Saccadic eye movements and anti-epileptic drugs

Saccadic eye movements can be used to evaluate different aspects of brain function, and in this article we are concerned with possible applications in relation to anti-epileptic drug treatment. Recent improvements in the technology of measurement have improved the sensitivity and objectivity of the measures. Here we review the neurophysiology of saccades, their classification, their anatomical basis and cortical control, and then published research articles concerned with the influence of anti-epileptic drugs on saccades and their parameters. It seems likely that certain anti-epileptic drugs (especially those acting on ion channels) exert their effect on saccades through ion channels, and this may have relevance to clinical and pharmacogenetic studies.