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Table 1 Veterinary terminology and its most common amendments over time

From: International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals

 

Early terminology

Terminology currently in use

Suggested veterinary terminology 2015

EPILEPTIC SEIZURES

   

An epileptic seizure with clinical signs indicating activity which starts in a localised area in the brain

Petit Mal

Partial/focal seizure

Focal epileptic seizurea

Aura

- Simple partial/focal seizure (consciousness unimpaireda)

-Will present with focal motor, autonomic or behavioural signs alone or in combination

- Complex partial/focal seizure (consciousness impaireda)

An epileptic seizure with clinical signs indicating activity involving both cerebral hemispheres from the start. -In dogs and cats the seizure presents predominantly as immediate ‘convulsions’ and loss of consciousness. Salivation, urination and/or defecation often also occur during convulsions. May also (but rare) present as atonic or myoclonic seizures

Grand Mal (always implicating convulsions)

Primary generalized seizure

Generalized epileptic seizure

An epileptic seizure which starts in a localized area in the brain and spreads subsequently to involve both hemispheres. -In dogs and cats the seizure starts with localized motor, autonomic and/or behavioural signs rapidly followed by convulsions. Salivation, urination and/or defecation often also occur during convulsions.

Partial seizure with secondary generalization (secondary generalized seizure)

Focal seizure with secondary generalization

Focal epileptic seizure evolving to become generalized

EPILEPSY

   

Epilepsy classified by aetiology

Primary Epilepsy

Idiopathic Epilepsy

Idiopathic Epilepsy

- Epilepsy where no structural cerebral pathology is suspected

- Epilepsy where no structural cerebral pathology is suspected. A genetic component may be involved

1. Proven genetic background

2. Suspected genetic background

3. Unknown cause and no indication of structural epilepsy

Epilepsy classified by aetiology

Secondary or Acquired epilepsy

Symptomatic Epilepsy

Structural epilepsy

- Epilepsy caused by identified cerebral pathology

- Epilepsy caused by identified cerebral pathology

- Epilepsy caused by identified cerebral pathology

Epilepsy classified by aetiology

Cryptogenic

Probably or possibly symptomatic epilepsy

Unknown cause

- Meaning hidden

- A suspected symptomatic cause, which however remains obscure

 
  1. aRegarding our ability to evaluate if consciousness is unimpaired or impaired during focal seizures (former termed simple and complex focal seizures). We recommend that it is not attempted to interpret signs occurring during focal seizures where dogs may appear e.g. confused, unable to recognize the owner or not responding to commands as impaired consciousness, as this cannot objectively be investigated in animals