What are epileptic encephalopathies?
Epileptic encephalopathies are an epileptic condition characterized by epileptiform abnormalities associated with progressive cerebral dysfunction. In the classification of the International League Against Epilepsy eight age-related epileptic encephalopathy syndromes are recognized.
What causes epileptic encephalopathy?
The most common causes of epileptic encephalopathy in infancy are structural abnormalities, either congenital (such as malformations of cortical development) or acquired (such as hypoxic-ischemic insults).
Does epilepsy cause encephalopathy?
There is a complex relationship between seizures and encephalopathy. Seizures alone without any underlying neurologic or medical illness can be the sole cause of encephalopathy. Often these patients have a history of epilepsy, in which case accurate diagnosis is straightforward.
What is the meaning of epileptiform?
Definition of epileptiform : resembling that of epilepsy an epileptiform convulsion.
What is myoclonic epilepsy?
Myoclonic epilepsy causes the muscles in the body to contract. This type of seizure causes quick jerking movements. Myoclonic seizures often happen in everyday life. This includes hiccups and a sudden jerk while falling asleep.
Is epileptic encephalopathy fatal?
A rare, potentially fatal , epileptic encephalopathy characterized by explosive-onset of recurrent multifocal and bilateral tonic-clonic seizures following an unspecific febrile illness. The syndrome develops without a clear acute structural, toxic or metabolic cause, in a patient without previous epilepsy.
Is epileptic encephalopathy curable?
Hormonal and immune therapies are at the forefront of treatment in many cases, with traditional antiepileptic drugs and surgery (when an identifiable lesion is present) playing a limited role. However, gold standard evidence for treatment of epileptic encephalopathies remains limited.
What causes myoclonic epilepsy?
The most common triggers are lack of sleep and too much stress. Drinking alcohol, which can lead to too little sleep and fatigue, is the strongest trigger of myoclonic jerks and tonic-clonic seizures. Flickering lights can also trigger seizures for some people.
What syndromes cause myoclonic seizures?
Infantile spasms and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are two of the epilepsy syndromes characterized by myoclonic seizures, among other symptoms.