Voltage-Gated Sodium Ion Channel Activation

**Semantic type:** Phenomenon or Process

**Definition:** A process that involves detection of alteration to the voltage across a membrane, and results in opening of the channel to become selectively permeable to sodium ions. This interaction plays a key role in conduction of nerve impulses throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Deficiencies in this process may result in various channelopathies, featuring epilepsy, seizures and paralysis.