Mechanisms underlying genetic susceptibility to acquired epileptogenesis: use of the FAST and SLOW rat models

Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a common long-term outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Yet, the risk of developing PTE post-TBI varies from individual to individual. Together, the studies contained within this thesis provide novel insights into mechanisms that may underlie differences in susceptibility to acquired epilepsy, such as that which often results following a TBI. Results from this thesis work provide novel insight into the possibility of using proteomic and neuroinflammatory biomarkers to predict an individual’s risk to develop acquired epilepsy, which would be invaluable for the identification, prevention, and treatment of patients who are particularly susceptible to the development of seizures or epilepsy.