Neuropathology of the Glioneuronal Lesions of the Brain Associated with Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy

Overview

Besides the hippocampal sclerosis, the glioneuronal lesions of the brain (glioneuronal tumors and malformations) represent the second large cohort of patients with intractable epilepsy diagnosed in the epileptosurgical specimens. Our experience with diagnosis and classification of the glioneuronal disorders are reported. Current research efforts, enabled by the availability of a well-characterized human biopsy material, have addressed the issue whether these lesions play an active role in the onset of epileptic seizures. The results of those studies are discussed in the review as well.

Key words:
epilepsy – brain malformations – cortical dysplasia – ganglioglioma – dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor