Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 recorded seizure-like activity in the hippocampus of two patients with Alzheimer's disease, which may contribute to cognitive symptoms. The findings suggest that targeting this dysfunction could lead to new treatments to reduce symptoms or alter the course of the disease.
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.
Oscar Alcoreza, a Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine student, has been awarded a highly competitive HHMI fellowship to devote a year to in-depth biomedical research in epilepsy. The fellowship will enable him to investigate the transition from a healthy to an epileptic brain and explore potential interventions.
The American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society have developed a new guideline to address Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which is rare but can occur in people with epilepsy. The guideline suggests that controlling seizures, especially tonic-clonic seizures, may reduce SUDEP risk.
A new study found that cannabidiol may reduce seizures by half in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. The treatment showed great promise in reducing drop seizures and improving overall condition, but also had side effects such as decreased appetite and sleepiness.
A new study identified genes that may underlie differences in treatment outcomes for children with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE). The research suggests a potential link between gene variants and the effectiveness of certain drugs, paving the way for precision medicine approaches to tailor treatments.
A recent study examines social outcomes in young adults with childhood-onset epilepsy and found that those in remission had similar outcomes to their siblings. However, those not in remission were less productive in school or employment and had worse overall outcomes.
Researchers developed a model to predict which patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy will respond to drug treatment. The study analyzed genetic material and clinical data for 237 individuals, achieving accuracy rates of up to 82% in predicting patient response.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati Epilepsy Center found stress to be a common seizure trigger, increasing seizure susceptibility and risk of developing epilepsy. Stress reduction techniques like controlled deep breathing, relaxation therapy, and exercise may provide benefit as low-risk treatment options.
A nationwide Swedish study found that maternal overweight or obesity in early pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of childhood epilepsy. The risk increased by 11-82% depending on the level of maternal obesity, with grade III obesity linked to an 82% increased risk.
The study identified correlations between gene data and brain activity during memory processing, providing new insights into human memory. The researchers found that certain genes are distinct from those previously correlated with other types of cognitive processing and resting state fMRI activity.
Researchers created a mouse model to study how cerebral malaria leads to epilepsy in children and develop treatments. The model, developed by Penn State, is the first of its kind and has potential applications for preventing seizures and sudden unexplained death from epilepsy.
The International League Against Epilepsy has updated its epilepsy classification system, allowing for more informed decisions on treatment. The new system includes many types of seizures not captured in the older version, which may lead to greater advances in diagnosis and therapy.
A novel statistical approach has been developed to analyze brain activity data from patients with epilepsy, revealing distinct patterns of connectivity in the brains of those with temporal lobe epilepsy. The findings suggest that abnormal bidirectional interactions may play a role in the development of seizures.
Researchers discovered that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accelerates brain activity after a prolonged convulsive seizure, leading to harmful neural connections. Blocking GABA's effect with bumetanide may help prevent seizures and limit the severity of epilepsy.
The modified Atkins diet has been shown to reduce seizure frequency in children with Doose syndrome by at least 50%. In a recent study, 83% of children experienced this significant reduction, making it an effective treatment option for families affected by this rare form of epilepsy.
A preliminary study found that people with epilepsy are unaware of the rare but fatal complication known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which affects 1 in 1,000 adults. The study suggests that providing information about SUDEP can motivate patients to take better care of themselves and adhere to their medication.
A new study using an Apple Watch app found that seizures in people with epilepsy are often triggered by stress and missed sleep. The app, called EpiWatch, recorded participants' heart rate and movements for 10 minutes after a seizure to help researchers better understand the condition.
A collaborative study has discovered a genetic cause for myoclonic epilepsy syndrome in dogs, the DIRAS1 gene. This finding has significant implications for both veterinary diagnostics and breeding programs, as well as human epilepsy research.
A study reveals that parasitic infections, particularly with Onchocerca volvulus, may trigger the onset of Nodding Syndrome by triggering an inappropriate immune response against brain cells. This could lead to devastating epilepsy in children, with no clear cause or remedy yet discovered.