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Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

228
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...
228
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

429
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...
429
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

690
Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
690
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators01:18

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

467
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...
467
Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers01:17

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

472
Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
472
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

351
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.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
351

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
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Drug resistance in epilepsy.

Emilio Perucca1, Piero Perucca2, H Steve White3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

The Lancet. Neurology
|June 23, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Drug resistance impacts many with epilepsy, with success decreasing after failed treatments. Early referral to epilepsy centers and considering surgery can improve outcomes for drug-resistant epilepsy.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Drug-resistant epilepsy affects approximately one-third of individuals with epilepsy.
  • Prevalence varies based on epilepsy syndrome, etiology, age of seizure onset, and neurological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the challenges and management strategies for drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • To emphasize the importance of early referral and consideration of alternative treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current evidence on drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • Analysis of factors influencing treatment outcomes and prognosis.

Main Results:

  • The likelihood of seizure freedom decreases with each failed antiseizure medication trial.
  • Delayed diagnosis and treatment increase risks of cognitive disability, comorbidities, and mortality.
  • Referral to comprehensive epilepsy centers is crucial after two failed medication trials.

Conclusions:

  • Early intervention, including consideration of epilepsy surgery and targeted therapies, is vital.
  • Ongoing research into drug resistance mechanisms and novel therapeutics offers future treatment possibilities.