Introduction

Figure 12.1 The nervous system, the body’s control center, consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and a very complex system of nerves. (attribution: Copyright Rice University, OpenStax, under CC BY 4.0 license)

Chapter Outline

12.1 Epilepsy and Anticonvulsant Drugs

12.2 Migraine Headaches and Migraine Headache Drugs

12.3 Intracranial Emergencies and Intracranial Emergency Drugs

The brain, one of the most important organs of the body, controls and coordinates all bodily functions including movement, sensation, thought, memory, and emotion. The brain receives information from neurons, interprets that information, and then responds via either voluntary or involuntary actions. When the brain is affected by disorders, such as epilepsy, seizures, migraines, and intracranial emergencies, the proper functioning of the body can be severely impaired (see Figure 12.2). This chapter will delve into these disorders, their impact on the brain, and common drugs used to treat these conditions.

Figure 12.2 The hippocampus and amygdala, frontal lobe, and temporal lobe are common areas of the brain involved in seizures and epilepsy. (credit: modification of work from Anatomy and Physiology 2e. attribution: Copyright Rice University, OpenStax, under CC BY 4.0 license)