Prevention Of Post-Stroke Epileptogenesis

Cerebrovascular brain injuries (including stroke and ischemia) account for 11% of the symptomatic epilepsies and the incidence of epilepsy after a stroke can be as high as 20%. Dr. Mody has developed a novel and specific cerebrovascular trauma model in mice that reduces the blood supply to brain areas heavily involved in the genesis of epilepsy, and has preliminary data consistent with the development of epilepsy after such trauma. His investigation will focus on understanding the mechanisms leading to the development of epilepsy after the cerebrovascular injury, and on developing novel pharmacological approaches aimed at stopping the transition from stroke to epilepsy in its tracks.