Epileptic hypersynchrony revisited

Synchronization of neuronal responses, which allows coordination of distributed activity patterns, is instrumental in brain functioning, as altered neuronal synchronization is involved in a variety of brain pathologies. Epileptic hypersynchrony chiefly relies on brain wiring, which, in a broader sense, means including astrocytic release of gliotransmitters and electrotonic coupling through gap junctions, beyond classical synaptic connections. Epileptic hypersynchrony also relies on electrical field effects and ion concentration changes in the extracellular space, and it relates to intracellular mechanisms underlying neuronal hyperexcitability. The current lack of a specific impact of hypersynchrony on antiepileptic drug development might be next surpassed, as hypersynchrony seems to be a worthy and approachable, though challenging target of antiepileptic pharmacology.