Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

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...
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

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.
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

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,...
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...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

The Association of the Social Vulnerability Index with Acuity of Presentation to Obstetric Triage.

American journal of perinatology·2026
Same author

Prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2, early relational health, and child socio-emotional functioning in the first 6 months.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences·2026
Same author

Labour and delivery characteristics, maternal birth satisfaction and early relational health among COVID-19 pandemic-born children.

Journal of reproductive and infant psychology·2026
Same author

The quality of early relational health modifies the effect of early life stress on child emerging psychopathology.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences·2026
Same author

Perinatal and Maternal Outcomes by Indication for Delivery in the Second Trimester.

American journal of perinatology·2026
Same author

Familial risk of placental abruption.

European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology·2025
Same journal

Obstetric Care for Patients With Cognitive Disabilities.

Clinical obstetrics and gynecology·2026
Same journal

Dissecting the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements when Approaching Obstetric Patients With Disabilities: How to Ensure Your Spaces are Accessible for All.

Clinical obstetrics and gynecology·2026
Same journal

Clinician Comfort and Barriers to the Obstetric and Gynecologic Care of Patients With Disabilities.

Clinical obstetrics and gynecology·2026
Same journal

Obstetric Care for Patients With Visual Impairments: Preconception Counseling Through Postpartum Care.

Clinical obstetrics and gynecology·2026
Same journal

Menstrual Management and Contraception for Patients With Disabilities.

Clinical obstetrics and gynecology·2026
Same journal

Favoring Elective Hospitalization in Pregnancies With Vasa Previa.

Clinical obstetrics and gynecology·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement
06:58

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement

Published on: June 25, 2016

Epilepsy in pregnancy.

Manijeh Kamyar1, Michael Varner

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. manijeh.kamyar@hsc.utah.edu

Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
|April 9, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Managing epilepsy during pregnancy requires careful medication adjustment for seizure control and minimal side effects. Preconception counseling is vital to optimize drug choices, considering potential teratogenic risks for expectant mothers.

More Related Videos

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

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 12, 2026

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement
06:58

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement

Published on: June 25, 2016

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

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epilepsy affects over 25,000 pregnant women annually in the US.
  • Pregnancy-induced physiological changes complicate epilepsy management.
  • Neurological comorbidities like migraines and sleep disorders are common in epilepsy patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the challenges and recommendations for managing epilepsy in pregnant women.
  • To emphasize the importance of optimizing antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy before conception.
  • To highlight the need for individualized treatment strategies balancing seizure control and fetal safety.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on epilepsy management during pregnancy.
  • Analysis of physiological changes impacting AED pharmacokinetics.
  • Discussion of teratogenic risks associated with various AEDs.
  • Consideration of non-pharmacological interventions and management of comorbidities.

Main Results:

  • Optimal epilepsy management in pregnancy involves adjusting AED dosages based on seizure frequency and side effects.
  • Monotherapy is preferred when feasible to minimize teratogenic exposure.
  • Preconceptional optimization of AEDs is crucial for reducing risks.
  • Close monitoring is required throughout gestation to ensure maternal and fetal well-being.

Conclusions:

  • Effective epilepsy management during pregnancy necessitates a multidisciplinary approach.
  • Individualized treatment plans are essential, prioritizing seizure control with the safest possible medication regimen.
  • Preconception care significantly improves outcomes for women with epilepsy and their infants.