Seizure is associated with the episodic high frequency discharge of impulses by a group of neurons in the brain.
Seizure may be partial or generalized depending on the location and the spread of the abnormal neuronal discharge. The attack mainly involves motor, sensory or behavioral phenomena.
Partial seizures are often associated with damage to the brain, whereas generalized seizure occurs without obvious cause. Two common forms of generalized seizures are grand mal and petit mal.
Mechanism of action
Anticonvulsant drugs act by two mechanisms: by reducing electrical excitability of cell membrane and by enhancing GABA mediated synaptic transmission.
The main drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy are phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate, ethosuximide and phenobarbitone.
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