Grandmal seizures

A number of animal models are currently available for anticonvulsant screening [13,14]. Two basic models used are Maximal Electroshock Test (MEST) and Subcutaneous Pentylenetetrazole Seizure Threshold Test (ScMET). Anticonvulsant activity in MEST predicts the ability of the testing material or compound in preventing the spread of seizure discharge and effectiveness in the treatment of grandmal seizures, while activity in ScMET predicts the ability to elevate seizure threshold and effectiveness in myoclonic seizures. 

Hypothyroidism can result in depression, pseudodementia and, in severe cases, myxedema coma. Conversely, it can also lead to inappropriate euphoria, depression and frank psychosis (Lichtenstein, 1980). Other higher center problems include sensorineural deafness, and the mechanism is thought to be due to the deposition of gly-cosamino glycan and bone hypertrophy, but this can be difficult to confirm. Severe hypothyroidism can result in severe mental retardation (cretinism) in children. Grandmal seizure is not uncommon. It is thought to be due to the failure to excrete water, resulting in severe hyponatremia and occurs in about 25% of cases (Myers and Hays, 1975). 

It is indicated in typical and atypical absence seizure, infantile spasms, myoclonic epilepsy, atonic seizures, minor motor seizures of childhood, refractory grandmal epilepsy or temporal lobe epilepsy and seizures not controlled by conventional antiepileptics. 

Phenobarbitone raises the threshold of electro-shock seizures and modifies maximal electro-shock seizures and abolish the tonic phase thus useful in the treatment of grandmal epilepsy. The threshold of pentylenetetrazol induced convulsion is slightly raised and has less usefulness in the treatment of petitmal epilepsy. 

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