The Love Hormone and Seizure Control: A Review of Oxytocin’s Impact on Epilepsy Management

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which can significantly impact patient’s quality of life. While current management strategies for epilepsy, such as antiepileptic drugs and surgery, are effective for many patients, there is a need for novel therapies that can provide better seizure control and improve patients’ outcomes. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide known for its role in social bonding and trust, has emerged as a promising therapy for epilepsy. Preclinical studies have shown that oxytocin can reduce seizure activity and improve seizure outcomes in animal models of epilepsy. In contrast, clinical studies have suggested that oxytocin may reduce seizure frequency and severity in some epilepsy patients. This chapter reviews the current knowledge of oxytocin and epilepsy, including the potential mechanisms of oxytocin’s antiepileptic effects, the limitations and challenges of clinical studies, and future research directions and implications. The chapter also discusses the broader impact of oxytocin research on understanding social behaviour and neurological disorders. Overall, the chapter highlights the potential of oxytocin as a novel therapy for epilepsy management and underscores the need for further research.