What do anticonvulsants primarily prevent or control?

Anticonvulsants are primarily used to prevent or control seizures, which are abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that can lead to various types of neurological disturbances. These medications stabilize neuronal activity and reduce the frequency and severity of seizure episodes in individuals with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.

The development and use of anticonvulsants target the underlying mechanisms of seizures by modifying neurotransmitter activity or ion channel stability in the brain, effectively helping to manage conditions associated with excessive neuronal firing. This is why the correct answer focuses on seizures, as that is the key indication for anticonvulsant therapy.

Other options, such as stomach pain, heartburn, and infections, are not primary issues addressed by anticonvulsants, as these conditions require different therapeutic approaches tailored to managing gastrointestinal or infectious diseases.