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Review
. 2020 Sep 20;12(9):e10549.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.10549.

Current Classification of Seizures and Epilepsies: Scope, Limitations and Recommendations for Future Action

Shah T Sarmast  1 , Abba Musa Abdullahi  2 , Nusrat Jahan  3
Affiliations
Review

Current Classification of Seizures and Epilepsies: Scope, Limitations and Recommendations for Future Action

Shah T Sarmast et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

The classification of seizures and epilepsies by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), 2017 is the most recent classification model which aimed to simplify terminologies that patients and their caregivers can easily understand, identify seizures that have both focal and generalized onset and incorporate missing seizures. We have exhaustively reviewed the studies, discussed its scope, outlined its limitations and gave recommendations that could help in forming subsequent reviews. We have also described the terminologies that have been replaced, redefined or removed to have a clear view of the previous and the current classification models. We have recommended the use of multidimensional classification model which incorporated the clinical semiology, disease location, etiology and associated comorbidities. The benefits of this model is for prompt diagnosis which will results into early management and then better patient outcomes. It would also have a profound effects on the kind of treatment patients might receive especially in developing countries where there are scarcity of the diagnostic techniques. Overall, in this study we have reviewed the current study on seizures and epilepsy classification model by ILAE, 2017 to clarify the descriptions and coverage, outlined some limitations and suggested recommendations.

Keywords: classification; epilepsy; international league against epilepsy (ilae); objectives; scope; seizure.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. ILAE 2017 Classification of Seizure Types: Basic Version
ILAE: International League Against Epilepsy
Figure 2
Figure 2. ILAE 2017 Classification of Seizure Types: Expanded Version
ILAE: International League Against Epilepsy
Figure 3
Figure 3. ILAE 2017 Classification of Epilepsies
ILAE: International League Against Epilepsy
Figure 4
Figure 4. Four-dimensional Epilepsy Classification Systems
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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