Since the first descriptions of Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (NFLE) many theories have been proposed to explain its pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of this paper is to formulate a tentative hypothesis designed to unify the clinical, anatomo-physiological, and genetic aspects underlying this condition. According to this hypothesis, NFLE is due to a disorder in the thalamocortical circuit involved in the arousal mechanism. Other cortical-networks involving the limbic system may explain, for instance, primitive behaviors. The role of the cholinergic system and related pathways in the pathogenesis of nocturnal seizures and parasomnias is also discussed.
Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy: new pathophysiological interpretations / Tinuper P.; Bisulli F.; Provini F.; Montagna P.; Lugaresi E.. - In: SLEEP MEDICINE. - ISSN 1389-9457. - ELETTRONICO. - 12:suppl. 2(2011), pp. S39-S42. [10.1016/j.sleep.2011.10.009]
Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy: new pathophysiological interpretations.
TINUPER, PAOLO;BISULLI, FRANCESCA;PROVINI, FEDERICA;
2011
Abstract
Since the first descriptions of Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (NFLE) many theories have been proposed to explain its pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of this paper is to formulate a tentative hypothesis designed to unify the clinical, anatomo-physiological, and genetic aspects underlying this condition. According to this hypothesis, NFLE is due to a disorder in the thalamocortical circuit involved in the arousal mechanism. Other cortical-networks involving the limbic system may explain, for instance, primitive behaviors. The role of the cholinergic system and related pathways in the pathogenesis of nocturnal seizures and parasomnias is also discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
