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Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Kindling Mouse Model

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Published on: June 12, 2018

Antiepileptic drugs and the developing brain.

A M Kaindl¹, S Asimiadou, D Manthey

¹Department of Pediatric Neurology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS

|January 4, 2006

Summary

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) treat seizures but can harm developing brains. This review examines AEDs' adverse effects on cognitive and emotional behaviors in humans and animal models.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Developmental Neuroscience
Pharmacology

Background:

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children.
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are crucial for seizure management in vulnerable populations, including infants, children, and pregnant women.
AEDs target molecular pathways involved in both seizure propagation and essential brain functions like learning and memory.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the mechanisms of action of AEDs.
To examine clinical evidence of AEDs' adverse effects on the developing human brain.
To present findings from animal models on the cognitive and behavioral effects of AEDs.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on AED mechanisms.
Analysis of clinical data regarding AED side effects in pediatric and prenatal populations.
Examination of preclinical studies investigating cognitive and behavioral outcomes in animal models exposed to AEDs.

Main Results:

AEDs can lead to cognitive impairment, microcephaly, and birth defects.
The molecular targets of AEDs also regulate critical brain processes, indicating potential for off-target developmental effects.
Animal studies provide evidence for AED-induced alterations in cognitive and emotional behaviors.

Conclusions:

AEDs can adversely affect developing brain function and structure.
Mechanisms include interference with cell proliferation, migration, axonal development, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and programmed cell death.
Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for mitigating risks associated with AED use in developing individuals.