Table 2.

Important epilepsy-related brain zones and definitions (adapted from [59])

Epileptogenic zone	Region of cortex that can generate epileptic seizures and removal or disconnection of which should lead to seizure freedom
Epileptogenic lesion	Distinct brain lesion, capable of generating and sustaining epileptic seizures
Excitable zone	Region susceptible to excitation spreading from a primary focus
Irritative zone	Region of cortex that generates interictal epileptiform discharges on EEG
Seizure/ictal onset zone	Region where a clinical seizure originates
Symptomatogenic zone	Region of cortex that generates the initial seizure presentation (signs)
Functional deficit zone	Region of cortex that in the interictal period is clinically and/or electrophysiologically abnormal
Ictal/postictal changes	Nonspecific tissue changes due to local excitotoxicity