Classification of epilepsy

Developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) is used as a term to describe conditions where the epileptic activity contributes to the severe cognitive and behavioural impairments that are beyond those expected to result from the underlying brain pathology alone.¹ The severity of these impairments is variable, and can occur at any age, not just epilepsies with an onset during infancy and childhood.¹ Many DEEs have a genetic aetiology.¹

Reference:
1. Scheffer IE, Berkovic S, Capovilla G, et al. ILAE classification of the epilepsies: Position paper of the ILAE Commission for Classification and Terminology. Epilepsia 2017; 58 (4): 512‒521.