Mesial frontal epilepsy

Abstract

The mesiofrontal cortex comprises a number of distinct anatomic and functional areas. Structural lesions and cortical dysgenesis are recognized causes of mesial frontal epilepsy, but a specific gene defect may also be important, as seen in some forms of familial frontal lobe epilepsy. The predominant seizure manifestations, which are not necessarily strictly correlated with a specific ictal onset zone, are absence, hypermotor, and postural tonic seizures. Other seizure types also occur. The task of localization of the epileptogenic zone can be challenging, whether EEG or imaging methods are used. Successful localization can lead to a rewarding outcome after epilepsy surgery, particularly in those with an imaged lesion.