The chapter focuses on how different cutting-edge techniques can be used to study electrophysiological, pathomorphological, and biochemical changes in the “epileptic focus” area of the cerebral cortex and white matter to see how epileptic seizures become drug-resistant and how it affects the other regions of the brain. The authors highlight the significance of neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the epilepsy pathogenesis providing EEG characteristics and describing structural changes in the cortex and white matter under such conditions as focal cortical dysplasia and epileptic leukoencephalopathy. Particular focus is given to structural and functional changes in the hippocampus and the role of hippocampal sclerosis in epilepsy. Key conceptions regarding the epileptic focus formation are outlined.

The chapter discusses modern and promising approaches to the use of CSF shunting operations in children. CSF shunting operations remain the only effective method for correcting persistent CSF circulation disorders in CSF resorption disorders with the development of intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus. The chapter is devoted to general ideas about CSF dynamics and biomechanical properties of the craniospinal system that affect CSF dynamics, and gives a pathogenetic assessment of CSF dynamics in the development of intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus. Aspects of genetics and genomics of anomalies in hydrocephalus are touched upon. Pathological changes in the brain around old ventricular shunts are described. The authors consider the types of CSF shunting operations for hydrocephalus in children. Possible complications of CSF shunting operations are analyzed with the algorithm for their correction and management tactics for this group of patients.