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Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

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Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

In Vivo Fiber-Coupled Pre-Clinical Confocal Laser-scanning Endomicroscopy (pCLE) of Hippocampal Capillaries in Awake Mice

In Vivo Fiber-Coupled Pre-Clinical Confocal Laser-scanning Endomicroscopy (pCLE) of Hippocampal Capillaries in Awake Mice

Published on: April 21, 2023

Cerebrovascular remodeling and epilepsy.

Nicola Marchi¹, Mireille Lerner-Natoli

¹Departments of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA. marchin@ccf.org

The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry

|October 18, 2012

Summary

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is implicated in epilepsy, not just drug delivery. Targeting BBB permeability and angiogenesis may offer new epilepsy treatments.

Keywords:

VEGF angiogenesis blood-brain barrier inflammation seizures

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In Vivo Fiber-Coupled Pre-Clinical Confocal Laser-scanning Endomicroscopy (pCLE) of Hippocampal Capillaries in Awake Mice

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Vascular Biology
Epilepsy Research

Background:

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) was traditionally viewed as a barrier to drug delivery but is now recognized as a factor in epilepsy.
Evidence indicates cerebrovascular angiogenesis and increased BBB permeability in epileptic tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis in the epileptic brain.
To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting the BBB and angiogenesis for epilepsy management.

Main Methods:

Review of current scientific literature on BBB function, angiogenesis, and epilepsy.
Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular changes in epilepsy.
Discussion of cellular players like pericytes in epileptic cerebrovascular remodeling.

Main Results:

Vascular remodeling and BBB dysfunction are key features of the epileptic brain.
Molecular pathways involved in cerebrovascular changes are shared with other brain disorders.
Pericytes and angiogenesis may play significant roles in epilepsy pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

Pharmacological interventions targeting aberrant angiogenesis and BBB permeability show promise for reducing seizure burden.
Combination therapies with existing anti-epileptic drugs could be enhanced by targeting vascular aspects.
Further research into the BBB's role in drug-resistant epilepsy and brain homeostasis is warranted.