There are many preventive medications designed to reduce the frequency of seizures in epilepsy, but none can cure it. Scientists have managed to develop a drug that can change this.
Epilepsy is a dangerous and insidious disease that often occurs at the most inopportune moment, catching people off guard and threatening their lives. The scientific community seems to be rushing to deliver encouraging news, especially for those suffering from the disease that does not respond well to conventional treatment. Medical News writes that scientists have introduced a new drug that could be the solution these people desperately need.
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First, let’s talk about what epilepsy is. Think of the brain as a giant network of electrical wires. Normally these wires transmit signals without interruption, but in people with epilepsy sometimes a group of these “wires” or nerve cells in a particular area of the brain suddenly send out a rapid burst of electrical signals. This can cause what is called a seizure; It can lead to changes in behavior, mood, and even periods when the person is unable to control their body.
Although many medications can control or reduce attacks, they are not suitable for everyone. Moreover, approximately one-third of patients often feel that these medications do not stop their attacks at all. It can also sometimes be accompanied by quite serious side effects.
To find a solution to this difficult problem, researchers tested the drug called XEN1101. The first results were quite promising. Thus, when the drug was added to conventional medications, some patients experienced up to a 53% reduction in monthly seizures. Even more impressive, approximately one in five patients become completely seizure-free within six months.
A unique feature of XEN1101 is that patients can start treatment at the full dose; This is not the case with many other epilepsy medications. This is important because it helps you avoid spikes and drops in your medication levels, which can cause side effects to worsen or seizures to return.
If you are concerned about the issue of side effects, then scientists are willing to reassure you because they are quite similar to other medications used to treat seizures. Patients reported symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. However, most found these to be quite surmountable and continued treatment.
The science behind XEN1101 is quite interesting. The drug belongs to a group of drugs called potassium channel openers. They work by increasing the flow of potassium through nerve cells, which prevents them from sending rapid bursts of electrical signals that cause seizures. Although similar drugs were considered in the past, they were put on the backburner due to concerns that they would accumulate on the skin and eyes. But the drug XEN1101 appears to combine the benefits of these potassium channel openers with the safety of more traditional epilepsy medications.
285 adult epilepsy patients participated in the study, which lasted from 2019 to 2021. These people had tried an average of six other drugs before joining, but they had not been successful.
No worrisome side effects were detected during the study, but researchers plan to monitor patients closely in the future. They want to make sure that long-term use of the drug will not reveal any hidden problems. They are also interested in seeing whether XEN1101 might help other types of seizures.
Chief investigator Dr. Jacqueline French said: “Our study highlights the importance of finding as many treatment options as possible for those with seizures.” After all, epilepsy treatment is not universal today. Every patient deserves the chance to find a solution that works for them.
Previously Focus He wrote that experimental stem cell therapy works for epilepsy patients. The first two patients had almost 100% relief from severe attacks.
Moreover Focus Tom wrote that scientists have discovered a mechanism in the brain that allows us to understand complex sentences and other languages. Groundbreaking research has shed light on how two brain networks work together to decode complex sentences, paving the way for a better understanding of language acquisition. Their data can be used to combat dyslexia.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are having problems, contact an expert.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.