A pattern of repeated seizures is referred to as epilepsy. Medication controls seizures for the majority of patients, who are otherwise healthy and able to live full and productive lives. On the other hand, at least 200,000 Americans have seizures more than once a month. Their lives are devastated by frequent, uncontrollable seizures or associated disabilities. This past decade has seen a dramatic increase in our knowledge about epilepsy, but there remains much tragedy in the lives of many people with the disorder.
Basic research aims to identify viral, genetic, or other factors that cause epilepsy.
These findings provide the basis for developing new and improved methods of prevention and therapy. Developing new drugs. The goal of modern neurological research is to develop safe, well-tolerated drugs that control seizures. Basic research has brought some of the now more commonly prescribed anticonvulsant drugs to the market. Scientists are also developing ways to test new and better drugs in patients.