Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: GABAA receptor neurotransmission and epilepsy: Principles, disease mechanisms and pharmacotherapy

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder associated with alterations of excitation‐inhibition balance within brain neuronal networks. GABA A receptor neurotransmission is the most prevalent form of inhibitory neurotransmission and is strongly implicated in both the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy, serving as a primary target for antiseizure medications for over a century. It is now established that GABA exerts a multifaceted influence through an array of GABA A receptor subtypes that extends far beyond simply negating excitatory activity. As the role of GABA A neurotransmission within inhibitory circuits is elaborated, this will enable the development of precision therapies that correct the network dysfunction underlying epileptic pathology.