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Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

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...

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

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...

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early years,...

Epilepsy ll: Types

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

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...

Seizures l: Introduction

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

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

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

Published on: May 16, 2019

Curing epilepsy: progress and future directions.

Margaret P Jacobs¹, Gabrielle G Leblanc, Amy Brooks-Kayal

¹National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B

|April 4, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Significant progress in understanding epilepsy mechanisms and genetics has been achieved. New diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are emerging, paving the way for potential cures for epilepsy.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Genetics
Clinical Neurology

Background:

Epilepsy research has advanced significantly in understanding its clinical features and underlying mechanisms.
Eleven human epilepsy genes are identified, with more from animal models, informing potential cures.
Epilepsy is recognized as heterogeneous, often co-occurring with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent progress in epilepsy research, including genetic discoveries and mechanistic insights.
To highlight the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for epilepsy.
To propose specific goals for achieving cures for epilepsy.

Main Methods:

Review of scientific literature on epilepsy genetics, mechanisms, and clinical features.
Analysis of advancements in diagnostic technologies and therapeutic strategies.
Synthesis of current knowledge to identify future research directions.

Main Results:

Substantial progress in identifying human epilepsy genes and understanding epileptogenesis.
Recognition of epilepsy as a complex syndrome with common comorbidities.
Rapid development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

Continued research into cellular and molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted epilepsy cures.
Addressing comorbidities is essential for comprehensive epilepsy management.
Achieving cures for epilepsy requires focused efforts on specific, attainable goals.