Epileptogenesis in Posttraumatic Epilepsy

Posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a severe, disabling, delayed consequence of a traumatic brain injury. The mechanism by which trauma to the brain tissue leads to PTE is unknown. Despite notable improvements in medical management, there is currently no effective treatment available that can prevent epileptogenesis after the physical brain insult. Hence, the hunt for disease-modifying interventions for epilepsy is a high priority in neuropharmacological research. In pursuit, more in-depth knowledge of the neural pathways underlying the development of epilepsy is required. Numerous studies have discussed how neurodegeneration and pathological changes in those brain regions contribute to recurrent electrographic seizures. The connection between neurodegeneration and the onset of epilepsy is still poorly understood. A substantial body of evidence points toward the role of various inflammatory processes following neurodegeneration. This leads to changes in the brain network from normal to epileptic. This chapter discusses the evidence of neuroinflammation and the pathways involved in epileptogenesis. Finally, we outline how this approach can lead to new insights into understanding the pathophysiology of epilepsy, which can be a guiding light for the search of more effective epilepsy treatments.