Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:01
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Alternative approaches to epilepsy treatment
1Columbia Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Columbia University, Neurologic Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA. cam18@columbia.edu
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|June 12, 2009
Summary
Many epilepsy patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This review examines the efficacy of various CAM therapies, including yoga and acupuncture, for epilepsy management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses diverse health practices outside conventional Western medicine.
- CAM use is increasing, with up to 44% of epilepsy patients utilizing these therapies.
- Understanding CAM's role in epilepsy is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence on the potential efficacy of various CAM modalities in patients with epilepsy.
- To provide an overview of commonly used CAM treatments for epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of complementary and alternative medicine modalities.
- Focused on CAM therapies including meditation, yoga, relaxation, biofeedback, supplements, diet, chiropractic, acupuncture, Reiki, and homeopathy.
- Assessed existing knowledge regarding their efficacy in epilepsy.
Main Results:
- CAM use is prevalent among epilepsy patients.
- Evidence for the efficacy of specific CAM modalities in epilepsy varies.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive benefits for many CAM therapies.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of epilepsy patients explore CAM options.
- The efficacy of many CAM treatments for epilepsy remains uncertain.
- Clinicians should discuss CAM use with epilepsy patients to ensure safety and informed decision-making.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy 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...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:14Antiepileptic 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...
01:18Antiepileptic 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...
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
01:30Electroconvulsive 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,...
01:08Antiepileptic 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...
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...
01:17Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
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...
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...