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Related Concept Videos

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
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...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators01:18

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
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...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

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.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...

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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
07:01

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice

Published on: May 16, 2019

Vigabatrin for refractory partial epilepsy.

Karla Hemming1, Melissa J Maguire, Jane L Hutton

  • 1Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK, CV4 7AL. karla@stats.warwick.ac.uk

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 23, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Vigabatrin effectively reduces seizure frequency in drug-resistant partial epilepsy. However, short-term use is linked to increased side effects like fatigue and drowsiness.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epilepsy affects 0.5-1% of the population, with ~30% experiencing drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
  • Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug for refractory epilepsy, with initial trials showing minimal side effects.
  • Longer-term studies indicate vigabatrin use is associated with asymptomatic visual field constriction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize evidence from short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of vigabatrin.
  • To summarize vigabatrin's effects on seizures and short-term side effects in drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
  • To provide an interim update pending further analysis of long-term observational studies on visual field defects.

Main Methods:

  • Searched Cochrane Epilepsy Group Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and reference lists; contacted manufacturers.
  • Included randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of vigabatrin in drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
  • Extracted data on seizure reduction, treatment withdrawal, and short-term side effects; performed intention-to-treat analysis.

Main Results:

  • Eleven trials (747 patients) showed vigabatrin significantly increased the likelihood of a ≥50% seizure frequency reduction (RR 2.58).
  • Vigabatrin use was associated with significantly higher treatment withdrawal rates (RR 2.49) and increased side effects, notably fatigue/drowsiness.
  • Potential small study effect bias suggests the true relative risk for seizure reduction might be lower.

Conclusions:

  • Vigabatrin demonstrates efficacy in reducing seizure frequency for drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
  • Short-term vigabatrin use is associated with identifiable side effects.
  • Further long-term studies are needed to assess visual field defect likelihood, dose-dependency, and duration of use.