Landscape of epilepsy research: Analysis and future trajectory

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by temporary disruptions in the brain's electrical activity. This disorder can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected, leading to limitations on driving and employment opportunities. The seriousness of epilepsy is further emphasized by the risk of SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). Additionally, individuals with epilepsy commonly experience memory problems and emotional disorders. In this article, we present a bibliometrix analysis of epilepsy research, examining influential articles, keywords, authors, institutions, and countries. Our analysis focuses on research articles published from 2015 to 2023.The findings of our analysis reveal that China and India are the leading countries in terms of epilepsy publications and total citations. Furthermore, we propose a framework that encompasses technology, enablers, and barriers, providing valuable insights into the future trajectory of epilepsy research. Various factors can contribute to the development of epilepsy, including neurotransmitter imbalances, tumors, strokes, brain damage resulting from illnesses or injuries, or a combination of these causes. To gather scientific papers related to epilepsy seizures, we employed the Scopus database and extracted information such as titles, authors, contributing institutes, source journals, times cited, and countries. For data analysis, we used the R package (Bibliometricx R package), VOSviewer, and SciMAT facilitated co-authorship and co-occurrence analyses, allowing us to visualize the results. By shedding light on the current state of epilepsy research and identifying emerging trends, the aim of this study is to provide guidance for future investigations in understanding, managing, and treating epilepsy more effectively.