Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, has mystified scientists and medical professionals for centuries.
Despite significant progress in understanding this condition, there is still much to learn about its causes and potential cures.
In this blog, we will explore what we currently know about epilepsy and the relentless efforts that are being made to find a cure.
Approximately 65 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological disorders.
It is a single disease but rather a group of disorders with various causes, triggers, and symptoms. Seizures, the hallmark of epilepsy,
occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can manifest in different ways, from momentary lapses
in consciousness to convolutions.
What are the causes of epilepsy? Well, epilepsy can be the result of various factors, including genetic predisposition, brain injuries,
infections, or even structural abnormalities in the brain. In some cases, the cause remains unknown. Understanding the underlying causes
of epilepsy is crucial for developing targeted treatments and potential cures.
While epilepsy cannot always be cured, it can often be managed effectively with medication, lifestyle modifications, or surgical
interventions. Anti-epileptic drugs help to control seizures in many individuals, allowing them to live relatively normal lives.
However, these drugs often have side effects, and not all patients respond well to them.
There are multiple angles in which research is being carried out to flesh out the characteristics of epilepsy. Efforts within genetics,
neurostimulation, and stem cell therapy are among the leading research areas for developing a cure.
Genetic Research: There have been advances in identifying genes associated with epilepsy.
Having this knowledge lends itself nicely to helping in early diagnosis and targeted treatments.
Gene therapies are being explored as a potential cure for some forms of epilepsy.
Neurostimulation: For individuals that do not react well to medication, development of devices such as vagus nerve stimulation
(VNS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) exist to help control seizures in a different way. Refinement and improvement in this
technology is deeply focused on in research.
Stem Cell Therapy: Using stem cells has been of primary interest to researchers as stem cells can be integral in repairing damaged
brain tissue. They can also be used to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Stem cells are highly experimental, yet it
holds promise for the future.
While a complete cure for epilepsy remains elusive, our understanding of this disorder is deepening, and innovative research efforts
continue to pave the way for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. As science and technology advance, we can look forward to
a future where epilepsy is better understood and more manageable for everyone living with this condition.
Citations:
Thakur KT, Albanese E, Giannakopoulos P, et al. Neurological Disorders. In: Patel V, Chisholm D, Dua T, et al., editors. Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders: Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 4). Washington (DC): The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank; 2016 Mar 14. Chapter 5. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361950/
doi: 10.1596/978-1-4648-0426-7_ch5