Seizures

CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL

Seizures are a neurological phenomenon characterised by abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain, leading to episodes of involuntary movements and sometimes loss of consciousness. They can occur at any age and in any context, and are a common manifestation of various neurological conditions. Seizures vary widely in their presentation, ranging from brief lapses in attention to prolonged and severe convulsive movements.

Pathology	Symptoms and Clinical Signs	Suspected Diagnosis	Confirmed Diagnosis
Epilepsy	Recurrent seizures, sensory or psychic disturbances, possible auras.	Clinical history and characterisation of episodes.	EEG showing characteristic abnormal electrical patterns.
Traumatic brain injuries	Post-traumatic seizures, signs of cranial trauma, altered consciousness.	History of recent cranial trauma.	CT or MRI showing brain injury.
Central nervous system infections	Fever, neck stiffness, altered consciousness, meningeal signs.	Meningeal symptoms and fever.	Abnormal CSF in lumbar puncture, pathogen identification.
Brain tumours	Seizures, focal neurological symptoms, possible increased intracranial pressure.	Progressing neurological symptoms.	MRI or CT revealing tumour mass.
Metabolic disorders	Seizures in the context of electrolyte imbalance, signs of metabolic disturbance.	History of metabolic problems or abnormal lab tests.	Blood tests confirming metabolic imbalance.
Demyelinating diseases	Seizures, other neurological symptoms such as double vision or loss of coordination.	Multiple and progressive neurological symptoms.	Brain MRI showing demyelinating lesions.
Cerebrovascular accident	Seizures, possible paralysis, speech difficulties, stroke symptoms.	Acute stroke symptoms.	CT or MRI confirming cerebral ischaemia or haemorrhage.
Toxicity or substance exposure	Seizures following known exposure, possible signs of systemic toxicity.	History of toxin or medication exposure.	Toxicology tests revealing harmful substances.
Neurodevelopmental disorders	Developmental delay, seizures, possible physical deformities or skin abnormalities.	Presence of neurological and developmental clinical signs.	Genetic or imaging tests confirming the disorder.