The name epilepsy, from a neurologist's point of view, refers precisely to a disease process that has a different aetiology and a common clinical picture.
In most cases, epilepsy is a primary cerebral disorder. An epileptic focus is defined as a group of neurons generating periodic paroxysmal bioelectrical activity in the form of depolarisation discharges.
Epileptic seizures can be classified into three basic groups:
- Partial (focal), characterised by the fact that the seizure activity appears in one part of the brain then disappears. It then reappears and spreads as a secondary generalised epileptic seizure. They are subdivided into partial simple, complex, developing into generalised.
- Primary generalised (convulsive or non-convulsive), which are triggered by simultaneous pathological bioelectrical activity. A distinction is made here between myoclonic, clonic, tonic, clonic-tonic and atonic seizures.
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Unclassified.
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It is worth noting that primary generalised epilepsies usually have a good prognosis and occur in the first three decades of life. The genetic background is an important issue in their development. No neurological or intellectual disorders are observed in patients.
Symptomatic partial epilepsy can actually occur at any age. Its cause is not fully understood.
