Chapter 7 - Malformations of Cortical Development

Abstract

This chapter discusses malformations of cerebral cortical development. The breakup of cortical developments into stages of cell proliferation, neuronal migration, and cortical organization forms a conceptual framework for the genetic study and pathological analysis of cortical malformations. This method is useful in classifying malformations on basis of neuroimaging features. Secondary features based on topology, characteristics of white matter, associated histologic characteristics, or associated cerebellar malformations can then be used for further classification into more distinct categories. Malformations of cortical developments generally cause neocortical epilepsy. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the imaging techniques that are used for the assessment of patients with neocortical epilepsy and other cortical malformations. Among these techniques, magnetic resonance imaging is the initial imaging study of choice because its high-contrast resolution allows a much better analysis of the cerebral cortex than any other neuroimaging technique.