ABSTRACT

Epileptic seizures diagnosed wth clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) signs were classified according to ILAE 1981, Lüders, and ILAE 2001 systems in the present study, the aim of which was to compare classification systems by means of preictal and postictal consistency, and to determine deficiencies of the classification systems.

In the present study, 50 patients who had epileptic seizures during monitorization were evaluated by a single observer at the Gazi University Medical Faculty Long-Term Video-EEG Monitorization Unit between March 2003 and September 2004. Seizures were classified by their anamnesis according to ILAE 1981, Lüders, and ILAE 2001 classification systems. After monitorizing patients with video-EEG, each seizure was classified with these systems by a single observer. During classification, EEG results and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) information were not evaluated, and syndromic classification was not performed.

According to ILAE 1981, the classifications of 37 out of 50 patients (74%) were consistent with pre- and post-monitorization classification. According to ILAE 2001, 36 classifications (72%) were consistent, and according to Lüders classification, 39 classifications (78%) were consistent.

Comparison performed by a single observer revealed no significant difference among the 3 classification systems before and after monitorization.

Keywords: ILAE 1981, ILAE 2001, Lüders, monitorization, epilepsy, seizure, classification