Effects of the anti-seizure medication on the electrical activity of a brain

It is has been well documented that the anti-seizure medication, in the right conditions, can be effective and prevent seizures. There is, however, a lack of evidence for the precise effects of the medication on the human neurophysiology. Given the heterogeneity of pharmacological mechanisms, variable adherence, and frequent use in polytherapy, there is limited opportunity for systematic investigation with human patients. However, the insights into the effects of the anti-seizure medication are urgently needed for clinical interpretation and the development of new treatments.

In this talk, I will discuss our approach to the analysis of interactions between anti-seizure medication and the electrophysiology of individuals with drug resistant epilepsy. I will look at the intracranial EEG records from clinical datasets where medication was altered following a documented schedule, and I will describe how these alterations modify the electrical activity of a brain. Finally, I will show how these changes are modulated by the medication dosage, the brain region, and the time of day.