Seizure therapeutic approach

Systemic or intracerebral administration of pilocarpine hydrochloride in high doses induces seizures in rodents. These seizures are characterized by a sequential development of behavioral patterns and electrographic activity [69]. The pilocarpine seizure induces status epilepticus like in humans mimicking the pathogenesis and progression of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy [70]. It can be useful to exploit these model properties to design new therapeutic approaches for treating refractory epilepsies. 

The use of electrical stimulation to induce therapeutic seizures is the safest and most efficient form of convulsive therapy (e.g., as compared with pharmacoconvulsive therapy). In 1938, Cerletti and Bini ( 3) were the first to attempt this approach, and until the introduction of effective pharmacotherapy, ECT remained the primary treatment for more severe mood and psychotic episodes. Since then, however, this somatic therapy has been relegated to a secondary role, usually attempted after trials with standard psychotropics (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, lithium, and other mood stabilizers, often in multiple combinations) have proved inadequate. 

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