Epilepsy mechanism

The neuronal discharge in epilepsy results from the firing of a small population of neurons in some specific area of the brain that is referred to as the “primary focus.” Anatomically, this focal area may appear to be normal. However, advances in technology have improved the ability to detect abnormalities. Neuroimaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron-emission tomography (PET) scans, and single-photon-emission coherence tomography (SPECT) may identify areas of concern. Epilepsy can be labeled idiopathic if the etiology is unknown or symptomatic if it is secondary to an identifiable condition.