Pediatric Epileptic Encephalopathies: Pathophysiology and Animal Models

Epileptic encephalopathies are syndromes in which seizures or interictal epileptiform activity contributes to or exacerbates brain function, beyond that caused by the underlying pathology. These severe epilepsies begin early in life, are associated with poor lifelong outcome, and are resistant to most treatments. Therefore, they represent an immense challenge for families and the medical care system. Furthermore, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the epileptic encephalopathies are poorly understood, hampering attempts to devise novel treatments.
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research