This episode first explores the clinical definition of epilepsy, why diagnosing epilepsy is important, and the fundamental steps required to make an accurate diagnosis.  It then discusses the relationship between seizure classifications and epilepsy classifications, and the core clinical and electrographic components that constitute an epilepsy syndrome.  It then provides a detailed overview of the specific epilepsy syndromes as defined by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), divided into age of onset (neonates/infants, children, and juveniles/adults/variable age of onset), including a closer look at Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) in particular.  It then addresses the relationship between the Genetic Generalised Epilepsies(GGEs), Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsies (IGEs) and Developmental and/or Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs), before concluding with a discussion regarding how making a specific epilepsy syndromic and/or aetiological diagnosis can positively influence management including treatment choices, along with a cautionary discussion regarding the use of sodium channel blocker antiseizure medications (ASMs) in the context of myoclonic epilepsies.

#meded #doctor #epilepsy #seizures #rneurologyeducation