What does it take to define and classify 39 epilepsy syndromes?  Dr. Elaine Wirrell chaired the ILAE task force that undertook this charge in 2017.  Through in-person meetings, Zoom calls, emails, and gallons of coffee, the group of international experts shaped four classification papers, along with a fifth explaining the methodology and listing the syndromes. We also spoke with Dr. Kate Riney, who was part of the task force and instrumental in building epilepsydiagnosis.org, an online guide and a key resource for the team.

The papers were published in Epilepsia in May 2022.

Methodology for classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes, with a list of syndromes

Epilepsy syndromes with onset in neonates and infants

• Full-length manuscript
• Plain language summary
• Infographic

Epilepsy syndromes with onset in childhood

• Full-length manuscript
• Plain language summary
• Infographic

Epilepsy syndromes with onset at a variable age

• Full-length manuscript
• Plain language summary
• Infographic

Idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes

• Full-length manuscript
• Plain language summary
• Infographic

Two webinars also are available, featuring leaders discussing the position papers and their key messages.

This episode was reported, edited, and produced by Nancy Volkers.

Contact us with feedback or episode ideas at podcast@ilae.org.

Sharp Waves content is meant for informational purposes only and not as medical or clinical advice. The

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

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The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.