The bidirectional relationship between the cerebellum and seizure networks: a double-edged sword

Abstract

Epilepsy is highly prevalent and notoriously pharmacoresistant. New therapeutic interventions are urgently needed, both for preventing the seizures themselves and negative outcomes and comorbidities associated with chronic epilepsy. While the cerebellum is not traditionally associated with epilepsy or seizures, research over the past decade has outlined the cerebellum as a brain region that is uniquely suited for both therapeutic needs. This review discusses our current understanding of the cerebellum as a key node within seizure networks, capable of both attenuating seizures in several animal models, and conversely, prone to altered structure and function in chronic epilepsy. Critical next steps are to advance therapeutic modulation of the cerebellum more toward translation, and to provide a more comprehensive characterization of how the cerebellum is impacted by chronic epilepsy, in order to subvert negative outcomes.