Generalized epilepsy

Generalized epilepsy
Other names	Primary generalized epilepsy, idiopathic epilepsy
Generalized 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges on an electroencephalogram
Specialty	Neurology

Generalized epilepsy is a form of epilepsy characterised by generalised seizures with no apparent cause.^[1] Generalized seizures, as opposed to focal seizures, are a type of seizure that impairs consciousness and distorts the electrical activity of the whole or a larger portion of the brain (which can be seen, for example, on electroencephalography, EEG).^[2]

Generalized epilepsy is primary because the epilepsy is the originally diagnosed condition itself, as opposed to secondary epilepsy, which occurs as a symptom of a diagnosed condition.^[3]