Articles tagged with Epilepsy
A new brain stethoscope technology has been developed that translates brain electrical activity into sounds, allowing medical professionals to detect silent seizures. Medical students and nurses were found to be remarkably accurate in identifying seizures with this tool, outperforming their traditional diagnostic abilities.
Researchers discovered a 'missing mutation' in SCN3A gene that causes severe infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Early anti-seizure medications may prevent disabling brain injury by controlling epilepsy shortly after birth.
A review of available evidence suggests that cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD) may curb the frequency of epileptic seizures, particularly in children and teens with rare and severe forms of epilepsy. CBD was found to be more effective than a placebo at reducing seizure frequency by 50% or more, and improving quality of life.
A new study published in Science suggests that loss of mossy cells plays a critical role in both convulsive seizures and memory problems associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. In a mouse model, researchers found that turning on mossy cells prevented seizures from transitioning into convulsions.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that a specific set of nerve cells, known as mossy cells, controls the spread of seizures throughout the brain. Inactivating these cells facilitates the spread of electrical hyperactivity, leading to full-blown behavioral symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy.
A recent study found that learning stress-reducing techniques can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in people with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. Participants who learned progressive muscle relaxation and breathing techniques experienced a 29% decrease in seizures, while those in the control group had a 25% reduction.
A ground-breaking partnership between Congenica and FutureNeuro aims to improve diagnosis accuracy in genetic epilepsy. The new software will work with electronic health records to provide clinicians and patients with tailored treatment decisions.
A multicenter observational study has revealed that levetiracetam is more effective than phenobarbital in treating infants with nonsyndromic epilepsy. After six months of single-drug treatment, 40% of infants treated with levetiracetam achieved a successful outcome, compared to only 16% of those treated with phenobarbital.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that levetiracetam is more effective than phenobarbital in treating nonsyndromic epilepsy in U.S. infants, with 40% of treated infants experiencing no further seizures within three months.
Many epilepsy patients receive antiepileptic and non-epilepsy drugs that can interact, altering the effectiveness of one or both types of medications. The study found over 1 in 5 patients taking such combinations may experience reduced efficacy or increased toxicity.
Scientists have identified the OTUD7A gene as a key contributor to the clinical characteristics of 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome, a complex neurological condition. The study found that mice deficient in the gene Otud7a have fewer dendritic spines, which may be related to the neurological deficits observed in patients.
A University of Houston biomedical engineer has developed a new method to locate the brain's seizure onset zone in record time, reducing hospitalization time from up to 10 days to just one hour. This breakthrough could save patients weeks of treatment and improve their quality of life.
A study published in JNeurosci found that stimulating carbon dioxide-sensing neurons in the midbrain of adult male mice awakened them without affecting breathing. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying obstructive sleep apnea, sudden infant death syndrome, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
A large-scale study found subtle brain abnormalities in people with epilepsy, even in those with typical seizures under control. The researchers identified reduced grey matter thickness and volume in various brain regions, including the cortex and thalamus, associated with longer duration of epilepsy.
Scientists used electrocorticograhy (ECoG) to record electrical activity on the brain surface, finding that the prefrontal cortex coordinates activity to help us act in response to a perception. The brain requires several seconds to respond to complex tasks, with the prefrontal cortex recruiting other areas, including memory networks.
A new study suggests a shared genetic susceptibility between epilepsy and mood disorders, particularly in individuals with focal epilepsy. The study found a significant increase in lifetime prevalence of mood disorders among people with focal epilepsy compared to those with generalized epilepsy.
Researchers developed a probabilistic modeling approach using artificial intelligence techniques to predict seizure-generating brain regions from non-seizure data. This could significantly improve the accuracy and reduce the time needed for identifying these regions, potentially transforming the field of epilepsy surgery.
Researchers found a significant increase in lifetime prevalence of mood disorders among individuals with focal epilepsy, but not generalized epilepsy. The study suggests a shared genetic susceptibility to these conditions, specifically expressed in people with focal epilepsy.
Researchers found a possible genetic connection between seizures and mood disorders like depression in people with focal epilepsy, which may improve quality of life. Mood disorders were not linked to generalized epilepsy.
A small pilot study found one sign of CTE in a younger person with epilepsy, but no unique characteristics compared to other participants. Researchers suggest that tau protein deposits may not contribute to cognitive impairment in young patients with localized seizures.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered monthly cycles of brain activity linked to seizures in patients with epilepsy. By analyzing data from implanted brain stimulation devices, the team identified patterns of electrical discharges known as 'brain irritability' that are associated with higher seizure risk.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that taking topiramate in early pregnancy increases the risk of oral clefts, particularly at high doses. The risk is approximately three times higher for women who took topiramate compared to those who did not take anti-epileptic medications.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women taking topiramate during the first trimester had a three times greater risk of giving birth to a baby with cleft lip or palate. The risk was higher for those taking high doses of the drug, and was comparable to lamotrigine.
Ben-Gurion University researchers identified a pattern of theta activity decline that predicts post-injury epilepsy development. This finding holds promise for predicting and treating the condition, as well as other neuropsychiatric complications.
New fMRI applications help researchers map verbal and visual memory in children with epilepsy, demonstrating the potential for non-invasive fMRI to assess and diagnose pediatric epilepsy. A second study showcases the ability of resting-state fMRI to assess language laterality, paving the way for expanded use as a clinical tool.
Rice University statisticians developed a method to integrate neuroimaging scans to identify patients at high risk of continued seizures before surgery. The study found a subgroup with 5.8 times greater odds of postoperative seizures due to differences in brain networks.
A recent study identified 8 new genes involved in epileptic encephalopathy, a severe form of epilepsy combining with intellectual disability. Whole-genome sequencing revealed de novo mutations as the main cause of this type of epilepsy.
Researchers at Aarhus University have found a hormonal link to unexplained seizures in women, revealing a biological cause for the previously psychologically attributed condition. The study measured hormone levels in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and found lower neuropeptide Y levels, associated with stress re...
Researchers from six centers worldwide have assembled a vast family dataset to study genetic contributions to common epilepsies. The study reveals distinct family syndromes that could inform future genetic research and treatment development.
New research published in Epilepsia indicates that wristband devices can improve the detection and characterization of seizures in patients with epilepsy. The devices detected 95% of seizures while keeping false alarm rates at a bearable level, providing real-time alerts to caregivers and improving patients' quality of life.
A multi-site study will investigate whether cognitive behavior therapy can reduce seizure frequency and severity in individuals with traumatic brain injury. The study aims to shed light on the mechanism behind post-traumatic epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.
Researchers found that low-current electrical pulses targeting the right side of the entorhinal area significantly improved patients' ability to recognize specific faces. The study builds on previous research demonstrating that electrically stimulating the brain's entorhinal cortex can strengthen human memory.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that using lamotrigine during pregnancy does not increase birth malformations or neurodevelopmental disorders. The research monitored 83 children born to epileptic mothers who took the medication between 2004 and 2014.
The study highlights the growing impact of neurological disorders on global health, with increased deaths and disabilities over the past 25 years. The most prevalent disorders are tension-type headaches, migraine, and Alzheimer's disease, which have seen significant increases in cases and DALYs.
Researchers found that inducing biochemical alteration in brain proteins via glucosamine suppresses pathological hyperexcitability in rat and mouse models. Glucosamine also protects against drug-induced hyperexcitability by targeting the AMPA receptor.
Researchers found that a lack of CLOCK protein is associated with excessive brain cell excitation and stronger seizures during sleep. Delivering a drug that compensates for the lack of CLOCK or its affected proteins directly in the brain may offer a new treatment approach for severe epilepsy cases.
Researchers create a computational model to simulate focal cooling, a brain-cooling treatment that may ease epileptic seizures. The model reveals insights into the mechanism underlying this technique, which involves suppressing electrical signals in specific brain regions.
A new study published in Epilepsia found that cooling treatment for newborns who suffer from perinatal asphyxia significantly reduces the number of children developing epilepsy later in childhood. The research also showed improved cognitive performance, life quality, and life expectancy for these patients.
A recent study by the University of Bonn investigates how some signals dissipate along the processing path to conscious perception. The researchers found that the distinction between conscious and unconscious processing follows significantly further down the processing stream than many researchers have been suspecting.
The Vanderbilt team will create tissue chip systems to test novel epilepsy drugs on human cells, potentially leading to more accurate platforms and improved drug efficacy. This technology may also address rare diseases with limited animal models and patient populations.
A Rutgers University study suggests that excessive neurogenesis after a traumatic head injury can lead to epileptic seizures and long-term cognitive decline. By preventing this process with a drug, the rate of brain cell birth returned to normal levels, reducing the risk of seizures.
Researchers found brain activity abnormalities persist even after seizure treatment, potentially underlying cognitive problems in children with absence epilepsy. This discovery suggests using EEG tests to diagnose and monitor attentional deficits in epilepsy patients.
Researchers have observed unusual neural activity in some genetically modified lab mice widely used in neuroscience research. This abnormal activity may be linked to the expression of a genetically-encoded calcium sensor during development.
A new mathematical approach has identified brain regions that contribute most to epilepsy seizures, allowing surgeons to select specific areas for removal. The method has shown promise in reducing the number of seizures experienced by patients, providing a potential breakthrough in epilepsy treatment.
Research found significant changes in blood levels of antiepileptic drugs when patients took cannabidiol, a compound developed from the cannabis plant. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring blood levels and liver function during treatment with CBD.
A new study published in Neurology found that most newborns with epilepsy (83%) have identifiable genetic causes, which can help guide treatment and connect families with condition-specific support groups. Genetic testing can provide comfort and closure for families, allow for tailored treatment, and improve diagnostic outcomes.
A rogue gene called GNAO1 is causing seizures and involuntary movements in children as young as a few days old. Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered key differences in its function that could lead to new treatment options.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that doctors in the US have reached an unexpected consensus on prescribing medications for pediatric epilepsy patients, with levetiracetam being the most frequently chosen. The study highlights a need for real data on efficacy for each medication to inform evidence-based decision-making.
Researchers have identified a unique metabolic signature associated with epileptic brain tissue that can be detected noninvasively using magnetic resonance imaging. This breakthrough allows for precise identification of small regions of abnormal brain tissue in early-stage epilepsy patients.
A comprehensive tool to predict individual outcomes in epilepsy surgery will be developed using diagnostic technology and predictive modeling. The project aims to improve patient counseling and benefit public health by providing an objective, validated, user-friendly risk calculator.
A randomized study of 102 patients with epilepsy found that a multi-component self-management intervention did not significantly improve self-efficacy or medication adherence. However, cost-effectiveness estimates appeared promising.
Researchers found individuals with amygdala damage more memorable faces looking sideways, but did not improve memory for emotional faces. The study suggests that processing emotions and gaze is more complex than previously thought.
Researchers have identified a micro-gene called miR-211 that protects the brain from developing epilepsy. Elevated levels of this gene may act as a protective mechanism to reduce the risk of epileptic seizures.
A special issue of Epilepsy & Behavior evaluates the benefits of medical marijuana for treating epilepsy, highlighting gaps in knowledge and education. Key findings include anecdotal data on cannabis use for epilepsy treatment and potential effects on brain function.
In a large-scale randomized clinical trial, cannabidiol reduced seizure frequency by 39% in patients with Dravet syndrome. The study included 120 children and adolescents aged 2-18 years, who received either CBD or placebo over a 14-week period.
Researchers at the University of Warwick are conducting a study to better understand absence epilepsy, a childhood condition characterized by brief interruptions of consciousness. The study aims to identify new therapeutic targets and develop more effective treatments for children with absence seizures.
A new study has identified a protein called high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) that may help patients with epilepsy respond more positively to drug therapies. The research found that HMGB1 isoforms can predict how an epilepsy patient's seizures will respond to anti-inflammatory drugs.
Researchers have identified a link between certain static images and gamma oscillations that occur when viewing black and white bar patterns, which can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. By adjusting image parameters, such as contrast and bar width, these images can be reduced to minimize the risk of seizures.
A study suggests that the onset pattern of an epileptic seizure may be determined by characteristics of the surrounding 'healthy' brain tissue, not just the site where the seizure originates. The high amplitude slow pattern is associated with higher excitability in surrounding healthy tissue.
Researchers have identified 'silent seizures' in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, a discovery that could lead to new treatments. The findings suggest that these non-convulsive hippocampal seizures may contribute to or accelerate the degenerative process underlying the disease.