Figure 4: Principal Mechanisms Involved in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Epilepsies.

Metabolic epilepsies are complex syndromes characterized by seizures, co-morbidities and developmental impairment. The complex pathology of metabolic epilepsies can be explained by congenital defects leading to an imbalance of neurotransmitter function on the levels of synthesis, degradation, transport, and receptor binding. More importantly, congenital or acquired defects in mitochondrial function and astrocyte-neurometabolic coupling combine to trigger major defects in energy transport or utilization as a potential and preventable (e.g., through metabolic therapies) cause for metabolic epilepsies.