Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
05:33
A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Published on: June 23, 2022
2.9K
Epilepsy, Immunity and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Francesco Fortunato1, Alessia Giugno1, Ilaria Sammarra1
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Neurology, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
Current Neuropharmacology
|July 7, 2022
Summary
Autoimmunity and inflammation play key roles in neurological disorders, leading to autoimmune epilepsy. Early recognition of these conditions is crucial for better patient outcomes and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Immunity and inflammation are increasingly recognized in neurological disorders.
- Autoimmune central nervous system diseases present with seizures and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- Autoimmune epilepsy highlights the impact of immunity on seizure development.
Approach:
- This review discusses the role of autoimmunity in epileptogenesis, covering clinical, neurophysiological, neuroimaging, and therapeutic aspects.
- It examines specific conditions like Rasmussen's encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis, distinguishing between antibodies targeting surface versus intracellular neuronal antigens.
- The review also explores the connection between systemic immune disorders and neurological manifestations.
Key Points:
- Autoimmunity is increasingly recognized as a significant factor in the development of epilepsy.
- Autoimmune encephalitis, especially with surface neuronal antigen antibodies, demonstrates a direct immune-mediated mechanism.
- Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms are closely related to immune system dysfunction and impact patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Further research into inflammation and autoimmunity in neurological disorders is needed.
- Early identification of autoimmune epilepsy improves prognosis and recovery.
- Understanding the immune system's role is vital for managing neurological conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
271
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.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
271
01:13Seizures: Classification
577
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
577
01:28Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
1.5K
Nervous tissue is a vital component of the human body's communication system, enabling us to perceive and respond to stimuli. However, like all other tissues, it is vulnerable to disorders and diseases that can significantly impact our neurological functioning.
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
1.5K
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
504
Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
504
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
431
Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
431
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
270
Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
270