Electrophysiology of the epileptogenic network

Publication date: September 2018Source: Neurophysiologie Clinique, Volume 48, Issue 4Author(s): Pierre-Pascal Lenck-SantiniThe epileptogenic network is not only characterized by seizures but also by an impaired function. Indeed, epilepsy is commonly associated with a variety of behavioral and cognitive deficits that, on top of seizures, can dramatically affect patients. In addition, seizures and interictal activity also occur in non-epileptic syndromes such autistic spectrum disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer disease. To understand the mechanisms responsible for such overlap, we will consider the possible involvement of seizures, interictal activity or etiology in epilepsy-linked cognitive impairment. We will then investigate the characteristics of the epileptogenic network and identify the neuronal players critically involved in its abnormal function. Finally, we will revisit the traditional Excitation/Inhibition balance idea and extend it to a more dynamic concept of network coordination. We propose that seizures, interictal epileptiform activity and cognitive deficits are different expressions of the same cause: an abnormal dynamic organization of the network induced, in a majority of cases by GABAergic interneuron dysfunction.
Source: Neurophysiologie Clinique - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research