Over the past decade, (1)H and (31)P spectroscopy measurements have demonstrated that significant metabolic alterations occur in temporal lobe epilepsy. However, to most accurately interpret these changes, metabolic heterogeneity and differences between gray and white matter must be accounted for. These alterations, decreased NAA and the ratio of phosphocreatine/inorganic phosphate, can be reversed with successful treatment of seizures. The reversibility of these two measures is consistent with the localization of NAA synthesis to neuronal mitochondria and the important role for bioenergetics in the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.