[Classification of epilepsy]

Abstract

The epilepsies may, according to the particular purpose, be classified in different ways. Etiology is often unknown, but the age of onset may give a lead as to the most probable causes. In planning treatment it is important to know the seizure form, as defined by clinical observation and the EEG. The international classifications of the epileptic seizures (symptoms) and the epilepsies (diseases) are too particularized for use in daily practice. For this it suffices to distinguish the age-dependent minor attacks (flexion spasms, myoclonic-astatic petit mal, absences, myoclonic petit mal), from the partial seizures, which are divided into simple (neocortical focal) and complex (limbic) seizures. All can combine with generalized seizures (grand mal) or lead on to such.