The Benchmarks: Progress and Emerging Priorities in Epilepsy Research

Abstract

This issue of Epilepsy Currents includes 4 reviews reflecting progress in epilepsy research in the 4 benchmarks areas ("Benchmarks") of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/American Epilepsy Society (AES) Benchmarks Stewards Committee. Here, we provide historical context for the formal organization of research priorities related to epilepsy. We review the benchmark areas and the processes through which the Benchmarks will continue to evolve to reflect scientific advances and community research priorities over time.

Defining the latent period of epileptogenesis and epileptogenic zone in a focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII) rat model

“…Extensive clinical and basic science studies on mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE)/hippocampal sclerosis (HS) have generated exceptional knowledge in epilepsy at the genetic, molecular, and circuitry levels. 1 However, focal neocortical epilepsies have different anatomo-electroclinical manifestations and epileptogenic pathophysiology. 2 Their epileptogenesis and intractability remain poorly understood primarily due to the challenges in developing focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) animal models that recapitulate the genetics, pathology, and electroclinical expression.…”

“…Extensive clinical and basic science studies on mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE)/hippocampal sclerosis (HS) have generated exceptional knowledge in epilepsy at the genetic, molecular, and circuitry levels 1 . However, focal neocortical epilepsies have different anatomo‐electroclinical manifestations and epileptogenic pathophysiology 2 .…”

The 2021 Epilepsy Research Benchmarks—Respecting Core Principles, Reflecting Evolving Community Priorities

“…Between 2014 and the present, the Benchmarks Committee reviewed progress in each of the 4 benchmarks areas, noting remarkable discoveries across basic epilepsy research, highlighting the major gains in understanding the causes of epilepsy, but also noting many continued gaps in all areas. [9][10][11][12][13] We have experienced a cultural shift through which the voices of patients and advocates are not only acknowledged but included in the discussions of the AES, including with the Benchmarks Committee, through the work of Epilepsy Leadership Council members, whose working group and leadership provided input into the Benchmarks process (and whose commentary accompanies this one). To further invite community input into the Benchmarks, in 2020 the NINDS published a Request for Information and launched a crowdsourcing campaign using the ninds.ideascale.gov platform.…”