Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Corticosteroids including ACTH for childhood epilepsy other than epileptic spasms
N A Gayatri1, C D Ferrie, H Cross
1Leeds General Infirmary, Clarendon Wing, Belmont Grove, Leeds, UK, LS2 9NS. Neti.Gayatri@leedsth.nhs.uk
Background:
Epilepsy is a disorder with recurrent epileptic seizures. Corticosteroids have been used in the treatment of children with epilepsy and have significant adverse effects. Their efficacy and tolerability have not been not clearly established.
Objectives:
To determine the efficacy of corticosteroids in terms of seizure control, improvements in cognition and in quality of life and tolerability of steroids compared to placebo or other antiepileptic drugs.
Search Strategy:
We searched the following databases: The Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register (September 2006); Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)(The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2006); MEDLINE (1966 - April 2004); EMBASE (1966 - December 2004); Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE) (December 2004). We checked the reference lists of retrieved studies for additional reports of relevant studies.
Selection Criteria:
All randomized controlled trials of administration of corticosteroids to children (less than 16 years) with epilepsy.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Three review authors independently selected trials for inclusion and extracted data. Outcomes included cessation of seizures, reduction in seizure frequency, improvement in cognition, quality of life and adverse effects of steroids.
Main Results:
A single RCT was included that recruited five patients in double blind crossover trial. One was withdrawn prematurely from the study and another had infantile spasms and hence was excluded from further analysis. ACTH 4-9 was administered. The overall reduction in seizure frequency of more than 25% and less than 50% occurred in one child at low dose and in two children at higher dose. One child did not show any reduction in seizure frequency. No adverse effects were reported.
Authors' Conclusions:
No evidence was found for the efficacy or safety of corticosteroids in treating childhood epilepsies. Clinicians using steroids in childhood epilepsies, other than for epileptic spasms, should take this into account before using these agents.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:17Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...