Semiological seizure classification: relevance to pediatric epilepsy

The selection of terminology, though seemingly unimportant, can have profound effects on our thinking. A seizure classification system based exclusively on seizure semiology emphasizes the wide diversity and richness of seizure expression. In the field of epilepsy surgery, the use of a seizure classification system that emphasizes ictal semiology in an invaluable first step in the precise localization of ictal onset. This proves to be particularly true in pediatric epilepsy, because seizure semiology is more subtle and difficult to characterize. The following article describes a semiological seizure classification and its relevance to both pediatric epilepsy surgery and status epilepticus.