Epilepsy: Mechanisms, Models, and Translational Perspectives

Epilepsy has afflicted humankind throughout recorded history; yet, it is only in the last half-century, that significant progress has been made in our basic understanding of the epileptic brain. Pivotal advances in drug development and surgical techniques, as well as the emergence of innovative approaches such as electrical stimulation of the nervous system, have led to a substantial reduction in the morbidity and mortality of patients with epilepsy. At the same time, remarkable developments in neuroscience have enhanced our understanding of brain structure and function. Epilepsy: Mechanisms, Models, and Translational Perspectives incorporates new translational advances that bring epilepsy therapies from the laboratory bench to the bedside and back again. It brings together the work of more than 70 of the field’s most respected and cutting-edge researchers and clinicians. In 24 chapters, this extraordinarily comprehensive and current work: Offers an overview of the basic anatomic and functional substrates of seizure genesis and considers novel pathogenic concepts that have both emerged and been validated experimentally Examines antiepileptic drug therapy, including the latest on molecular targets Looks at the state of surgical treatments for epilepsy and discusses advances in the fields of structural and functional neuroimaging Reviews the variety of nontraditional therapeutic options, such as the ketogenic diet, the vagus nerve stimulator, immunomodulators, neurosteroids, herbs, and botanicals Investigates neuroendocrine, hormonal, and biobehavioral factors that influence seizure susceptibility—information that can be incorporated into the design of treatment algorithms on an individualized basis Provides a glimpse of what future epilepsy therapies might look like, from novel mechanisms of drug delivery to gene and stem-cell therapies for epilepsy to seizure detection meth