The mechanisms which cause epilepsy are unknown. Our research group is actively pursuing research into the mechanism, or combination of mechanisms, through which anti-epileptic drugs have their effects. This has important scientific and therapeutic implications, in that a drug with several modes of action should have greater efficacy against a range of seizure types. Treatment with a single drug with several modes of action also has clear benefits over the use of a number of drugs each with a single mode of action.

TOPAMAX™(topiramate) has been developed as a new medicine for the treatment of partial and generalised epileptic seizures in adults and children. TOPAMAX™ blocks the spread of a seizure and may also increase the threshold at which the patient will experience a seizure, suggesting it may be an effective treatment for a broad range of seizure types. TOPAMAX™ is available in many countries including the U.S.A. Research on the use of topiramate is continuing.