ILAE definition of the idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes: position statement by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions

Hirsch, E. et al. (2022) ILAE definition of the idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes: position statement by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia, 63(6), pp. 1475-1499. (doi: 10.1111/epi.17236) (PMID:35503716)

Abstract

In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Classification of Epilepsies described the “genetic generalized epilepsies” (GGEs), which contained the “idiopathic generalized epilepsies” (IGEs). The goal of this paper is to delineate the four syndromes comprising the IGEs, namely childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and epilepsy with generalized tonic–clonic seizures alone. We provide updated diagnostic criteria for these IGE syndromes determined by the expert consensus opinion of the ILAE’s Task Force on Nosology and Definitions (2017–2021) and international external experts outside our Task Force. We incorporate current knowledge from recent advances in genetic, imaging, and electroencephalographic studies, together with current terminology and classification of seizures and epilepsies. Patients that do not fulfill criteria for one of these syndromes, but that have one, or a combination, of the following generalized seizure types: absence, myoclonic, tonic‐clonic and myoclonic‐tonic‐clonic seizures, with 2.5–5.5 Hz generalized spike‐wave should be classified as having GGE. Recognizing these four IGE syndromes as a special grouping among the GGEs is helpful, as they carry prognostic and therapeutic implications.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Absence seizures, childhood absence epilepsy, generalized tonic–clonic seizures, generalized tonic–clonic seizures alone, genetic generalized epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, myoclonic seizures.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Zuberi, Dr Sameer
• Authors: Hirsch, E., French, J., Scheffer, I. E., Bogacz, A., Alsaadi, T., Sperling, M. R., Abdulla, F., Zuberi, S. M., Trinka, E., Specchio, N., Somerville, E., Samia, P., Riney, K., Nabbout, R., Jain, S., Wilmshurst, J. M., Auvin, S., Wiebe, S., Perucca, E., Moshé, S. L., Tinuper, P., and Wirrell, E. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Epilepsia
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0013-9580
• ISSN (Online): 1528-1167
• Published Online: 03 May 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Epilepsia 63(6): 1475-1499
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License