Articles tagged with Epilepsy
Research suggests that anti-inflammatory therapies targeting the CCL2 chemokine may be effective in treating epilepsy. The study highlights the link between inflammation and epileptic seizures, providing a potential new target for anticonvulsant therapy.
Researchers found a unique 'texting rhythm' in approximately 1 in 5 patients using smartphones while having their brain waves monitored. The study suggests that texting can change brain waves and may have significant implications for brain-computer interfacing, gaming, and driving.
Children with epilepsy experience significant long-term socioeconomic consequences, including higher healthcare costs. The study found that people with epilepsy are unable to catch up with their peers in overall health, education, and social status.
A study found that people with a first-degree relative with epilepsy are at higher risk of being diagnosed with autism. Siblings and offspring of those with epilepsy were 63% more likely to develop autism than their peers without a family history.
Researchers at Cardiff University are exploring a potential new treatment for human temporal lobe epilepsy by transplanting immature neuron cells into the brain. The project, funded by Epilepsy Research UK, aims to develop this cell transplantation treatment and potentially lead to clinical trials in the next 3-5 years.
Epilepsy patients experience increased seizures when stressed, but researchers found the disease alters brain signaling; a new potential treatment blocks this stressful effect. New research reveals stress-induced seizures in epilepsy are triggered by changed neurotransmitter signaling.
Microglial cells have been found to be 'blind' and incapable of eliminating dead neurons during epilepsy seizures, leading to inflammation and further brain damage. The study opens up new avenues for exploring therapies to encourage phagocytosis and alleviate the effects of brain diseases.
Researchers found that microglia fail to remove dead neurons during epilepsy, leading to accumulation and inflammatory responses. The study's findings provide a new target for therapies aimed at boosting phagocytosis and alleviating brain diseases.
A crowdsourcing contest analyzing brain data from humans and dogs improved epileptic seizure forecasting. Over half of algorithms performed better than random predictions, accurately predicting more than 70% of seizures.
A third of global burden of disease for mental disorders occurs in India and China, with significant treatment gaps. Community engagement, traditional medicine practitioners, and increased support are key to bridging this gap.
A recent study found that children with cerebral palsy are more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea due to underdiagnosis. Routine screening with a questionnaire can accurately diagnose sleep disorders in this population.
The article reviews national and international guidelines for folic acid supplementation, analyzing its potential risks and benefits on maternal and fetal outcomes. Folic acid is known to prevent neural tube defects, but its effects on other pregnancy outcomes are controversial.
A new research program aims to improve patients' quality of life by monitoring major depressive disorder, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis using wearable devices and smartphone technology. The RADAR-CNS programme may allow treatment to begin before a patient's health deteriorates, preventing relapses.
A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that brain signals between seizures may be responsible for memory problems in patients with epilepsy. Researchers found that abnormal hippocampal-cortical signaling in both rats and humans with epilepsy tracked closely with the level of memory impairment.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics reveals that PIGG gene mutations are the cause of intellectual disability with seizures and hypotonia. The discovery offers new insights into the development of cerebral nervous systems and provides a potential diagnostic tool for families affected by these disorders.
A traveling spike generator has been found to initiate brain waves in the hippocampus, a part of the brain associated with memory. The generator appears to move across the region while generating brain waves, but produces no electrical signal. This discovery may provide new insights into epilepsy treatment and memory consolidation.
A new study reveals that women with epilepsy have a comparable likelihood of achieving pregnancy and similar time taken to get pregnant as healthy women. The study, which followed over 200 women with epilepsy and healthy controls, found no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes or fertility rates.
A new study suggests that an eslicarbazepine acetate taken once a day may control seizures in people with partial seizures as well as carbamazepine taken twice daily. The six-month study showed that 71% of those taking eslicarbazepine were seizure-free, compared to 76% of those taking carbamazepine.
Research found that subclinical epileptic bursts can prolong reaction times and increase virtual accidents in drivers taking a computer test. Antiepileptic drugs, however, did not significantly impair driving performance.
A new study published in Neurology found that babies born to mothers taking the epilepsy drug lamotrigine may not be at an increased risk of birth defects such as cleft lip and clubfoot. The study, which analyzed over 10 million births, estimated the excess risk of these defects to be less than one in every 550 babies.
Scientists are using new brain-machine interfaces to restore motor function, while developing tools to repair and improve cognition. New electrophysiology techniques allow for a sharper view of the brain's activity, enabling researchers to study human brains in real-time.
Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a method to predict epileptic seizures with high accuracy using electrocardiogram data. Heart rate variability analysis produced accurate predictions (91%) and allowed patients to ensure their safety before seizures. A wearable device is planned for development.
Research published in Diabetologia found that people with type 1 diabetes have a three-times increased risk of developing epilepsy later in life. Younger age and severe hypoglycemia are also identified as critical risk factors for brain abnormalities and the development of epilepsy.
A study led by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that even seizure-free children with epilepsy can experience learning difficulties and behavioral problems, leading to suboptimal social and educational outcomes in adulthood. Early identification of these issues is crucial to stave off poor outcomes.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has designed a more effective version of an FDA-approved epilepsy drug with the potential for fewer side effects. The experimental agent could also prove to be a treatment for tinnitus and other disorders caused by volatile neural signaling.
Eindhoven and Mexican researchers confirm Christiaan Huygens' hypothesis that two pendulum clocks oscillate in synchrony, with implications for understanding biological rhythms and human epilepsy. They also discovered that pendulum clocks move more slowly over time, making them unreliable timekeepers.
Researchers at the University of Geneva identified a new recessive disease caused by the failure of a single gene, PIGG, which affects protein production and leads to intellectual disability, epilepsy and hypotonia. The discovery provides hope for early detection and prevention through personalized genetic diagnosis.
Researchers discovered altered heart rate variability in children with epilepsy, suggesting a connection to the autonomic nervous system. The study suggests that changes in parasympathetic tone may precede epilepsy onset, offering potential biomarkers for diagnosis and new treatment avenues.
Research reveals that genetics play a role in sleep/wake timing of seizures in individuals with epilepsy. The study found that seizures in relatives tend to occur at the same time in the sleep/wake cycle.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new model that simulates the behavior of neurons in the brain during extreme events, such as epileptic seizures. The model reveals how small-world networks can exhibit spontaneous changes, shedding light on the conditions under which these events develop.
Researchers found that Retigabine enhances the resting potential open state stability of K7.2/K7.3 channels, increasing potassium ion flow and decreasing electrical signals. This may help refine pharmacotherapy for epilepsy and related disorders.
The study found that 30% of epilepsy women did not use highly effective contraception due to medication risks. Women who used hormonal contraception were considered a promising alternative.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology confirmed that different generic antiepileptic products are equally effective in treating epilepsy, with no measurable difference found between them. This finding provides reassurance for patients and clinicians about the safety of substituting generics.
Penn researchers developed algorithms that can predict where a seizure will originate and which groups of neurons it will likely spread to. These predictions could provide a more objective way of identifying surgical targets, improving the success rate of such interventions.
Children with lower socio-economic status have reduced access to neurology visits and increased emergency department visits due to transportation and employment barriers. These disparities highlight the need for additional support to reduce costly hospitalizations and improve specialist care access.
Youth with epilepsy have almost a 4-fold increased risk of dying compared to those with migraines or lower extremity fractures. Fragmentation of medical care system plays a significant role in higher risk of premature death, emphasizing the need for well-coordinated care.
A multi-center study led by UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco found that purified cannabidiol reduced monthly motor seizures in children with uncontrolled seizures by 36.5%. The treatment was well-tolerated, and the study suggests that CBD may be a promising new treatment option for children with severe epilepsy.
A recent study found a significant network of genes influencing cognitive abilities in both healthy individuals and those with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. The discovery provides an alternate starting point for developing therapies targeting these disorders.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered two clusters of genes linked to human intelligence, which may influence cognitive functions such as memory and attention. The study provides new insights into the genetic basis of intelligence and may lead to future treatments for neurodevelopmental diseases.
Researchers developed algorithms predicting seizure origin and spread based on brain data from 22 epilepsy patients. This could lead to more objective surgical targets and improved treatment outcomes.
Recent studies conclude that people with epilepsy have a 27-fold greater risk of sudden death than those without the disorder. Improved cause-of-death reporting and public education could prevent thousands of deaths annually.
Researchers are developing a noninvasive brain-scanning technology that could produce images far superior to those obtained with electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. The technique, called acoustoelectric brain imaging (ABI), involves applying ultrasound waves externally to the brain.
Epilepsy is responsible for more US deaths than sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or fires, with over 2,750 cases of sudden unexpected death due to epilepsy annually. The disorder affects individuals over 65 years old, with a significant risk of sudden death and underreporting on death certificates.
Researchers at Newcastle University developed a computer model that identifies brain regions responsible for epileptic seizures, leading to improved surgical outcomes. The study successfully simulated brain activity and identified the most seizure-prone areas in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health report a strong association between new onset epilepsy and increased risk of suicide attempts. The study found that patients with new epilepsy had a nearly two-fold increased risk of recurrent suicide attempt compared to controls.
Research reveals disrupted sleep in people with epilepsy can impede memory formation, impair cognitive performance, and influence daily life. Studies show links between sleep disturbances and seizure control, as well as the impact of nighttime seizures on memory retention.
Researchers have developed personal monitoring devices that can track seizure activity in the home environment, providing advance warning before seizures strike. These devices use biometric recording technology and can operate for seven days on a single charge, revolutionizing epilepsy therapy.
Studies reveal that nearly a quarter of people who experienced SUDEP carried mutations linked to cardiac sudden death, suggesting irregular heart rhythms as a significant cause. Genetic testing could potentially identify people at high risk of SUDEP.
The American Epilepsy Society awarded Dr. Christian E. Elger the William G. Lennox Award for expanding his department into a leading program in epilepsy surgery and human brain research. Elger's pioneering work includes studying seizure prediction and developing pre-surgical cognitive outcomes.
Dr. Donald Schomer, a Harvard Medical School professor, is recognized for his pioneering work in comprehensive epilepsy programs and training fellow clinicians worldwide. He has trained 46 fellows since establishing the fellowship program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Brian Litt, M.D., receives the American Epilepsy Society's Research Recognition Award for Clinical Science for his pioneering work in neuroengineering and translational neuroengineering. His research focuses on developing new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to improve epilepsy treatment outcomes.
Kevin Staley, M.D., has made significant contributions to understanding neonatal seizures through his work on 'neuronal plumbing' and GABA receptors. His research will benefit patients with epilepsy for years to come.
Researchers have identified genes linked to epilepsy using innovative technologies such as gene editing and next-generation sequencing. These findings suggest a spectrum of conditions beyond Infantile Spasms or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, prompting the exploration of personalized medicine for genetic forms of epilepsy.
Researchers identified 13 hotspot CNVs associated with JME and found that drug resistance enriches a clinical cohort for common CNVs. This study provides new insights into the genetic basis of JME and highlights the need for further molecular biology studies.
Three studies explore SCN8A gene mutations linked to early infantile epileptic encephalopathy and other neurological conditions. The findings provide new data on the spectrum of SCN8A-related epilepsies, including familial and sporadic cases.
Researchers unveil innovative studies on seizure detection and management, including electrodermal biofeedback and machine learning algorithms. These non-invasive methods offer accessible treatment options for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Studies investigate biological factors behind memory decline in people with epilepsy, particularly those with temporal lobe epilepsy. Loss of neurons from the hippocampus is a common cause of impaired memory. Researchers also explore effects of seizures on signaling pathways and brain activity.
Dr. Story Landis is honored with the AES's highest award for her exceptional service and contributions to epilepsy research. Her leadership at NINDS has supported $1.6 billion in annual research funding, driving progress in understanding synapse formation and neurological disorders.
Studies reveal that children with epilepsy show global differences in cognitive network development, but hubs of these networks are functionally similar to those of healthy peers. Graph analysis also suggests that neural networks linking cognitive skills are not well integrated in children with epilepsy.
Page B. Pennell, M.D., is recognized for her extensive service to the American Epilepsy Society (AES), including leadership roles on its Board of Directors and committees. She has made significant contributions to understanding and treating women with epilepsy through her research.