Generalized epilepsy

Generalized epilepsy
Other namesPrimary generalized epilepsy, idiopathic epilepsy
An electroencephalogram of a person with childhood absence epilepsy showing a seizure. The waves are black on a white background.
Generalized 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges on an electroencephalogram
SpecialtyNeurology

Generalized epilepsy is a form of epilepsy characterised by generalised seizures with no apparent cause.[1] Generalized seizures, as opposed to focal seizures, are a type of seizure that impairs consciousness and distorts the electrical activity of the whole or a larger portion of the brain (which can be seen, for example, on electroencephalography, EEG).[2]

Generalized epilepsy is primary because the epilepsy is the originally diagnosed condition itself, as opposed to secondary epilepsy, which occurs as a symptom of a diagnosed condition.[3]

  1. ^ "Comprehensive Epilepsy Center | NYU Langone Medical Center". Med.nyu.edu. Archived from the original on 2009-11-08. Retrieved 2016-12-16.
  2. ^ "Primary Generalized Epilepsy". Nervous-system-diseases.com. 2013-09-09. Retrieved 2016-12-16.
  3. ^ "Seizures or epilepsy". Pediatricservices.com. 2013-01-26. Retrieved 2016-12-16.