Jove
Visualize
Contact Us

Related Experiment Videos

New drugs for persons with epilepsy

D E Blum1

  • 1Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA.

Advances in Neurology
|December 31, 1997
PubMed
Summary

New epilepsy drugs offer improved efficacy and tolerability for many patients, though none are a cure. Ongoing research is crucial for developing better treatments for uncontrolled seizures.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A pilot study of donepezil for memory problems in epilepsy.

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B·2003
Same author

An automated drug delivery system for focal epilepsy.

Epilepsy research·2000
Same author

Frequency of bitemporal independent interictal epileptiform discharges in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Epilepsia·2000
Same author

Computer-based electroencephalography: technical basics, basis for new applications, and potential pitfalls.

Electroencephalography and clinical neurophysiology·1998
Same author

Bilateral temporal hypometabolism in epilepsy.

Epilepsia·1998
Same author

Patient awareness of seizures.

Neurology·1996
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Development

Background:

  • Epilepsy affects millions, with 30-60% experiencing inadequate seizure control with current medications.
  • Adverse side effects of existing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) pose significant challenges for patient management.
  • A substantial unmet need exists for novel AEDs with improved efficacy and tolerability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in epilepsy drug development.
  • To highlight the unique advantages and specific needs met by newly approved and investigational AEDs.
  • To assess the potential impact of new AEDs on patient outcomes and future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recently approved and late-stage development AEDs.
  • Analysis of efficacy, side effect profiles, and pharmacokinetic properties of new AEDs.
  • Comparison of new AEDs with existing treatments for epilepsy.

Main Results:

  • Several new AEDs (e.g., felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, vigabatrin, oxcarbazepine, zonisamide, tiagabine) offer specific benefits, including improved efficacy, reduced sedation, and favorable side effect profiles.
  • New formulations (e.g., fosphenytoin) enhance drug administration and safety.
  • While promising, new AEDs provide seizure freedom for at most 10% of previously uncontrolled patients.

Conclusions:

  • The pipeline of new antiepileptic drugs offers valuable options for specific patient populations.
  • Despite advancements, significant challenges remain in achieving complete seizure control and managing side effects.
  • Continued research and development are essential to address the unmet needs in epilepsy treatment.

Related Experiment Videos