Neuronal Migration Disorders

Abstract

Enhanced understanding of brain development has led to increased awareness of the links between disorders of neuronal migration and seizure disorders. A significant number of patients with intractable epilepsy have cortical malformations that originated during neuronal migration. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a primary role in the diagnosis and classification of neuronal migration disorders. These disorders include polymicrogyria, schizencephaly, lissencephaly, heterotopia, and focal cortical dysplasia. Imaging protocols continue to evolve to provide critical assessment of anatomic and physiologic traits of these disorders to better treat and prevent seizures.