Epilepsy

Question 1

What is epilepsy?

Answer 1

Excessive neuronal activity within the brain. Characterised by recurrent seizures.

Question 2

How is epilepsy treated?

Answer 2

Using voltage gated sodium channel blockers and drugs that enhance GABA mediated inhibition

Question 3

How do VGSC blockers work?

Answer 3

Bind to the sodium channel and keep it in the inactivated state. Reduces the probability of high abnormal spiking rate
Prolong inactivation state

Question 4

How do drugs which enhance GABA mediated inhibition work?

Answer 4

Increase chloride current into the neurone, increasing threshold for action potential generation.
Reduces likelihood of epileptic neuronal hyperactivity.
Makes membrane potential more negative
Targets:
inhibition of GABA inactivation
Inhibition of GABA re uptake
Increase rate of GABA synthesis

Question 5

What are some examples of VGSC Blockers?

Answer 5

Phenytoin
Carbamazepine
Lamotrigine - appears safer in pregnancy

Question 6

Examples of drugs that affect GABA

Answer 6

Sodium Valproate

Benzodiazepines - lorezepram and diazepram