Related Experiment Videos
Low brain GABA level is associated with poor seizure control
O A Petroff1, D L Rothman, K L Behar
1Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Annals of Neurology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Low brain GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels are linked to epilepsy and seizure activity. Poor seizure control correlates with lower GABA concentrations, suggesting its role in seizure spread.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Low gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations are observed in various epileptic syndromes.
- GABA's role in inhibiting neuronal activity suggests low levels may facilitate seizure spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate in vivo brain GABA concentrations in patients with epilepsy.
- To determine the association between GABA levels and seizure activity/control.
Main Methods:
- Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) was used to measure GABA levels in the occipital lobe.
- An 8-cm surface coil on a 2.1-T MRI scanner measured a 14-cm3 brain volume.
Main Results:
- Patients with complex partial seizures exhibited lower GABA levels (1.03 mmol/kg) compared to healthy controls (1.18 mmol/kg).
- A significant positive correlation was found between low GABA levels and recent seizure activity (r=0.548, p<0.01).
- Patients with recent seizures had lower GABA levels than those seizure-free for extended periods.
Conclusions:
- Low brain GABA levels are associated with epilepsy and poor seizure control.
- GABA deficiency may contribute to seizure generation and propagation.