L13 - Drug Action in the CNS - Epilepsy Flashcards
What is epilepsy?
The overactivity of neurons
Could be a limited or generalised spread
What is partial epilepsy?
When the overactivity of neurons is limited to one side of the brain.
What is generalised epilepsy?
When the neurone overactivity involves both side of the brain.
Simple generalised seizures
No loss of consciousness.
Complex generalised seizures
Involves loss of consciousness.
How can epilepsy be induced?
Head trauma
Infection
genetics
Sensory overload eg flashing lights
Where can abnormal neuronal firing in epilepsy be seen?
On an EEG
What can cause familial epilepsy?
Mutations in voltage gated sodium channels.
What is the main function of anti-epileptic drugs?
To increase GABA transmission
What are some anti-epileptic drugs?
- Benzodiazepines, eg diazepam injected intravenously to stop status epilepticus.
- Uptake inhibitors
- metabolic inhibitors
What is Glutamate?
The main excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain.
What is the function of the enzyme GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase)?
To make GABA from glutamate.
GABAergic neurons can also be identified through the presence of GAD.
What is GABA broken down by?
GABA transaminase
Sodium Valproate…
Can inhibit sodium and glutamate channels
May also work to inhibit HDACs (Histone deacetylases) which control the structure of DNA.
What does blocking excitatory transmission do for epilepsy?
Limits the spread of epileptiform activity, with use of sodium channel inhibitors.
