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What Is Hippocampal Sclerosis?

H. Colledge
H. Colledge

Hippocampal sclerosis is a disorder in which nerve cells die off and scar tissue is formed in an area of the brain known as the hippocampus. The condition is known to be associated with up to around three quarters of cases of temporal lobe epilepsy, a disease in which people experience unusual sensations, along with altered emotions and behavior, muscle spasms and sometimes convulsions. In spite of this strong association, it is not known whether hippocampal sclerosis causes temporal lobe epilepsy or temporal lobe epilepsy causes hippocampal sclerosis. It is possible that both conditions are linked to another underlying abnormality.

The hippocampus is located in an area of the brain called the medial temporal lobe, where it forms part of what is known as the limbic system. As part of the limbic system, which is concerned with the sense of smell, the sensation of fear and the formation of long-term memory, the hippocampus is involved in forming new memories. It is also thought to play a part in what is called spatial navigation, a process which depends on individuals being able to remember and compare their current and past positions in the environment in order to find their way around. While sclerosis in this area of the brain is most frequently linked to temporal lobe epilepsy, other structures in the limbic system, such as the amygdala, which controls the sensation of fear, are often involved as well.

The hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe, and is part of the limbic system.
The hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe, and is part of the limbic system.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, the main change seen in the hippocampus when it is affected by hippocampal sclerosis is a decrease in size. When viewing samples of the hippocampus under a microscope, it is possible to see that individual nerve cells have been lost and that scarring has developed. It is thought that this damage may be caused by excessive amounts of some neurotransmitters, the chemicals that carry signals between nerves, being released. These particular neurotransmitters bind to special receptors on nerve cells, causing calcium to enter; in excess, calcium overload leads to cell death.

An MRI scan can detect a decrease in the size of the hippocampus caused by hippocampal sclerosis.
An MRI scan can detect a decrease in the size of the hippocampus caused by hippocampal sclerosis.

Researchers have investigated whether epileptic seizures might cause hippocampal sclerosis. It has been suggested that fits occurring in childhood, such as those associated with fever, might injure the brain, damaging the hippocampus and leading to temporal lobe epilepsy in later life. While some children who experience such fits are found to have hippocampal sclerosis later, most of them do not, and it is not possible to know if the sclerosis developed before the first seizure. Another theory is that defects in the temporal lobe may predispose individuals to both hippocampal sclerosis and seizures. Alternatively, a combination of hereditary, environmental and developmental factors could make some people more prone to both epilepsy and sclerosis in the hippocampus.

Discussion Comments

zannord

Not deadly--just difficult. Standard anti-epileptics are not always effective. She may need to try a combination to get it to work for her. Zonisamide is a different class and has proven effective for partial-lobe issues. If breakthroughs remain, she may find charting them and supplementing only during those times with clonazepam or a similar RX may help.

zannord

No matter when I read research RE: this subject I see the correlation between excess calcium, potassium, and too little magnesium. It seems fair to recommend a supplement as a course of treatment with a low risk threshold and a large potential gain involved.

anon931383

I am from India. My sister has had Hippocampal Sclerosis for the last seven or eight years. She is 27 years old. Even before that, she had fits. She has been taking tablets for the last seven years. Is Hippocampal Sclerosis a deadly disease? If not, is it possible to cure it? Please let me know.

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    • The hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe, and is part of the limbic system.
      By: pankajstock123
      The hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe, and is part of the limbic system.
    • An MRI scan can detect a decrease in the size of the hippocampus caused by hippocampal sclerosis.
      By: James Steidl
      An MRI scan can detect a decrease in the size of the hippocampus caused by hippocampal sclerosis.
    • Damage to the hippocampus may cause problems with memory consolidation and storage.
      By: chuugo
      Damage to the hippocampus may cause problems with memory consolidation and storage.
    • Hippocampal sclerosis is known to be associated with around three quarters of cases of temporal lobe epilepsy.
      By: designua
      Hippocampal sclerosis is known to be associated with around three quarters of cases of temporal lobe epilepsy.
    • Patients with Alzheimer's disease often have damage in the hippocampus.
      By: godfer
      Patients with Alzheimer's disease often have damage in the hippocampus.