Idiopathic Epilepsy

A seizure is a brain disorder which manifests as paroxysmal cerebral dysrhythmia.
- The episode has a sudden onset and ceases spontaneously.
- Seizures tend to recur.
In epilepsy, individuals appear to have a low seizure threshold.
- This predisposes their neurons to depolarize of their own volition.
"Idiopathic epilepsy" is said to occur when no other cause of seizuring is apparent.

All seizures arise from a small group of neurons that periodically and spontaneously depolarize.
In addition to being idiopathic (i.e. low seizure threshold), this sudden, uncontrolled neuronal discharge can occur due to:
- Structural causes
  - Neoplasms
  - Inflammation
  - Trauma
- Biochemical causes
  - Hypocalcaemia
  - hypoglycaemia
  - Hepatic encephalopathy.

Idiopathic epilepsy is a relatively common cause of generalised seizures in the dog.
- NOT in the cat.
The onset of seizures is between 1 and 5 years of age.
The condition presents as recurrent, unprovoked seizures, with no specific cause.
There are no neurological defects between episodes.
Seizures tend to start as generalised seizures, with no aura.