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Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

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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.
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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...
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Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

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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.
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Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators01:18

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Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

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

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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.
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Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms ECoGs and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
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Acupuncture for epilepsy.

Daniel K L Cheuk1, Virginia Wong

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 8, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review found that current evidence does not support acupuncture for epilepsy treatment. While some studies suggest potential benefits in seizure frequency reduction and quality of life, the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were small and had a high risk of bias.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Acupuncture use is growing for epilepsy management, but its efficacy and safety require rigorous evaluation.
  • This review is an update of a Cochrane review initially published in 2008, addressing the need for updated evidence on acupuncture for epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.
  • To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to inform clinical practice and future research.

Main Methods:

  • Searched multiple databases including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and AMED up to June 2013.
  • Included 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1538 participants of various ages with different epilepsy types.
  • Analyzed trials comparing acupuncture with placebo, sham treatment, antiepileptic drugs, or no treatment, as well as add-on acupuncture therapies.

Main Results:

  • Included trials were characterized by a high risk of bias and short follow-up periods.
  • Acupuncture, whether as a standalone treatment or adjunct therapy, did not demonstrate consistent effectiveness in reducing seizure frequency or achieving seizure freedom compared to controls.
  • Some studies indicated potential improvements in quality of life (QOL) with acupuncture, but these findings were based on limited trials and require cautious interpretation.
  • No significant excess adverse events were reported for acupuncture compared to control treatments.

Conclusions:

  • The available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for acupuncture in epilepsy are limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and a high risk of bias.
  • Current evidence is insufficient to support the use of acupuncture as a primary or adjunctive treatment for epilepsy.
  • Further high-quality, large-scale RCTs are needed to definitively assess the role of acupuncture in epilepsy management.