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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...

Seizures: Classification

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:

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

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Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
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Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

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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: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Sex Stratified Neuronal Cultures to Study Ischemic Cell Death Pathways

Sex Stratified Neuronal Cultures to Study Ischemic Cell Death Pathways

Published on: December 9, 2013

Sex and gender differences in epilepsy.

Lauren Hophing¹, Paulina Kyriakopoulos², Esther Bui¹

¹Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

International Review of Neurobiology

|August 29, 2022

Summary

Hormonal differences between sexes significantly impact epilepsy management across life stages. Understanding these sex and gender differences is crucial for optimizing antiseizure medication and seizure control in women with epilepsy.

Keywords:

Anti-seizure medications Catamenial Epilepsy Gender Hormones Major congenital malformations Pregnancy Sex Teratogenicity Transgender Women

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Last Updated: Aug 30, 2025

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Generation and On-Demand Initiation of Acute Ictal Activity in Rodent and Human Tissue

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Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins

Published on: August 15, 2017

Area of Science:

Neurology
Endocrinology
Women's Health

Background:

Sex and gender differences are critical factors in epilepsy care.
Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman's life influence epilepsy management.
Antiseizure medications (ASMs) and hormones interact, affecting seizure control and treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the impact of sex and gender differences on epilepsy management.
To highlight the importance of hormonal influences in women with epilepsy.
To discuss treatment considerations across different life stages.

Main Methods:

Literature review on sex differences in epilepsy.
Analysis of hormonal influences on antiseizure medications.
Examination of pregnancy and menopause considerations in epilepsy.

Main Results:

Hormonal variations affect ASM pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
ASMs can impact hormonal cycles and contraception efficacy.
Pregnancy and menopause present unique challenges in epilepsy management.

Conclusions:

Personalized epilepsy care must account for sex and gender differences.
Optimizing ASM choice and management is essential for women with epilepsy.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate hormone-ASM interactions.