INTRODUCTION
It is estimated that 0.5 to 1% of the world’s population, about 50 million people, have epilepsy. The condition affects people of all ages and cultural and social backgrounds.

The International League Against Epilepsy’s (ILAE) system is most commonly used to classify seizures. The ILAE classification takes into account both clinical manifestations and electroencephalographic (EEG) manifestations of a seizure. Two major classifications of seizures exist: partial seizures and generalized seizures. This presentation discusses the pathophysiology and diagnosis of seizures as well as recent treatment guidelines.

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• 1. describe the pathophysiology of a seizure including the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters involved in a seizure.
• 2. identify the different classifications of seizures and describe each of the following: simple partial, complex partial, and generalized seizure.
• 3. discuss seizure precautions, management of the patient during and after a seizure, and pertinent assessment during a seizure.
• 4. identify the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics for the antiepileptic drugs.
• 5. explain the different surgical treatments available for non-medically managed epilepsy.