Role of ketamine in convulsions.

ABSTRACT

It can be concluded from the present study that ketamine showed dose-dependent anticonvulsant effect on MES in mice. It is presumed that this anticonvulsant effect of ketamine could be due to blockade of excitatory amino acid NMDA receptors. It was potentiated by anticonvulsants like diazepam and DPH but was found to be insensitive to naloxone. These findings suggest the involvement of NMDA receptors and their antagonists in epilepsy. Ketamine thus can be given as add-on therapy in refractory cases, and may prove to be useful as an anticonvulsant in future.