic]] | |||
| types = [[Absence seizure|Absence]], [[Myoclonic seizure|Myoclonic]], [[Tonic-clonic seizure|Tonic-clonic]] | |||
| causes = Often [[genetic]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], [[brain injury]], [[infections]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Electroencephalography|EEG]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Focal epilepsy]], [[syncope]], [[migraine]] | |||
| treatment = [[Anticonvulsant|Antiepileptic drugs]], [[ketogenic diet]], [[vagus nerve stimulation]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies; some achieve [[seizure]] control, others may have [[refractory epilepsy]] | |||
| frequency = Affects approximately 0.5% of the population | |||
}} | |||
'''Generalized epilepsy''' is a type of [[epilepsy]] characterized by seizures that originate simultaneously in both hemispheres of the [[brain]]. This condition is distinct from [[focal epilepsy]], where seizures begin in a specific area of the brain. Generalized epilepsy can manifest in various forms, including absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and atonic seizures. | '''Generalized epilepsy''' is a type of [[epilepsy]] characterized by seizures that originate simultaneously in both hemispheres of the [[brain]]. This condition is distinct from [[focal epilepsy]], where seizures begin in a specific area of the brain. Generalized epilepsy can manifest in various forms, including absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and atonic seizures. | ||
== Types of Generalized Seizures == | == Types of Generalized Seizures == | ||
=== Absence Seizures === | === Absence Seizures === | ||
Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are brief episodes of staring and unresponsiveness. They are most common in children and can occur multiple times a day. During an absence seizure, the individual may appear to be daydreaming and will not respond to external stimuli. | Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are brief episodes of staring and unresponsiveness. They are most common in children and can occur multiple times a day. During an absence seizure, the individual may appear to be daydreaming and will not respond to external stimuli. | ||
=== Myoclonic Seizures === | === Myoclonic Seizures === | ||
Myoclonic seizures involve sudden, brief jerks or twitches of a muscle or group of muscles. These seizures can occur in clusters and are often mistaken for normal muscle twitches or tics. | Myoclonic seizures involve sudden, brief jerks or twitches of a muscle or group of muscles. These seizures can occur in clusters and are often mistaken for normal muscle twitches or tics. | ||
=== Tonic-Clonic Seizures === | === Tonic-Clonic Seizures === | ||
Tonic-clonic seizures, previously known as grand mal seizures, are characterized by a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. These seizures typically have two phases: the tonic phase, where the body becomes rigid, and the clonic phase, where the body experiences rhythmic jerking. | Tonic-clonic seizures, previously known as grand mal seizures, are characterized by a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. These seizures typically have two phases: the tonic phase, where the body becomes rigid, and the clonic phase, where the body experiences rhythmic jerking. | ||
=== Atonic Seizures === | === Atonic Seizures === | ||
Atonic seizures, also called drop attacks, involve a sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to a collapse or fall. These seizures can result in injuries due to the sudden loss of postural control. | Atonic seizures, also called drop attacks, involve a sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to a collapse or fall. These seizures can result in injuries due to the sudden loss of postural control. | ||
== Causes and Risk Factors == | == Causes and Risk Factors == | ||
Generalized epilepsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, brain injuries, infections, and developmental disorders. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Risk factors for developing generalized epilepsy include a family history of epilepsy, certain genetic syndromes, and prenatal or perinatal brain injuries. | Generalized epilepsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, brain injuries, infections, and developmental disorders. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Risk factors for developing generalized epilepsy include a family history of epilepsy, certain genetic syndromes, and prenatal or perinatal brain injuries. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of generalized epilepsy typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, [[electroencephalogram]] (EEG) testing, and neuroimaging. EEG is particularly useful in identifying the characteristic spike-wave patterns associated with generalized seizures. Neuroimaging, such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]], may be used to rule out structural abnormalities in the brain. | The diagnosis of generalized epilepsy typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, [[electroencephalogram]] (EEG) testing, and neuroimaging. EEG is particularly useful in identifying the characteristic spike-wave patterns associated with generalized seizures. Neuroimaging, such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]], may be used to rule out structural abnormalities in the brain. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for generalized epilepsy often involves the use of [[antiepileptic drugs]] (AEDs) to control seizures. Common medications include valproic acid, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam. In some cases, dietary therapies such as the [[ketogenic diet]] or surgical interventions may be considered. | Treatment for generalized epilepsy often involves the use of [[antiepileptic drugs]] (AEDs) to control seizures. Common medications include valproic acid, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam. In some cases, dietary therapies such as the [[ketogenic diet]] or surgical interventions may be considered. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for individuals with generalized epilepsy varies depending on the type and frequency of seizures, as well as the individual's response to treatment. Many people with generalized epilepsy can achieve good seizure control with medication, while others may continue to experience seizures despite treatment. | The prognosis for individuals with generalized epilepsy varies depending on the type and frequency of seizures, as well as the individual's response to treatment. Many people with generalized epilepsy can achieve good seizure control with medication, while others may continue to experience seizures despite treatment. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Epilepsy]] | * [[Epilepsy]] | ||
* [[Focal epilepsy]] | * [[Focal epilepsy]] | ||
* [[Seizure]] | * [[Seizure]] | ||
* [[Electroencephalogram]] | * [[Electroencephalogram]] | ||
[[Category:Epilepsy]] | [[Category:Epilepsy]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:23, 7 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Generalized epilepsy | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Seizures, loss of consciousness, muscle stiffness, convulsions |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Typically in childhood or adolescence |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | Absence, Myoclonic, Tonic-clonic |
| Causes | Often genetic |
| Risks | Family history, brain injury, infections |
| Diagnosis | EEG, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Focal epilepsy, syncope, migraine |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Antiepileptic drugs, ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies; some achieve seizure control, others may have refractory epilepsy |
| Frequency | Affects approximately 0.5% of the population |
| Deaths | N/A |
Generalized epilepsy is a type of epilepsy characterized by seizures that originate simultaneously in both hemispheres of the brain. This condition is distinct from focal epilepsy, where seizures begin in a specific area of the brain. Generalized epilepsy can manifest in various forms, including absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and atonic seizures.
Types of Generalized Seizures[edit]
Absence Seizures[edit]
Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are brief episodes of staring and unresponsiveness. They are most common in children and can occur multiple times a day. During an absence seizure, the individual may appear to be daydreaming and will not respond to external stimuli.
Myoclonic Seizures[edit]
Myoclonic seizures involve sudden, brief jerks or twitches of a muscle or group of muscles. These seizures can occur in clusters and are often mistaken for normal muscle twitches or tics.
Tonic-Clonic Seizures[edit]
Tonic-clonic seizures, previously known as grand mal seizures, are characterized by a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. These seizures typically have two phases: the tonic phase, where the body becomes rigid, and the clonic phase, where the body experiences rhythmic jerking.
Atonic Seizures[edit]
Atonic seizures, also called drop attacks, involve a sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to a collapse or fall. These seizures can result in injuries due to the sudden loss of postural control.
Causes and Risk Factors[edit]
Generalized epilepsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, brain injuries, infections, and developmental disorders. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Risk factors for developing generalized epilepsy include a family history of epilepsy, certain genetic syndromes, and prenatal or perinatal brain injuries.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of generalized epilepsy typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, electroencephalogram (EEG) testing, and neuroimaging. EEG is particularly useful in identifying the characteristic spike-wave patterns associated with generalized seizures. Neuroimaging, such as MRI or CT scan, may be used to rule out structural abnormalities in the brain.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for generalized epilepsy often involves the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to control seizures. Common medications include valproic acid, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam. In some cases, dietary therapies such as the ketogenic diet or surgical interventions may be considered.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with generalized epilepsy varies depending on the type and frequency of seizures, as well as the individual's response to treatment. Many people with generalized epilepsy can achieve good seizure control with medication, while others may continue to experience seizures despite treatment.
