Epilepsy Tutorial

Question 1

Define epilepsy

Answer 1

The term epilepsy refers to a disorder of brain function characterized by the periodic and unpredictable occurrence of seizures.

Question 2

Define seizure

Answer 2

The term seizure refers to a transient alteration of behaviour due to the disordered, synchronous, and rhythmic firing of populations of brain neurones.

Question 3

Briefly state the different types of seizures in epilepsy

Answer 3

• Partial seizures, those beginning focally at a cortical site
• Generalized seizures, those that involve both hemispheres widely from the outset.
• A simple partial seizure is associated with preservation of consciousness, whilst a complex partial seizure is associated with impairment of consciousness. - Examples of generalized seizures include absence, myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures.

Question 4

Describe the pharmacological evidence for the role of neurotransmitters in epilepsy

Answer 4

• Impairment of GABA-mediated inhibition causes seizures in animals, while enhancement reduces seizures
• Glutamate causes seizure-like activity too

Question 5

Give some examples of drugs used in epilepsy treatment

Answer 5

• Tiagabine inhibits reuptake of GABA
• Vigabatrin and valproate inhibits GABA transaminase (so GABA is not converted)
• Benzodiazapines and phenoarbital enhance GABA