Epileptic seizures are triggered by abnormal electrochemical impulses that act on other neurons, glands, and muscles to produce human thoughts, feelings, and actions.

In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior, or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.

During a seizure, neurons may fire as many as 500 times a second, much faster than the normal rate of about 80 times a second. In some people, this happens only occasionally; for others, it may happen up to hundreds of times a day.

One of the most-studied neurotransmitters that plays a role in epilepsy is GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Research on GABA has led to drugs that alter the amount of this neurotransmitter in the brain or changes how the brain responds to it. Researchers also are studying excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate.

Other biologically related causes that can trigger seizures are the ion channels created by sodium, potassium, and calcium. These ion channels produce electric charges that must fire regularly in order for a steady current to pass from one nerve cell in the brain to another.

If these ion channels are genetically damaged, a chemical imbalance occurs. This can cause nerve signals to misfire, leading to seizures. Abnormalities in the ion channels are believed to be responsible for absence and many other generalized seizures.

Serotonin is a brain chemical that is important for well-being and associated behaviors (eating, relaxation, sleep). Imbalances in serotonin are also associated with depression. A 2005 study indicated that depression may be a risk factor for epilepsy and that the two conditions may share common chemical pathways in the brain.

Resources:

http://www.healingwell.com/library/epilepsy/info1.asp
http://www.healthcentral.com/ency/40...00044_2_2.html
http://www.geocities.com/geneinfo/co...epilepsyb.html

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