The Role of Inflammation in Epilepsy

Experimental and clinical data suggest that activation of inflammation may occur after epileptic seizures without any evidence of systemic or central nervous system infection. Various animal and human studies have recently shown that cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Although little is known about the role of inflammation in epilepsy, it has been hypothesized that activated immune system and subsequent inflammatory reaction in the brain can intervene to facilitate certain molecular and structural changes occurring during and after seizure activity. This review focuses on the relationship between inflammation and epilepsy.