The neurophilosophy of epileptic experiences

Background: Specific alterations of consciousness have a central role in the phenomenological description of epileptic seizures and in the patient's subjective reports. Methods: This article discusses the use of philosophical methodology within a neurological framework to understand consciousness. Results: How the alterations in consciousness are experienced by patients with epilepsy depends largely on the localization of the underlying neurophysiological dysfuntion. Discussion: Rigorous conceptual analysis of ictal experience reports can help to illuminate the study of consciousness.