TABLE 1.

The beneficial effects of adenosine in the context of seizures and epilepsy.

The Good: Adenosine increases seizure threshold, is critical for seizure termination, and may alleviate some of the adverse effects of seizures.
Seizure cessation	The inhibitory influence of adenosine makes seizures less likely and is critical for preventing status epilepticus when seizures do occur.
Neuroprotection during hypoxia	Convergent lines of evidence indicate that adenosine is neuroprotective under hypoxic conditions such as those observed during seizures.
Vasodilation	The vasodilating effect of seizure-induced adenosine surging may attenuate the postictal dysfunction elicited by cerebral vasoconstriction.