Table 1.

Concepts and definitions.

Epileptogenesis: the development and extension of tissue capable of generating spontaneous seizures, resulting in a) development of an epileptic condition and/or b) progression of the epilepsy after it is established.

Ictogenesis: a propensity to generate epileptic seizures, including initiation and evolution of the epileptic seizures (also referred to as epileptogenicity).

Disease or Syndrome Modification: consists of antiepileptogenesis and comorbidity modification

Antiepileptogenesis: a process that counteracts the effects of epileptogenesis, including prevention, seizure modification, and cure. Antiepileptogenesis can also prevent or reduce the progression of epilepsy after it has already been established.

• Prevention: Complete prevention aborts the development of epilepsy. Partial prevention can delay the development of epilepsy or reduce its severity.

• Cure: The complete and permanent reversal of epilepsy, such that no seizures occur after treatment withdrawal.

Comorbidity Modification: treatment that alleviates or reverses the symptomatic development or progression of epilepsy-related comorbidities, such as anxiety, depression, somato-motor impairment, or cognitive decline.

Antiepileptogenic Treatment: can be given prior to or after epilepsy onset. When an antiepileptogenic treatment is given prior to epilepsy onset it prevents or delays the development of epilepsy. If seizures occur, they may be fewer in frequency, shorter, or of milder severity. When such a treatment is given after the diagnosis of epilepsy, it can alleviate seizure severity, prevent, or reduce the progression of epilepsy, or change the seizures from drug-resistant to drug-sensitive.

Adapted from Pitkänen and Engel Jr. (2014) with permission.