Searching for a paradigm shift in the research on the epilepsies and associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities. From ancient historical knowledge to the challenge of contemporary systems complexity and emergent functions

In this review, we will discuss in four scenarios our challenges to offer possible solutions for the puzzle associated with epilepsies and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. We need recognize that (1) since quite old times, human wisdom was linked plural (distinct global places/cultures) perception of Universe are in, deep respect earth nature. Plural ancestral knowledge added scientific methods; however, their joint efforts ideal scenario; (2) behavior is not different than animal behavior, essence product Darwinian natural selection; complementary; (3) expression follows same rules complex systems emergent properties, therefore, can measure events human, clinical, neurobiological situations complexity systems’ tools; (4) use semiology comorbidities, neural substrates, potential treatments (including experimental/computational modeling, neurosurgical interventions), as a source collection integrated big data predict them (e.g.: machine/deep learning) diagnosis/prognosis, individualized (precision medicine), basic underlying mechanisms molecular targets.Once group symptoms/signals (with myriad changing definitions interpretations over time) specific sequences determined, epileptology research clinical settings, modern contemporary techniques such neuroanatomical maps, surface electroencephalogram stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) imaging (MRI, BOLD, DTI, SPECT/PET), neuropsychological testing, among others, auxiliary determination best electroclinical hypothesis, help design treatment, usually first attempt, available pharmacological resources. On top ancient knowledge, currently known potentially new antiepileptic drugs, alternative produced consequence hard, multidisciplinary, studies clinicians, surgeons, scientists, all world.The existence pharmacoresistant patients, calls search other solutions, being along decades surgeries most common interventions, resective procedures (i.e., selective or standard lobectomy, lesionectomy), callosotomy, hemispherectomy hemispherotomy, by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), brain (DBS), neuromodulation, more recently focal minimal noninvasive ablation. What critical when consider pharmacoresistance aspect solution through surgery, still pursuit localization-dependent regions epileptogenic zone (EZ)), order decide, no matter how sophisticated mapping tools (EEG MRI), size location tissue be removed. Mimicking studying targets – means experimental computational modeling fundamental steps whole process.Concluding, conjunction coupled creative contemporary, (not dogmatic) clinical/surgical, contributions, better world improved quality life offered people epilepsy who waiting (as well scientists) paradigm shift epileptology, both Basic Science, Computational, Clinical, Neurosurgical Arenas.This article part Special Issue “NEWroscience 2018”.