Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
[Use of antiepileptic drugs in nursing home residents]
Elisif Rytter1, Karl O Nakken, Lisa T Mørch-Reiersen
1Spesialsykehuset for epilepsi, Nevroklinikken Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet, Postboks 53, 1306 Baerum postterminal. elisif.rytter@epilepsy.no
Background:
Epilepsy is prevalent in elderly above 65 years of age, and treating epileptic seizures in this age group may be challenging. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of epilepsy and the use of antiepileptic drugs in nursing homes in two counties close to Oslo.
Material And Methods:
The two counties Asker and Baerum have 155,000 inhabitants and 19 nursing homes. The prescription charts of 1053 nursing home residents were examined in January 2005; for those who used antiepileptic drugs the medical records were also examined.
Results:
116 of the 1053 residents (11%) used antiepileptic drugs; 83 of the 116 (72%) due to epilepsy. 17 residents used antiepileptic drugs against pain, and 14 as psychotropic drugs. 92 residents (79%) were using antiepileptic drugs on a regular basis; 77 used one antiepileptic drug, 14 residents used two such drugs and one resident used four antiepileptic drugs. In 77% of the prescriptions, older antiepileptic drugs were prescribed, and slow-release formulations were seldom used. 24 of the residents reported side effects caused by antiepileptic drugs; sedation and dizziness being the most common. The last year, therapeutic drug monitoring was performed in 42%. Average number of drugs used, including antiepileptic drugs, was seven (range 1-16). In the epilepsy population 69 (83%) had a symptomatic, localization-related epilepsy. Cerebrovascular disease was the cause of epilepsy in 44 patients (53%).
Interpretation:
Antiepileptic drug treatment and care for nursing home residents with epilepsy are suboptimal and could be improved.
Related Concept Videos
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiepileptic 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...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...