[Physiopathology and etiology of epilepsy in children]

Epilepsy is an association of chronic disorders characterised by recurrence of paroxysmal manifestations related to synchronisation of brain neuron populations. The mechanism is still unknown and few clinical forms are reproduced by animal models. A causal cerebral lesion is identified in only one fourth of cases. The origin of epilepsy thus remains largely speculative, although natural and genetic factors, as well as lesions have been evidenced. Nevertheless, knowledge concerning the genes predisposing to epilepsy has opened the way to new treatments, and better identification of electroencephalographic changes that precede the onset of crises could allow surgery without resection, by neurophysiological treatment of epileptogenic foci.