17.1 : てんかんと発作: 概要

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unpredictable seizures.

Seizures result from abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to alterations in behavior, sensation, or consciousness.

They can also temporarily impair awareness, affecting daily activities.

Epilepsy can be caused by genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, or an unknown etiology.

Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography to detect abnormal post-seizure electrical activity and imaging techniques to identify structural epilepsy-related abnormalities.

Current epilepsy treatment is primarily symptomatic, aiming to inhibit seizures.

Antiseizure drugs function through various mechanisms, such as modulating cation channels, enhancing GABA neurotransmission, regulating synaptic release, and diminishing synaptic excitation.

Adherence to long-term therapy is challenging due to side effects, necessitating the development of more effective antiepileptic drugs.

Researchers utilize transgenic mice, rats, and various tests like the maximal electroshock test, pentylenetetrazol test, 6-Hz seizure test, and kindling models to advance drug development.