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Related Concept Videos

Arteries of the Lower Limbs01:24

Arteries of the Lower Limbs

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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.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
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Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

426
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:
426
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

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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...
427
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein01:20

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.
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...
349
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: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

215
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.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2025

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

Ali A Asadi-Pooya1, Francesco Brigo2, Simona Lattanzi3

  • 1Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Lancet (London, England)
|July 17, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epilepsy diagnosis is clinical, aided by investigations. While antiseizure drugs help two-thirds of patients, surgery and other therapies offer options for drug-resistant epilepsy.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a widespread neurological disorder affecting diverse populations globally.
  • Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, supported by electroencephalography and imaging for type, cause, and prognosis.
  • Current antiseizure medications are effective for approximately two-thirds of individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline current diagnostic and treatment strategies for epilepsy.
  • To highlight the role of medications, surgery, and non-pharmacological interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical diagnosis and ancillary investigations (EEG, imaging).
  • Pharmacological treatments (antiseizure medications).
  • Surgical interventions (resection, palliative surgery) and non-pharmacological options (neuromodulation, dietary interventions).

Main Results:

  • Antiseizure medications effectively control seizures in about 67% of patients.
  • Neurosurgical resection is effective for selected cases of drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
  • Palliative surgery, neuromodulation, and dietary therapies are options for drug-resistant epilepsy when resection is not feasible.

Conclusions:

  • Epilepsy management involves a multi-faceted approach.
  • Medications are the primary treatment, but surgical and non-pharmacological options are crucial for refractory cases.