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9.18 - Epilepsy and Seizures

from 9 - Integrated Neurobiology of Specific Syndromes and Treatments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 November 2023

By
Manny Bagary
Edited by
Mary-Ellen Lynall ,
Peter B. Jones  and
Stephen M. Stahl
Mary-Ellen Lynall
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Peter B. Jones
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Stephen M. Stahl
Affiliation:
University of California, San Diego
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Summary

This section begins with a definition of epilepsy and the different types of seizure. Next, I describe epileptogenes, the process leading to a hyperexcitable neuronal network which is predisposed to seizures. I consider the biological mechanisms thought to contribute to this, at the ion-channel, cell and network level, followed by a description of how investigations including EEG, MRI and genetic testing contribute to the understanding and management of epilepsy in individual patients. Finally, I discuss the neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with epilepsy, and the range of factors that may contribute to these.

Type
Chapter
Information
Cambridge Textbook of Neuroscience for Psychiatrists , pp. 536 - 543
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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