Self-reinforcing loop mechanism in epilepsy

Abstract

The evidence for a mutual dependence between convulsive activity and duration of the paradoxical sleep (PS) can be found from the literature. Convulsions diminish the PS time, on the other hand, PS restriction increases the sensitivity to convulsion-inducing stimuli. In epilepsy, the operation of this positive feedback loop mechanism is possibly promoted by elevated levels of enkephalin and norepinephrine that are characteristic of epileptics. The above supports the convulsions-PS interplay representing a relevant therapeutic target in epilepsy. In this connection, usage of PS duration increasing hypnotics like thalidomide, in combination with enkephalin and norepinephrine antagonists is thought to be of special importance.