BASIC MECHANISMS OF EPILEPSY - TARGETS FOR THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION

Although a wide variety of drugs are available for treatment of epilep sy, many patients with epilepsy still experience uncontrolled seizures . In addition, there is a need for new drugs that can halt epileptogen esis after brain injury. Mechanisms that underlie seizure processes co nstitute potential target areas for the development of new antiepilept ic drugs (AEDs). An understanding of the underlying mechanisms of inte rictal spike discharge and seizure spread is critical for the developm ent of AEDs for treatment of partial seizures. Suppression of specific forms of voltage-dependent calcium currents and inhibition of GABA(B) receptor-mediated inhibition are two key target areas for new AEDs to treat primary generalized seizures. As researchers gain more understa nding of the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms underlying se izure propagation, we should be better able to develop therapeutic age nts designed to suppress seizure-provoking mechanisms and to enhance t he brain's natural protective mechanisms.