Abstract

ADVANCES IN EPILEPSY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Bhavyasree Maddala*

ABSTRACT

Over 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, a common and complex neurological condition marked by frequent, spontaneous seizures. Despite its prevalence throughout the world, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, improvements in genetic research, neuro imaging, and treatment approaches have fundamentally changed how epilepsy is diagnosed and treated. This thorough analysis synthesizes new findings from a variety of fields, such as etiology, genetic mechanisms, neuro behavioral effects, and contemporary therapeutic advancements. More than 900 genes have been connected to epilepsy syndromes by recent genomic research, which has aided in the creation of targeted treatments such antisense oligonucleotides andCRISPR-Cas9. In order to facilitate more individualized treatment approaches, the International League Against Epilepsy has updated its classification scheme to incorporate seizure onset, etiology, and comorbidities. Neuroimaging advancements like functional MRI and PET have enhanced surgical results and lesion identification. particularly for drug-resistant focal epilepsy. The review also emphasizes the cognitive and behavioral challenges associated with epilepsy, particularly in pediatric populations, where early intervention is critical for improving quality of life. Technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), wearable seizure detection devices, and machine learning algorithms, are enhancing seizure monitoring, prediction, and safety. Therapeutic frontiers now include cannabidiol-based treatments, neuromodulation techniques like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS), all offering new hope for refractory cases. Clinical prediction models incorporating genetic and clinical variables are aiding in prognostication and treatment personalization. Future directions focus on identifying reliable biomarkers, refining predictive analytics, and minimizing treatment-related cognitive side effects. This review underscores the importance of an interdisciplinary, precision-medicine approach to epilepsy, aiming to bridge treatment gaps and optimize outcomes through individualized care pathways.

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