ILAE Epilepsy & Seizure Classification - UPDATES 2025
I know I said in our last class period that the ILAE was not trying to confuse us, sometimes I have my doubts. They have reclassified seizures and epilepsy syndromes, again. Please note that these will NOT be on your test in 2025 but you need to keep them handy as labs/clinics/hospitals and other facilities treating patients with seizures will be using these terms.
Below I’ve included the most important changes and the most useful tables, as well as a link to the full article.
ILAE rationale:
Most changes apply to the advanced version—the basicversion essentially remains the same.
The main change to terminology is in focal seizures.
Responsiveness is added to awareness, to operationallydefine consciousness.
The sequence of seizure semiologyis introduced as a descriptor, which is important for de-tailed seizure characterization in presurgical evaluation.
These refinements ensure practical application acrossall levels of clinical care, from primary care providers tospecialized epilepsy centers.
The full article describing the new classification changes: READ ME!!
ILAE - Basic version of the new 2025 Classification
2025 ILAE Expanded Classification System
2025 ILAE New Classification - Decision Tree from observation of symptoms to therapy
I also want to include a very helpful link I found today that details a list of the epilepsy syndromes with current and past names. You’ll need to know both for the exam.
Cure Epilepsy Syndrome List
Epilepsy Action List by age group
