Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2025

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice

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Current treatment options for familial adult myoclonus epilepsy

Antonietta Coppola1, Raffaele Dubbioso1, Claudia Cuccurullo1

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.

Epilepsia
|March 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy (FAME) is a rare genetic disorder. Current treatments manage seizures but offer limited relief for tremors and myoclonus, with some drugs being contraindicated.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy (FAME) is a genetic neurological disorder.
  • It presents with cortical tremor, myoclonus, and epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current therapeutic landscape for FAME.
  • To highlight the limitations of existing treatments and the need for better options.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies and clinical guidelines on FAME management.
  • Analysis of the efficacy and contraindications of various antiseizure medications (ASMs).

Main Results:

  • Current management of FAME is symptomatic, relying on ASMs.
  • ASMs like valproate, levetiracetam, benzodiazepines, and perampanel show efficacy for seizures but limited effect on myoclonus and tremor.
  • Certain ASMs, including sodium channel blockers and gabapentin, are contraindicated in FAME.

Conclusions:

  • There is currently no cure or preventive treatment for FAME.
  • The ideal treatment would be a precision therapy targeting the genetic defect, which is not yet available.
  • Further research is needed to develop more effective treatments for FAME.
Keywords:
FAMEbenzodiazepinelevetiracetammyoclonusperampanelvalproate

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