Neurocysticercosis: A natural human model of epileptogenesis. (23rd December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nash, Theodore E.; Mahanty, Siddhartha; Loeb, Jeffrey A.; Theodore, William H.; Friedman, Alon; Sander, Josemir W.; Singh, Gagandeep; Cavalheiro, Esper; Del Brutto, Oscar H.; Takayanagui, Osvaldo M.; Fleury, Agnes; Verastegui, Manuela; Preux, Pierre‐Marie; Montano, Silvia; Pretell, E. Javier; White, A. Clinton; Gonzales, Armando E.; Gilman, Robert H.; Garcia, Hector H.
• Is Part Of: Epilepsia. Volume 56:issue 2(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 183
• Publication Date: 2014-12-23
• Subjects: Epilepsy -- Periodicals; 616.853
• DOI: 10.1111/epi.12849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-9580

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="epi12849-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <sec id="epi12849-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To develop a better understanding of mechanisms of seizures and long‐term epileptogenesis using neurocysticercosis.</p> </sec> <sec id="epi12849-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A workshop was held bringing together experts in epilepsy and epileptogenesis and neurocysticercosis.</p> </sec> <sec id="epi12849-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Human neurocysticercosis and parallel animal models offer a unique opportunity to understand basic mechanisms of seizures. Inflammatory responses to degenerating forms and later‐stage calcified parasite granulomas are associated with seizures and epilepsy. Other mechanisms may also be involved in epileptogenesis.</p> </sec> <sec id="epi12849-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Significance</title> <p>Naturally occurring brain infections with neurocysticercosis offer a unique opportunity to develop treatments for one of the world's most common causes of epilepsy and for the development of more general antiepileptogenic treatments. Key advantages stem from the time course in which an acute seizure heralds a start of the epileptogenic process, and radiographic changes of calcification and perilesional edema provide biomarkers of a chronic epileptic state.</p> </sec> </abstract>