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Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
Published on: December 18, 2016
[Drug resistant epilepsy. Clinical and neurobiological concepts]
Camilo A Espinosa-Jovel1, Fidel E Sobrino-Mejía
1Hospital Occidente de Kennedy, Bogota DC, Colombia.
Abstract:
Drug-resistant epilepsy, is a condition defined by the International League Against Epilepsy as persistent seizures despite having used at least two appropriate and adequate antiepileptic drug treatments. Approximately 20-30% of patients with epilepsy are going to be resistant to antiepileptic drugs, with different patterns of clinical presentation, which are related to the biological basis of this disease (de novo resistance, relapsing-remitting and progressive). Drug resistant epilepsy, impacts negatively the quality of life and significantly increases the risk of premature death. From the neurobiological point of view, this medical condition is the result of the interaction of multiple variables related to the underlying disease, drug interactions and proper genetic aspects of each patient. Thanks to advances in pharmacogenetics and molecular biology research, currently some hypotheses may explain the cause of this condition and promote the study of new therapeutic options. Currently, overexpression of membrane transporters such as P-glycoprotein, appears to be one of the most important mechanisms in the development of drug resistant epilepsy. The objective of this review is to deepen the general aspects of this clinical condition, addressing the definition, epidemiology, differential diagnosis and the pathophysiological bases.
Insights
Drug-resistant epilepsy affects 20-30% of patients, persisting despite adequate treatment. Overexpression of membrane transporters like P-glycoprotein is a key factor in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is defined as persistent seizures despite two or more adequate antiepileptic drug treatments.
- Approximately 20-30% of epilepsy patients exhibit drug resistance, with varied clinical presentations linked to disease biology.
- DRE significantly impacts quality of life and increases mortality risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of drug-resistant epilepsy.
- To discuss the definition, epidemiology, differential diagnosis, and pathophysiological underpinnings of DRE.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on drug-resistant epilepsy.
- Analysis of neurobiological and genetic factors contributing to DRE.
- Exploration of current hypotheses and emerging research in pharmacogenetics and molecular biology.
Main Results:
- Multiple variables, including underlying disease, drug interactions, and patient genetics, contribute to DRE.
- Overexpression of membrane transporters, such as P-glycoprotein, is identified as a significant mechanism in DRE development.
- Advances in research offer potential explanations for DRE and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the complex interplay of factors in DRE is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Targeting mechanisms like P-glycoprotein overexpression may offer new therapeutic avenues for DRE patients.
- Further research in pharmacogenetics and molecular biology is essential to combat drug-resistant epilepsy.
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