Classification of epileptic seizures and syndromes: new proposals

In the decade of 1980 the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) developed a classification system of epileptic seizures and syndromes. These classifications were established progressively and are presently used in all the world. In the following years, video-EEG monitoring became widely available and provided direct information about seizure semiology and ictal EEG that had not been so well understood during the development of the ILAE classifications. This new information demonstrated certain limitations of the old classification of epileptic seizures. In addition, improvements in brain imaging techniques and research in genetics added further information on the pathophysiology of epilepsies and epileptic syndromes. In order to integrate these advances into the practical management of epilepsies, new classification proposals have been developed. This article reviews the clinical implications of these new classifications.