Electroencephalography (EEG) is frequently used in emergency settings, and intensivists often request it for a variety of conditions, particularly nonconvulsive status epilepticus. However, performing EEG in the intensive care unit is often challenging because of the complexity of conventional EEG systems and the need for trained personnel. As a result, EEG examinations are delayed by several hours. To address this issue, rapid EEG (rEEG) systems have recently been introduced. These portable devices usually use fewer number of electrodes and are designed for rapid recording of electrical brain activity. The main purpose of rEEG systems is to simplify EEG acquisition, enabling intensivists and nurses to perform examination without waiting for a full conventional EEG setup. In addition, several rEEG systems include auxiliary modules, such as EEG sonification, artificial intelligence-based signal analysis, and telemedicine platforms. These features may help intensivists suspect nonconvulsive status epilepticus earlier, obtain clinically relevant information, and make more informed treatment decisions. PrEEG enables EEG monitoring to be initiated within 5–10 minutes, facilitates the early detection of nonconvulsive status epilepticus, shortens diagnostic delays. The method shows considerable promise for use in acute neurological conditions; however, due to lower spatial resolution it does not replace conventional EEG.
Professor Gagik N. Avakyan, a prominent Russian neurologist, epileptologist, public figure, and educator would have marked the 80 th anniversary of his birth on April 6, 2026. His name is inextricably linked with establishing contemporary Russian school of epileptology, developing the Russian League Against Epilepsy (RLAE) as well as implementing the highest standards of medical and social care for patients with epilepsy. Professor Avakyan passed away unexpectedly on November 12, 2019, leaving behind a colossal scientific, pedagogical, organizational, and, no less important, human legacy. In this publication, we have endeavored to cover his life thoroughly and accurately, so that new generations of physicians can fully appreciate the magnitude of his personality and the depth of his contribution to Russian neurology.
The journal “Epilepsy and Paroxysmal Conditions”, published since 2009, demonstrated steady positive dynamics in key scientometric indicators at year-end 2025. In May 2026, based on updated data, the journal moved to the third quartile (Q3) of the authoritative international scientometric database Scopus, thereby confirming its growing international recognition. At the same time, the journal achieved leading positions among peer-reviewed publications in the "Neurosciences" category in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI), evidencing its leading role in the national academic space. The key drivers of growth were the open-access model, the introduction of HTML versions of articles, as well as refinement of requirements for the methodological quality of manuscripts. An analysis of publication activity shows increased proportion of original research, a rise in the number of citations in high-ranking journals, as well as prominently expanded readership. The paper also examines new legal requirements for the publication of genetic data, which come into force in Russia in 2026, and outlines strategic prospects to further promote the journal in international scientometric databases. The journal continues to serve as a key communication platform for Russian and foreign researchers in the field of neurosciences, practicing physicians specializing in various areas of neurology, instrumental diagnostic methods, therapy, pediatrics, neonatology, physical and rehabilitation medicine, and related fields.
Background. Epilepsy remission rates in Russia lag behind global figures, which is partly attributable to the fragmentation of approaches to evaluating antiseizure medications (ASMs): the subjectivity of expert opinions, the limited scope of consumption data, and the failure of clinical guidelines to account for regional specificities. Objective: To develop and test a methodology for comprehensive evaluation of ASMs based on matrix expertise with multilevel verification across four independent data sources to optimize drug provision for epilepsy patients at the regional level. Material and methods. A structured survey of 32 expert epileptologists from 7 Russian regions was conducted to assess21 ASMs using a 10-point scale (therapeutic line and risk). Verification involved comparison with clinical guidelines, practice data, consumption metrics, and a pharmacokinetic safety rating. Concordance was assessed using Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W). Results. The developed methodology enabled, for the first time, a multi-level verification of expert preferences and the identification of systemic discrepancies in approaches to epilepsy therapy. A divergence was found between expert opinions and clinical guidelines in the treatment of generalized epilepsy, attributable to the challenges of implementing new classification criteria and the evolving nature of therapeutic approaches. The identified mismatch between the proven safety of modern ASMs and their actual positioning in treatment algorithms reflects the influence of economic and organizational barriers. Conclusion. The proposed methodology serves as an analytical tool for auditing the pharmaceutical supply system, enabling the formation of rational ASM formularies, the substantiation of “negative lists”, and the identification of targeted administrative and educational measures.
Objective: To summarize current evidence on the prevalence, phenomenology, and temporal characteristics of prodromal symptoms and early ictal manifestations (auras) in focal epilepsy, and to clarify their clinical relevance for patient counseling and management. Material and methods. A narrative review of the literature on prodromal symptoms and auras in focal epilepsy was conducted. Publications were identified through searches in PubMed/MEDLINE and by screening reference lists of key articles. Given the heterogeneity in definitions and time frames across studies, findings were analyzed qualitatively without meta-analysis, particularly emphasizing on practical aspects of clinical interviewing and safety recommendations. Results. Prodromal symptoms are reported in a substantial proportion of patients with focal epilepsy; reported prevalence varies depending on assessment methods and diagnostic criteria. Prodromes typically occur minutes to hours (less commonly a day or more) before seizure onset and may include affective, cognitive, and autonomic manifestations. According to the current classification by the International League Against Epilepsy, an aura is defined as a focal aware seizure and represents the ictal phase of the epileptic event. Clinically, auras are characterized by brief, stereotyped subjective experiences occurring seconds to minutes before potential seizure propagation. Patients’ responses to warning symptoms often include cessation of ongoing activities, seeking a safe environment, and alerting others, which may reduce the risk of injury. However, in some individuals, anticipatory anxiety and avoidance behaviors develop, negatively affecting quality of life. Conclusion. In patients with focal epilepsy, routine and systematic inquiry about prodromal symptoms and auras during clinical evaluation is advisable. Clinicians should carefully distinguish between prodromal and early ictal manifestations and help patients adopt proportionate safety measures without reinforcing hypervigilance or unnecessary restrictions in daily activities.
