11 Scopus citations

Abstract

An unmet need in the treatment of epilepsy has been targeted therapies that prevent the onset or progression of seizures in the susceptible individual. We have no treatments that target the process of epileptogenesis, through which the genetically predisposed or injured brain becomes capable of generating unprovoked, recurrent seizures. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multiorgan disorder caused by a defect in the mTOR (mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway. Epilepsy is a prominent feature of TSC, with seizures often occurring after the diagnosis of TSC has already been made. The mTOR pathway has been studied in animal models, with evidence suggesting that downstream effectors may contribute to the mechanisms leading to seizure generation, making the mTOR pathway an attractive candidate for potentially novel and rational antiepileptogenic therapies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)437-447
Number of pages11
JournalExpert Review of Neurotherapeutics
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2 2016

Keywords

  • Seizures
  • epilepsy
  • epileptogenesis
  • everolimus
  • mTOR
  • rapamycin
  • traumatic brain injury
  • tuberous sclerosis

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