Epilepsy: Definition, Epidemiology

A “seizure” is defined as the clinical manifestation of the excessive or hypersynchronous activity of neurons within the cerebral cortex. Epilepsy is a disorder that is viewed as a symptom of disturbed electrical activity in the brain caused by a wide variety of etiologies. It is a collection of many different types of seizures that vary widely in severity, appearance, cause, consequence, and management. The lifetime prevalence of epilepsy is approximately 3%. The incidence is highest in the first ten years of life and declines after that to the age of 50 when the incidence increases again. Epilepsy begins before the age of 18 in more than 75% of individuals. The rate of recurrence of a first unprovoked seizure within 5 years ranges between 23% and 80%. The age-adjusted incidence of epilepsy is 44 per 100,000 person-years. Each year, about 125,000 new epilepsy cases occur. Of these, 30% are in people younger than age 18 at the time of diagnosis.

How is serotonin related to epilepsy?

Recent researches from pharmaceutical companies suggest that serotonergic neurotransmission can control the production of seizures. Depletion of serotonin stocks in the brain can lead to chemically and electrically arising convulsions. Serotonergic neurons located in the dorsal midbrain raphe can regulate mood, cognition, emotions, etc. The main focus is on the 5-HT2 receptors. Thalamus is said to initiate electrical shocks, which cause the absence of epilepsy. The 5-HT2 receptors inhibit these electrical bursts and, therefore, can prevent seizures. A parallel stimulation of the D1 and D2 receptors also prevents seizures. Considering all these, it can be said that both are interlinked, i.e., the ability to control seizures for the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors is related to the amount of dopamine release. An example is that of SCH23390, a 5-HT2A/2C agonist that can inhibit soman-induced seizures.

Psychedelic substances and epilepsy

So, what if psychedelic substances can be used to elevate serotonin levels? Serotonin agonist, to be technical. This can control seizures in a large way and accelerate neuronal survival, as they can cause recovery of mitochondrial function after the occurrence of a seizure. This is where the psychedelic company Bright Minds Bioscience strikes the bell. The company has several evaluation tests running in the pipeline to determine the efficiency of psychedelic stocks in acting as a serotonergic agonist, thus helping treat epilepsy. The team includes more than 25 eminent scientists who create serotonergic drugs by creating a new formula or by modifying the chemical structure of the pre-existing ones.

Advantages

Psychedelics used here are mostly psilocybin compounds, and their therapeutic property is first elucidated through extensive research. This therapeutic property is connected with the specific disease, and the benefits are studied. If the undergoing research ensures fruitful results, then this psychedelic company can create a new future in modern medicine. To be specific, it can create a new pathway of agonism or a treatment regimen, never heard of before with their psychedelic company stocks. Another advantage is that these substances are receptor-specific and, therefore, do not bind to 5-HT2B receptors. Also, they don’t require continuous monitoring of dosing or therapeutic profile.