Connections in the brain involved in epileptic seizures identified

MRI scans - Researchers at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology have discovered a network of connections in the brain linked to seizures in people with epilepsy. The team believe that their findings, published in Brain , will help redesign neurological operations for patients whose epilepsy can't be controlled by medication. By disconnecting certain pathways in the frontal lobe, patients may be able to enjoy long-lasting freedom from seizures. There are 500,000 people in the UK with epilepsy and 50 million people have the condition worldwide. But one in three cannot control their epilepsy with medication. For those patients where the source of epilepsy can be pinpointed, neurosurgery can be curative. However, currently only around 30% of patients remain seizure-free in the long-term in the frontal lobe.