Evolving Pharmaceutical Approaches in Epilepsy: From Mechanisms to Medication

Abstract

In today’s fast-paced society, people are under a variety of stressors, and many suffer from neurological problems. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, affecting over 50 million individuals worldwide, with 90% of instances happening in poor nations. Genetic factors, brain infections, strokes, tumors, and high fevers can all produce the condition. Epilepsy puts a huge economic load on healthcare systems and is frequently associated with stigma and discrimination, affecting not just patients but also their families in a variety of settings such as the community, employment, school, and home. Many individuals with epilepsy endure severe emotional distress, behavioral issues, and significant social isolation. Seizures can occur due to a variety of causes and mechanisms, the most common of which are neuronal hyperexcitability and neural circuit hypersynchrony. Several mechanisms alter the balance of excitation and inhibition, resulting in increased neuronal excitability and hypersynchrony in specific or extensive areas of the brain. This review will look at the history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, categorization, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of epilepsy.