A prolonged seizure, also known as status epilepticus, is a medical emergency characterized by a seizure that lasts more than five minutes or multiple seizures without recovery of consciousness in between. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent potential brain damage or other serious complications.
Subclinical seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that do not manifest with overt clinical symptoms, making them detectable only through diagnostic tools like EEG. These seizures can still contribute to brain damage or cognitive decline over time, highlighting the importance of their identification and management in at-risk populations.
Neuroimaging encompasses a variety of techniques that visualize the structure and function of the brain, aiding in the diagnosis and research of neurological and psychiatric disorders. It provides critical insights into brain activity, connectivity, and abnormalities, enhancing our understanding of the brain's role in behavior and cognition.