Focal cortical dysplasia as a cause of epilepsy: The current evidence of associated genes and future therapeutic treatments

Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are the most common cause of treatment-resistant epilepsy affecting pediatric population. Most individuals with FCD have seizure onset within first five years life and majority will develop by age sixteen. Many cases postulated to be result abnormal brain development in utero germline or somatic gene mutations regulating neuronal growth migration during corticogenesis. Other thought related infections development, other causes still not fully determined. Typical anti-seizure medications oftentimes ineffective FCD. In addition, surgical intervention is often unable successfully performed due involvement eloquent areas insufficient resection epileptogenic focus, posing a challenge for physicians. The genetic nature FCDs provides an avenue drug several molecular targets undergoing study over last two decades, widely studied target being mammalian rapamycin (mTOR). However, been identified provide rich field opportunity expand current understanding subsequentlydesign targeted therapy improve lives patients FCDs. To better inform this area ongoing research, we narrative review markers potential therapeutic drugs