ABSTRACT
Mechanisms of epilepsy have been explored through a variety of animal models as well as detailed human studies, for more than 70 years.1-3 Through the animal models, a large number of contributing factors leading to epilepsy have been demonstrated, including conditions that lead to the intermittent, enhanced synchrony leading to partial or generalized seizures. While animal models still have only moderate predictive validity for anticonvulsant therapy development, the mechanisms may potentially apply to the human situation. However, in general, most animal models involve acute seizure development, mirrored in humans as acute convulsions, usually due to systemic or CNS irritants or toxins. For example, a classic convulsion may be seen with an overdose of penicillin or meperidine, and
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convulsions are characterized by a high degree of neuronal electrical synchrony throughout the brain.
