Astrogliosis as the Driver for Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
Abstract
Nearly half of all reported cases of acquired epilepsy are caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI), which are often the result of accidental, recreational, and combat-related injuries. These acquired forms of epilepsy are predominately in young adults. Biological factors underlying post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), as well as predictors for subgroups developing epilepsy, remain elusive, as are predictors for subgroups that may present with epilepsy. In addition, failure of the clinical trials to prevent spontaneous post-traumatic seizures using currently available anti-epileptic therapeutic approaches indicates presence of other, yet unknown mechanisms of epileptogenesis. Mounting evidence suggests mild repeated TBI pathology contributes to PTE. The influence of TBI on seizures and any cumulative TBI insults needed to cross a particular threshold to cause epilepsy have not been investigated. Further, it is uncertain if blast waves produced by explosions can cause epilepsy. Importantly, the effects of gender on PTE manifestation also require attention. Acquired epilepsy is devastating to patients, as seizures are largely unresponsive to current anti-seizure medications. Seizures significantly impair independent living and cause progressive cognitive decline. Despite our awareness of the initiating events, prevention of PTE with antiepileptic drugs has been unsuccessful. To date, nearly all research has focused on neurons and treatments exclusively addressing neuronal dysfunction. Alternatively, astrogliosis, which can decrease individual seizure thresholds, might also be implicated in TBI and is the focus of this pre-clinical study of PTE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1097375
Entities
People
- Pamela VandeVord