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Focal epilepsies: immunologic and inflammatory mechanisms
1Section of Neurology, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|December 17, 2014
Summary
Inflammation and autoimmune processes are increasingly recognized in focal epilepsies. These immune mechanisms may trigger or contribute to the development of symptomatic partial epilepsies and related antibody syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Focal epilepsies are increasingly linked to inflammatory processes.
- Immune-mediated mechanisms are implicated in several epilepsy types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review immune-mediated inflammatory processes in symptomatic partial epilepsies.
- To summarize data on autoimmune mechanisms in epilepsy development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current data.
- Analysis of immune-mediated pathways in focal epilepsies.
- Examination of neuronal surface antibody-associated syndromes.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports inflammatory activation in focal epilepsies.
- Mesial temporal sclerosis, focal cortical dysplasia, and Rasmussen's encephalitis show immune involvement.
- Neuronal surface antibody syndromes present with focal seizures.
Conclusions:
- Autoimmune mechanisms are a potential pathogenic factor in some symptomatic epilepsies.
- Immune responses may act as a trigger for epilepsy development.
- Further research into autoimmune epilepsy is warranted.
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