Idiopathic generalized epilepsy: Lack of significant microdysgenesis

Abstract

Background: The idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGE) are classically regarded as due to a functional abnormality. However, microscopic microdysgenetic changes have been reported in the majority of cases by one group. Objective: To independently evaluate the microscopic microdysgenetic changes in a controlled, blinded study. Methods: Five brains with IGE and five age-matched control brains were collected. Blocks were taken from nine standardized Brodmann areas, both hippocampi, and cerebellum. Slides were examined independently by two neuropathologists blinded to patient group, who qualitatively scored microdysgenetic features on standardized data sheets. The results were compared and any ..