Epilepsy Research: Providing Parts to the Puzzle

Kelly, Evelyn B. Ph.D.

• This article was written by Evelyn B. Kelly, Ph.D., an independent biomedical writer specializing in brain and genetic disorders. Dr. Kelly resides in Ocala, FL, and can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].

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Drug & Market Development 14(8):p 230-235, August 2003.

• Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells or neurons in the brain send abnormal signals. The abnormal activity causes disturbance of emotions and behavior and many times convulsions, muscles spasms, and loss of consciousness.

• Advancing research for causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of epilepsy involves molecular biology, brain imaging, tissue banks, animal models, genetics, and developmental neurobiology.

• Geneticists speculate 500 or more genes may be involved in the many kinds of epilepsy and in the propensity for seizures.

• No cure exists for epilepsy at present. Therapies or interventions are designed to remedy seizures and undesirable behaviors.