ABSTRACT
Epilepsy is a common episodic neurological condition that is heterogeneous in clinical presentation, yet characterized at a more fundamental level by the common denominators of neuronal hyperexcitability and hypersynchrony. Our understanding of epilepsy has advanced significantly over the past several decades, and the treatment options (both medical and surgical) have expanded greatly as well. Progress in the basic neurosciences has translated to yet ever-growing observations of molecular and cellular changes that are associated with the epileptic condition, and some of which may be critical to the processes of epileptogenesis-i.e., the pathological changes that ensue over a latent period, ultimately resulting in spontaneous recurrent seizures and their attendant negative consequences. Further, within the past decade, advances in molecular genetics have defined not only more clearly the role of seizure susceptibility genes and multi-gene influences, but genetic mutations that are specifically linked to certain, albeit rare epileptic syndromes.
