Tumor-related epilepsy: epidemiology, pathogenesis and management

Introduction: Seizure is a common comorbidity in patients with brain tumor. It may be the presenting symptom or develop after the tumor diagnosis. The underlying pathophysiology of brain tumor-related epilepsy remains poorly understood. Methods: A comprehensive literature review of Pubmed English articles from 1980–2017 was performed to summarize current knowledge and treatment options of brain tumor-related epilepsy. Results: Multiple factors have been found to contribute to tumor-related epilepsy, including tumor type, speed of tumor growth, location, and tumor burden. The underlying pathogenesis of epilepsy is not clear but perturbations in the peri-tumoral regions, both structural and cellular communications, have been implicated. Conclusions: Surgical and medical treatments of tumor-related epilepsy remain challenging as additional factors such as the extent of surgical resection, interactions with tumor-related oncological treatments and anti-epileptic medication related side effects need to be considered.