Pharmacoresistance in pediatric focal cortical dysplasia related epilepsy: what are the risks?

Takeaway

  • In children with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD)-related epilepsy, failure of seizure control with one antiseizure medication is associated with substantial risk of developing pharmacoresistance.

Why this matters

  • There are inconsistencies in data on the natural history of FCD-related epilepsy, as well as the clinical and pathologic associations with their onset. This leads to debate over the optimal threshold for surgical intervention in this population.

  • These findings potentially support earlier access to surgery to improve outcomes of children with FCD-related epilepsy.