Seizures

Seizures are not a molecular target, such as a receptor or enzyme, but are instead a clinical manifestation or symptom of abnormal, excessive, or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain (Fisher et al., 2005; StatPearls, 2023). They are characterized by transient occurrences of signs or symptoms that can include involuntary rhythmic movements, altered consciousness, or sensory disturbances. In a pharmacological context, seizures represent a therapeutic indication or a pathological state rather than the site of drug action. Therapeutic intervention for seizures involves targeting specific proteins—such as voltage-gated sodium channels (e.g., SCN1A), GABA-A receptors, or synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A)—to restore the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission (NIH, 2023). Therefore, classifying 'seizures' as a target is technically incorrect as it refers to the physiological event rather than the molecular entity being modulated.

Other names

ConvulsionsIctal eventsEpileptic fitsStatus epilepticusCerebral dysrhythmia

Drugs used to manage seizures (anti-seizure medications) act on various molecular targets to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability, including the inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels, enhancement of GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission, modulation of calcium channels, or inhibition of glutamate receptors (PubMed, PMID: 30514110).