Anesthetic drugs epilepsy

Neuromuscular blocking drugs are sometimes used to attenuate or eliminate the peripheral manifestations of convulsions associated with epilepsy or local anesthetic toxicity. Although this approach is effective in eliminating the muscular manifestations of the seizures, it has no effect on the central processes involved since neuromuscular blocking drugs do not cross the blood-brain barrier. 

The ability of conotoxins to selectively block ion channels and neuronal receptors has led to their development into therapeutic agents. So far, most conotoxin applications as therapeutics have been concentrated on the treatment of different forms of pain. The first drug of marine origin is based on the w-conotoxin MVIIA for the treatment of chronic pain (see helow). Other therapeutic applications of conotoxins include treatment of schizophrenia, epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, certain types of cancer, urinary dysfunction, Parkinson s disease, Alzheimer s disease, stroke, and related hrain injuries. Other uses include muscle relaxants, anesthetics, and antiseizure compounds. As the demand for new painkillers and other neuropharmacological agents is expected to increase, the value of the discovery and testing of new conotoxins is expected to continue to expand. 

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