The pro- or anticonvulsant properties of propofol remain a matter of c
ontroversy. Although numerous case reports describe the appearance of
abnormal movements, posturing and seizure-like activity related to the
use of propofol, systematic studies in both humans and animals strong
ly suggest that it possesses antiepileptic properties. Propofol consis
tently reduces the seizure duration during electroconvulsive therapy,
its use has been successful in controlling refractory status epileptic
us and in animals it offers a strong protection against lignocaine- or
pentylene-tetrazol-induced epilepsy. The beneficial effects of propof
ol may be related to its uniform depressant action on the central nerv
ous system, to a potentialization of GABA-mediated pre- and postsynapt
ic inhibition, and by decreasing the release of excitatory transmitter
s, glutamate and aspartate.