The Gut Microbiota in Epilepsy: Current Concepts of Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutics

Abstract

Epilepsy is a non-communicable brain disorder characterized by an individual's proclivity for spontaneous epileptic seizures. Epilepsy may be classified into six types: genetic, structural, metabolic, infectious, immune-related, and unexplained causes. Numerous current findings have shown evidence that an imbalance in the gut microbiota is a cause of epilepsy. Between the gut microbiota and the brain systems, there are five putative communication pathways. The neuroendocrine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, intestinal bacteria's production of neurotransmitters, the intestinal immune system, and the relationship between the intestinal mucosal barrier and the blood-brain barrier are among them. Future epilepsy interventions might include modifications of antiepileptic medications, a ketogenic diet, and probiotics as a possible treatment in the gut flora. However, further research is required to assess long-term therapeutic benefits.