Epilepsy
Articles tagged with Epilepsy
Hereditary epilepsy successfully treated in mouse model
Using real-time brain signals to predict and prevent attention lapses in kids
Precision DNA editing targets root cause of severe childhood epilepsy in preclinical study
What factors might account for the increased risk of autism in children with epilepsy?
A large population-based study found that children with epilepsy have a significantly higher risk of also having autism spectrum disorder. The study highlighted key differences between children with co-occurring conditions, including intellectual disability and age of diagnosis.
Treatment of rare childhood epilepsy could begin before birth
Researchers suggest treatment could start during pregnancy to prevent brain damage and reduce neurological harm. A new RNA-based therapy reduces abnormal electrical currents in patient-derived excitatory neurons.
Epilepsy "brain blips" revealed by high-definition probes
Researchers discovered that interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) occur in a predictable pattern, unfolding sequentially in individual neurons. Nearly 80% of IED-involving neurons are also involved in language and perception, suggesting the brain blips can derail cognition.
Scientists map how Down syndrome reshapes brain development before birth
Researchers at UCLA mapped how Down syndrome disrupts prenatal neuron development, leading to cognitive and sensory processing differences. The study found altered developmental sequences and cell populations that may contribute to the condition's effects.
In epilepsy, poor sleep associated with dementia
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with epilepsy who experience poor sleep are at a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those without epilepsy. Optimal sleep, defined as six to eight hours per day, is associated with better cognitive function and lower dementia risk.
NYU Langone Health neurologists present latest clinical findings and research at AAN 2026
NYU Langone Health experts present platform talks on practical strategies to counter medical misinformation, phase 3 X-TOLE2 trial results for novel epilepsy treatment, and exploring healthcare accessibility for patients with disabilities. The Department of Neurology features over 80 presentations from faculty members.
Risk of drug poisoning if gabapentinoid painkillers taken with other medications
A new study by University College London found that gabapentinoids, prescribed for chronic pain, double the risk of hospitalization for drug poisoning when combined with benzodiazepines or opioids. The risk persists even after starting gabapentinoid treatment, suggesting they may not be an effective solution to reduce poisoning risks.
Early folic acid supplementation may halve the risk of birth defects
A large Nordic register-based study finds that high-dose folic acid supplementation before pregnancy reduces the risk of major congenital anomalies by 45% in women taking antiseizure medication. Starting folic acid after pregnancy onset has no protective effect.
CURE SYNGAP1 announces 2026 board of trustees transition
The organization welcomes Craig Bower, Allison Hirsch Hadar, Susan Johnson, Andrew Schillaci, and Ed Warshauer to its Board of Trustees, succeeding outgoing members. These new leaders join a mission primed for global impact, signaling a reinforced commitment to accelerating safe, effective, and targeted therapies.
Scientists reverse severe epilepsy in lab mice in promising step toward a cure
Researchers used base editing to correct the SCN8A gene mutation responsible for severe inherited epilepsy. The approach successfully eliminated or reduced seizures and improved brain function in lab mice, offering new hope for treating genetic epilepsies.
SynGAP Research Fund (SRF) announces formal transition to CURE SYNGAP1, reinforcing commitment to treatment development
CURE SYNGAP1 accelerates treatment development for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders through rigorous research and family-led leadership. The organization has funded over $8 million in grants and identified over 1,707 patients to date.
Further evidence of developmental risks linked to epilepsy drugs in pregnancy
Research reveals associations between antiseizure drugs and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, with valproate and zonisamide linked to increased risks. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of new antiseizure drugs and further evaluation of their safety during pregnancy.
Researchers clarify how ketogenic diets treat epilepsy, guiding future therapy development
A new review outlines the scientific explanations behind ketogenic diets' therapeutic benefits for epilepsy, including their ability to strengthen brain energy systems, reduce inflammation, and protect neurons. The review highlights the need for further research, particularly in adults, to develop new therapies that mirror the diet's e...
New stimulation method builds on focused ultrasound research
Researchers developed a new noninvasive brain stimulation technique by combining focused ultrasound with electrical stimulation, producing stronger, targeted brain responses. This approach, called transcranial electro-acoustic stimulation, clarifies conflicting results in the field and introduces a new approach to noninvasive brain sti...
Thousands of genetic variants shape epilepsy risk, and most remain hidden
A mini-review synthesizes large-scale genomic findings to illuminate the polygenic architecture underlying common epilepsies. Rare genetic variants contribute to epilepsy risk, with shared biological pathways involving ion channel function and synaptic excitability
Taiwanese and UK scientists identify FOXJ3 gene linked to drug-resistant focal epilepsy
Researchers discovered that FOXJ3 gene mutations disrupt brain layer formation, leading to drug-resistant epilepsy. The study reveals a critical link between abnormal brain development and epilepsy, identifying FOXJ3 as a key genetic and molecular cause.
Mayo Clinic researchers discover hidden brain map that may improve epilepsy care
Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a hidden 'movement map' deep within the brain, which could help surgeons reduce side effects from epilepsy procedures and guide future treatments for speech and movement disorders. The discovery was made using advanced brain-recording technology to create individualized maps of patients' brains.
Life-changing drug identified for children with rare epilepsy
A new medication called zorevunersen has been found to reduce seizures in children with Dravet syndrome by up to 91%, improving their quality of life and behavior. The study, led by University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital, also showed the potential to reduce the impact of the condition on mental processes.
First gene regulation clinical trials for epilepsy show promising results
Phase 1/2a clinical trials demonstrate significant seizure reduction and improvement in symptoms of Dravet syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting cognitive function, motor skills, and behavior. The treatment, zorevunersen, targets the underlying cause of the disease by enhancing the normal SCN1A gene.
Location, location, location: For potassium channels, it depends on functionality
Potassium KCNQ2/3 channels need full functionality to work properly in the brain and reach their correct location. This is linked to their regulation by protein ankG. Altering channel functionality affects neuronal excitability and may contribute to developing new therapeutic strategies for epilepsy.
UT Arlington appoints Lal to lead precision health, informatics
Dr. Dennis Lal has been appointed as the new executive director of the Center for Innovation in Health Informatics at UT Arlington, succeeding Marion Ball. He will lead initiatives on precision health, clinical AI, and health care-scale informatics.
Study explains how ketogenic diets prevent seizures
A ketogenic diet causes physical changes in brain cells that affect how they send information to one another, dampening the strength of signals between them. This quieter neural landscape might explain how the diet calms overactive electrical signaling characteristic of epileptic seizures.
Brain may reinforce seizures during sleep, Mayo Clinic study suggests
A Mayo Clinic study found that the brain enters a deep sleep state after a seizure, mimicking memory storage and strengthening disease. This phenomenon, called seizure-related consolidation, could help explain why epilepsy worsens over time and why memory and mood problems are common in people with the condition.
Decoding developing brain rhythms with scalable human neuron networks
Researchers created a simplified, scalable human cell model to study coordinated brain rhythms. They found that inhibitory signaling mediated by GABA helped promote sleep and prevent seizures, while potassium channel perturbations influenced rhythmic organization in distinct ways.
Noninvasive paths to complex brain science: Rice bioengineer named Sloan Research Fellow
Rice bioengineer Jerzy Szablowski has been awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship for his innovative work on noninvasive methods to communicate with the brain. He aims to develop versatile platform technologies to obtain new types of research data and treat multiple diseases.
Safety and efficacy of stereoelectroencephalography-guided resection and responsive neurostimulation in drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy
This systematic review compares the efficacy, safety, and quality of life outcomes associated with stereoelectroencephalography-guided temporal lobe resection (TLR) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) in adults with drug-resistant TLE. Key findings include higher seizure freedom rates for TLR and better cognitive preservation with RNS.
Dr. Paul Donlin-Asp of the University of Edinburgh to dissect the molecular functions and regulation of local SYNGAP1 protein synthesis with support from CURE SYNGAP1 (fka SynGAP Research Fund)
Dr. Paul Donlin-Asp will investigate the molecular functions and regulation of local SYNGAP1 protein synthesis, aiming to advance therapies for SYNGAP1-related Disorders. The project seeks to map mechanisms controlling SYNGAP1 protein production in neurons.
Papadelis to lead new pediatric brain research center
The UTA Pediatric Brain Health and Neurosciences Center will focus on developing novel treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy in children. Dr. Papadelis' team has already made significant discoveries in identifying the epileptogenic zone and predicting surgical outcomes.
Gentle implant can illuminate, listen, and deliver medication to the brain
Researchers have developed a long, needle-thin brain electrode with channels that enables neural signal recording and precisely targeted medication delivery across different brain regions. The technology has primarily been developed for basic research but may be important for future treatments in epilepsy and other neurological diseases.
Dr. Àlex Bayés Puig advances SYNGAP1 research with new SynGAP biomarker study funded by CURE SYNGAP1
Dr. Àlex Bayés Puig advances SYNGAP1 research with a new SynGAP biomarker study funded by CURE SYNGAP1, enabling the detection of SYNGAP1 protein levels in blood cells. This breakthrough approach has the potential to transform diagnostics and clinical research for SYNGAP1 patients.
Tiny peptide shows promise in slowing epilepsy progression
A new study suggests an experimental peptide, TXM-CB3, reduces recurring seizures and protects brain function in preclinical studies. Early treatment with the peptide shows significant benefits in reducing seizure activity and improving cognitive function.
Increased morbidity − but equally good quality of life for prematurely born adults
A Swedish study of prematurely born adults found increased morbidity in physical and mental health, yet they reported a high quality of life. The study, which followed participants from birth to age 26-29, suggests that premature birth does not necessarily limit daily life.
Discovery reveals how keto diet can prevent seizures when drugs fail
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how the keto diet protects against epilepsy seizures by regulating brain cell activity. The team found that a specific cellular receptor, HCAR2, plays a crucial role in reducing seizures, and may be targeted for new treatments.
Self-guided behavioral app helps children with epilepsy sleep earlier
A new UK-wide clinical trial evaluated a self-guided behavioural sleep programme for children with epilepsy, resulting in improved sleep duration of 16.5 minutes. However, the main issue was engagement, as only half of those given access to the resources used them.
Researchers create cells that help the brain keep its cool
Scientists at Lund University have created a new method to directly reprogram glial cells into parvalbumin neurons, which can help regulate brain activity and potentially treat disorders such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. The breakthrough could lead to therapies that replace lost or damaged brain cells in the future.
Clearing the brain of aging cells could aid epilepsy and reduce seizures
Researchers found that eradicating aging cells in mice with a combination of dasatinib and quercetin reduced senescent cells, improved memory, and decreased seizures. The study's results suggest a potential new approach to treating temporal lobe epilepsy.
Could GLP-1 drugs affect risk of epilepsy for people with diabetes?
A preliminary study suggests that GLP-1 drugs, used for diabetes and weight loss, may be linked to a lower risk of developing epilepsy. Researchers found an association between the use of these drugs and a reduced risk of epilepsy, with semaglutide showing the strongest correlation.
Epilepsy can lead to earlier deaths in people with intellectual disabilities, study shows
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
Unified EEG imaging improves mapping for epilepsy surgery
A new advance in EEG imaging technology has improved mapping for epilepsy surgery, providing an accurate and non-invasive method. Pathological HFOs were found to be the most accurate biomarker for identifying epileptogenic brain regions, allowing for precise localization of seizure onset.
USC study reveals hidden cellular layers in the brain’s memory center
Researchers at USC have identified four distinct layers of specialized cell types in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus, a structure vital for memory formation. This discovery changes our understanding of how information is processed in the brain and could explain why certain cells are more vulnerable in diseases like Alzheimer's ...
EBRAINS Summit brings world-leading neuroscientists to Brussels
The EBRAINS Summit 2025 will bring together experts to assess how neuroscience can drive medical progress, digital innovation, and responsible data use. Preliminary results from the EPINOV clinical trial, integrating virtual brain technology for epilepsy surgery planning, will be presented.
Research reveals structural mechanism behind anti-epilepsy therapies
A multi-institute team led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has discovered how certain drugs used to treat epilepsy affect their target, a membrane protein found in nearly all neurons. The study provides guidance for therapeutic optimization and sheds light on a poorly understood but therapeutically important protein.
Mayo Clinic physicians map patients’ brain waves to personalize epilepsy treatment
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new approach to treating drug-resistant epilepsy by mapping each patient's unique brain wave patterns. This method enables physicians to target the precise area in the brain where stimulation is most effective, moving beyond traditional one-size-fits-all treatment.
Discovering America’s ‘epilepsy belt’: First-of-its-kind national study reveals US regions with high epilepsy rates among older adults
A national study reveals the US 'epilepsy belt' regions with high incidence rates, influenced by factors like sleep habits, heat exposure, health care access, and household vehicle availability. The research offers critical insights into how epilepsy impacts older adults nationwide.
Why a foreign language sounds like a blur to non-native ears
Researchers from UC San Francisco have identified the superior temporal gyrus brain region responsible for tracking words in a foreign language. The study shows that this region learns to recognize word boundaries through years of experience, enabling fluent speakers to distinguish individual words.
Nonsurgical treatment shows promise for targeted seizure control
A nonsurgical approach has been demonstrated to quiet a specific brain circuit in an animal model by delivering engineered gene therapy only to the targeted region. The method uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, allowing precise control over brain activity without impacting off-target areas.
A Huazhong University of Science and Technology study reports a novel optical mapping technique for neurosurgery
A new contactless optical-tracking registration method has been developed to simplify robot-guided SEEG surgery, reducing positioning errors and procedure time. The study demonstrates the accuracy and ease of use of this technique, making it a promising innovation in neurosurgery.
Rice and Houston Methodist researchers to study brain-implant interface with Dunn Foundation award
A team of researchers from Rice University and the Houston Methodist Research Institute will study how the brain responds to neural implants. They aim to develop more stable and longer-lasting brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics, which could treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and stroke.
Study links heart attacks and late-onset epilepsy in older adults
A study published in Neurology found a significant link between heart attacks and the development of late-onset epilepsy in older adults. Researchers discovered that people who experienced a heart attack were nearly twice as likely to develop late-onset epilepsy, with a higher risk of dying from vascular causes related to the brain.
Immune cell phenotypes, inflammatory proteins and epilepsy
This study found 32 immune cell phenotypes associated with epilepsy risk, including B cells and regulatory T cells. Inflammatory proteins also played a role, with some increasing and others decreasing the risk of epilepsy.
Veterans with epilepsy after traumatic brain injury may have higher mortality rates
A study published in Neurology found that veterans with epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury had a higher mortality rate compared to those with no prior traumatic brain injury. The risk varied by cause of the traumatic brain injury, with those with skull or facial fractures having an 18% higher risk of death.
Mount Sinai awarded $4.5M BD2 grant to advance research on the biology of bipolar disorder
The Mount Sinai team will investigate neural mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder and pioneer novel neuromodulation-based treatment strategies.
Molecular snapshots reveal how the body knows it’s too hot
Researchers at Northwestern University captured a detailed look at TRPM3, a core temperature sensor, revealing how it turns on when temperatures rise. The finding uncovers a new way that cells sense temperature, helping explain how the nervous system distinguishes harmless warmth from dangerous heat.
Personalized brain stimulation offers new hope for people with hard-to-treat epilepsy
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC developed a new treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The approach uses deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeted to each patient's unique brain wiring, resulting in a significant reduction in seizures, with some patients becoming seizure-free for months.
Resistance to epilepsy treatments may wane over time
A new study led by NYU Langone Health researchers shows that almost 70% of focal epilepsy patients, considered treatment resistant, experience a reduction in their average monthly seizure frequency over three years. The study found that even those who respond poorly to initial therapies may eventually see improvement.
New clinical trial to advance seizure monitoring and improve epilepsy diagnosis
A new clinical trial is investigating the use of advanced brain monitoring to improve epilepsy diagnosis and management. The trial involves multiple sites across Europe, including Ireland, where patients will undergo long-term outpatient monitoring using a subcutaneous EEG system.