The developing human brain is at higher risk of developing seizures, particularly during the frst month of life.
In addition to possible insults associated with the birthing
Animal models of epilepsy: use and limitations
process, the immature brain has a predominance of excitation over inhibition, which, on the one hand, is important
for synaptogenesis but, on the other hand, increases seizure
susceptibility. Animal models of seizures in the developing
brain provide a unique opportunity to study this enhanced
excitability during development. The main question is
whether seizures in this critical period disturb neuronal
circuit development and whether such disturbances promote
epileptogenesis and cognitive defcits later in life. We briefly
describe two of the models most used to investigate these
issues.