Mesial Temporal Sclerosis Etiology

The exact cause of mesial temporal sclerosis is still unclear. Some cases can result from injury to this part of the brain from prolonged febrile seizures. In other cases, a genetic susceptibility can play a role as well especially in cases where family members have had similar seizures.

In children with newly diagnosed epilepsy, only approximately 1% have evidence of Mesial Temporal Sclerosis on imaging.

Furthermore, in adults 3-10% of cases of mesial temporal sclerosis demonstrate bilateral changes even though symptoms may be unilateral.