Which class of drugs is used to prevent or reduce seizures that may occur with brain tumors, meningitis, head injuries or epilepsy?

• A. Anticonvulsants (Class)
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Antipsychotics
• D. Antihistamines

Answer: (A)

Seizure prevention in people with brain tumors, meningitis, head injury, or epilepsy is achieved with anticonvulsants. These drugs work by reducing neuronal excitability and stabilizing brain activity—often by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels to prevent overactive firing or by enhancing GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Because these conditions can lower the seizure threshold or provoke abnormal electrical activity, anticonvulsants are used to prevent or lessen seizures, either as ongoing therapy or as short-term prophylaxis around high-risk events. Examples include agents that commonly reduce cortical excitability and help prevent seizure spread. Antibiotics treat infections, antipsychotics address psychosis, and antihistamines target allergic symptoms, so they do not serve the same role in seizure prevention.