Seizures, spreading depolarizations and sudden death

Abstract

In this thesis, animal models are developed and characterized to study the mechanisms and

potential lethal outcome of spontaneous seizures and spreading depolarizations (SDs). In Part I, a model is described which allows the differentiation of SD initiation and propagation mechanisms. In Part II, evidence is presented that substantiate brainstem SD as a potential mechanism for fatal apnea even in the absence of seizure activity. And lastly, in Part III, theta-gamma cross-frequency coupling is suggested as an early indicator of epileptogensis in Dravet syndrome.