Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Two studies unveil neural networks that produce and propagate seizure activity, providing information to refine surgical interventions. A third study describes a device capable of detecting and diminishing seizure activity through brief electrical stimulation.
Researchers at The Neuro compiled a detailed map of the hippocampus, improving tools for diagnosing and treating epilepsy. The new atlas provides non-invasive ways to assess therapy impact and improve patient quality of life.
A new gene therapy approach has successfully reduced the number of epileptic seizures in test animals, mimicking human temporal lobe epilepsy. The treatment involves delivering genes for neuropeptide Y and its receptors into the brain, resulting in a significant reduction in seizures for up to 80% of the animals.
A new study identified three main brain regions where abnormalities are common to all types of focal epilepsy. The findings, published in Brain Connectivity, provide valuable insights into the neural networks underlying this neurological condition.
Researchers discovered that treating newborn mice with bumetanide can almost completely prevent the disease progression and allow them to develop normally. The study suggests that timing is crucial, as treatment within the first two postnatal weeks can normalize brain activity and behavior.
Scientists have developed a technique using optogenetics to suppress nervous system activity in genetically-altered fruit fly embryos, showing promise in preventing the onset of epilepsy symptoms when treated early enough.
A study published in JAMA Network found a small increased risk of childhood-onset epilepsy among Danish children with hospital-diagnosed pertussis infections. Researchers identified 90 cases of epilepsy in the pertussis cohort, compared to 511 in the general population.
Researchers found nearly four in five patients with a specific mutation carried out blackouts, yet only 26% received correct diagnosis and treatment. The study highlights the need for proper medical attention if symptoms occur, as delayed diagnosis can be fatal.
A study of 74 children with TSC found that more extensive surgery, including the entire epileptogenic zone, yields better seizure control. The study suggests that simply resecting the tuber may not be enough, and that a larger area of surrounding tissue must also be removed to achieve optimal results.
Children with TSC who undergo more extensive surgery have improved seizure control, whereas resecting just the tuber may not be enough. The study suggests that 'the malformed cortex surrounding the tuber may contribute more to epileptogenicity as opposed to the tuber itself'.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a potential new class of drugs that may prevent the development of temporal lobe epilepsy. A small-protein drug called pY816 was found to reduce both the likelihood and severity of epilepsy in mice after an episode of prolonged seizures.
Researchers at Penn developed a new neuroimaging method that uses glutamate detection to identify epileptic lesions in patients with medication-resistant epilepsy. The GluCEST imaging method was tested on four patients and confirmed the location of the seizures with high accuracy.
A 45-year study of 179 individuals with childhood-onset epilepsy found that patients attain excellent seizure outcomes, but often exhibit abnormal neurologic signs. These signs may be a risk factor for future stroke and cognitive impairment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and care.
A new study of young adults with childhood-onset epilepsy found no lasting association between epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. The study, published in Epilepsia, followed 257 young adults since their epilepsy onset for approximately 15 years.
Researchers at University of California, Irvine discovered that valproic acid preserves the M-current during seizures, which contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability. This finding points to new drug discovery approaches with fewer side effects.
Recent advances in genetic testing are providing new insights into pediatric epilepsy, enabling timely diagnosis of potential genetic disorders. This can lead to optimized treatment and reduced costs for families, as well as reduced anxiety associated with unknown cause cases.
Daejeon-based researcher Jeong Ho Lee of KAIST has been awarded the 2015 Pediatric Epilepsies Research Award for his groundbreaking study on brain somatic mutations as a novel cause of childhood intractable epilepsy. The award grants $250,000 in funding to support his research efforts.
Resin acids have been found to be effective in treating epilepsy by opening potassium channels and reducing nerve activity. The substances, which are fat-soluble and electrically charged, were synthesized from a natural molecule and tested on frog eggs and mice before patent applications were submitted.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that mutations in the KCC2 gene cause severe early infant epilepsy by disrupting chloride ion regulation. This imbalance leads to uncontrolled brain signals, resulting in epilepsy symptoms.