Is Gabapentin The Perfect Seizure Medication?

Gabapentin is an FDA-classified drug that is primarily used to treat seizures. Initially, the medication was introduced as a muscle relaxer that also reduced spasms. Later, this medication was approved for the treatment of complex partial seizures and secondarily generalized seizures. Apart from seizures, gabapentin is also used for nerve pain and restless legs syndrome. 

Gabapentin and seizure share an old connection. Many believe that Gabapentin is one of the most effective medications. Before discussing the crux, let us understand what epileptic seizure is and how Gabapentin works to help deal with the situation. 

What is a seizure?

A seizure is a sudden outburst of unrestrained electrical activity between brain cells. These cells are also known as neurons. This causes temporary abnormalities in muscle tone or movements like stiffness, twitching, or limpness. It can also impact behaviors, sensations, or states of awareness. 

 

There are different types of seizures, displaying different symptoms. Apart from epilepsy, seizures can be caused by acute reasons like, medication. Sometimes, brain trauma can also be the reason for seizures. 

Epileptic Seizure:

When you have epilepsy, you experience more than two recurring unprovoked seizure attacks. This is known as epilepsy. Most seizures can be controlled with medicine. However, managing seizures can affect your daily life. You can work with your health care professional to balance seizure control and medicine side effects.

Symptoms of Seizures

Symptoms change based on the type of seizure. They also can range from mild to severe. Common Seizure symptoms may include:

• Temporary confusion, inability to understand 
• A blank staring phase 
• Uncontrolled jolting movements of the arms and legs that can't be controlled.
• Loss of consciousness or awareness.
• Cognitive or emotional changes like sudden fear, anxiety 
• A feeling of Deja Vu

The various kinds of seizures are distinguished using a classification system. Seizures are usually classified as focused or generalized by medical practitioners. Based on how and where the brain activity that caused the seizure started, seizures are categorized. Medical practitioners may label seizures as having an unclear onset if they are unsure of how the seizures started.