EPILEPSY PROGRESS IN THE DAWN OF THE 21ST CENTURY

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Vol. 87 No. 2 (2009): Issue Feb 2009

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I. Ben Hamouda
Service de Neurologie EPS Charles Nicolle Tunis
Amel Mrabet
Service de Neurologie EPS Charles Nicolle Tunis

Abstract

Aim : Review of development on recent acquisitions in Epileptology.
Methods : A research in the medical literature on PubMed and an exhaustive review of the Published summaries and reports of Epileptology International Meetings, in the last five years. We included cohort studies, reviews and randomized double blinded therapeutic trials publications related to the pathogenic, diagnostic and therapeutic advances. Case reports and pure research studies have been excluded
Results: Defective genes and/or physiopathological mechanisms were identified for some clinical forms of epilepsy. New antiepileptics drugs (AED) with a more accurate pathogenic target were, therefore, developed. Modern technologies of cerebral explorations and in particular the MRI (magnetic resonance imagery) and the PET (Positons Emission Tomography) constitute a progress not only for research but also for the diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation in particular for patients candidates to surgery. Five new drugs are on sale, several others are being studied. Diets would be alternatives to the AED in case of intractable epilepsy. Surgery indication is currently extended to the elderly. The global care of epileptic patients implies also the fight against incomprehension and exclusion.
Conclusion: The formidable development in epilepsy knowledge in fundamental and in clinical research, is not an exclusive matter of researchers and specialists in this discipline but also with the generalists, the pediatrists and all the professionals of health implicated on epileptic’s care; thus allowing an improvement of the prognosis and the quality of life of these patients.

Keywords:

Epilepsy, physiopathology, genetics, antiepileptic drugs, Epilepsy surgery, ketogenic diet, Atkins diet, refractory epilepsy

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