Epilepsy and Encephalopathy

Abstract

BackgroundEpilepsy encompasses more than the predisposition to unprovoked seizures. In children, epileptic activity during (ictal) and between (interictal) seizures has the potential to disrupt normal brain development. The term “epileptic encephalopathy (EE)” refers to the concept that such abnormal activity may contribute to cognitive and behavioral impairments beyond that expected from the underlying cause of the epileptic activity. MethodsIn this review, we survey the concept of EE across a diverse selection of syndromes to illustrate its broad applicability in pediatric epilepsy. We review experimental evidence that provides mechanistic insights into how epileptic activity has the potential to impact normal brain processes and the development of neural networks. We then discuss opportunities to improve developmental outcomes in epilepsy now and in the future. ResultsEpileptic activity in the brain poses a threat to normal physiology and brain development. ConclusionUntil we have treatments that reliably target and effectively treat the underlying causes of epilepsy, a major goal of management is to prevent epileptic activity from worsening developmental outcomes.