Abstracts

Summary: Although neuronal damage is associated with status epilepticus, traumatic brain injury and several epilepsy syndromes, neuroprotective strategies remain controversial. Recent evidence showing neuroprotective effects of several anticonvulsants has led to a renewed interest in neuroprotection in epilepsy. Several anticonvulsants have been shown to exert neuroprotection by mechanisms that include modulation of calcium homeostasis, histone deacetylases, mitochondrial function, antioxidant functions, iron chelation, and increased conduction through potassium channels. In addition, the development of neuroprotection assays with higher throughput may lead to a greater rate of discovery of novel neuroprotective agents. This workshop will provide an update on new developments and novel strategies for neuroprotection in epilepsy.