Anticonvulsants Overview

A neurological disorder causing repeated seizures or unusual sensations and behaviors.

Sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain, often caused by too much or too little activity between neurons.

Vary greatly between individuals and depend on the type of seizure. Range from violent shaking to hardly noticeable symptoms.

Anti-seizure medications designed to control seizures.

A rare but life-threatening complication of epilepsy where seizures occur frequently and repeatedly without regaining consciousness.

Medicines used to treat seizures and convulsions.

Can stop a seizure quickly, especially in emergencies.

A rare complication of epilepsy where there's a sudden unexpected death.

Drugs/agents used to treat epileptic seizures, characterized by excessive rapid firing of neurons.

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain causing changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and consciousness.

Involuntary muscle contractions caused by disturbances in brain activity, often associated with epilepsy, toxins, or fever.

Seizures affecting both sides of the brain, causing widespread brain disruption.

Seizures affecting only one area or side of the brain, with limited impact.

Seizures where the starting point is unknown, making accurate diagnosis difficult.

Anticonvulsants work by either blocking or stimulating ion channels involved in nerve cell signaling, or by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters like GABA.

Common side effects of anticonvulsant medication include dizziness, tiredness, upset stomach, blurry vision, memory problems, and trouble concentrating.

A class of anticonvulsants that act on the GABA receptor, crucial for mediating neuronal inhibition in the brain.

A broad category of anticonvulsant medications with a diverse range of actions, affecting various aspects of neuronal function.

A family of anticonvulsants that have been used for decades, including the well-known medication phenytoin (Dilantin).

A class of anticonvulsants that act by blocking voltage-gated calcium channels, primarily the N-Type and P/Q-Type.

These drugs work by blocking the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, leading to a decrease in nerve cell activity.

A type of anticonvulsant that acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, leading to effects ranging from mild sedation to anesthesia.

The most commonly used barbiturate for seizures, but rarely used for new patients due to its sedative effects. It was the main anticonvulsant until 1938.

A class of drugs with hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsive, amnestic and muscle relaxant properties. They act as a CNS depressant.

Benzodiazepines used specifically for seizures: Diazepam, Lorazepam, Clonazepam, and Clobazam.

A benzodiazepine used in emergency situations to quickly stop seizures. It can be given rectally by trained care-givers.

A benzodiazepine used for seizures, particularly in women with catamenial epilepsy (where seizures worsen during specific menstrual phases).

A condition where seizures occur repeatedly without regaining consciousness. It is a rare but life-threatening emergency.