Articles tagged with Epilepsy
A study found that retigabine, an epilepsy drug, protected the brain against ischemic stroke damage in mouse models. The medication acted directly on nerve cells to minimize damage, showing protective effects up to five days after the stroke.
Researchers discovered that coral snake venom's toxins permanently activate crucial nerve cell proteins, preventing reset and causing deadly seizures. The toxins target GABA(A) receptors, making them 100 times tighter than known compounds, leading to permanent opening of the receptor's pore.
A new survey by Henry Ford Hospital found that brain surgery for hard-to-treat epilepsy can sustain beneficial effects for up to 15 years. The study showed a significant increase in patients' ability to drive and an improvement in antidepressant use, with most patients considering their surgery worthwhile.
An international team of scientists identified sestrin-3 as a key regulator of gene networks in human epilepsy. Inhibiting sestrin-3 reduced seizures in animal models. The discovery offers promising starting points for new treatments, potentially avoiding drug resistance.
A study published in Nature Communications identified Sestrin 3 as a major regulator of the epileptic gene network, which could lead to more effective treatments. The researchers used novel computational and genetics techniques to analyze the activity of genes in epilepsy, providing new insights into the disease.
Scientists used genetic analysis and mathematical modeling to discover millimeter-sized abnormalities in brain tissue that may cause unpredictable seizures. These 'microlesions' could lead to spontaneous electrical currents causing epilepsy.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have developed a new method to diagnose epilepsy using mathematical modeling and brain electrical activity analysis. This approach reveals subtle differences in brain network properties that enhance susceptibility to seizures in people with idiopathic generalized epilepsies.
Researchers found that a specific protein's conformational defect causes Autosomal Dominant Lateral Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, a form of familial epilepsy. Treatment with chemical chaperone LGI1 mutant protein was shown to ameliorate seizure susceptibility in mice.
Researchers will investigate SUDEP's causes, risk factors, and potential interventions through a collaborative effort involving eight US epilepsy centers and one UK center. The grant aims to accelerate progress toward successful interventions by leveraging diverse expertise and combining large datasets.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has launched the Centers Without Walls initiative to study Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which affects 1 out of 1000 people with epilepsy annually. The project aims to identify risk factors and potential therapeutic targets to prevent SUDEP.
Drs. Alim Louis Benabid and Mahlon DeLong developed deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treating Parkinson's disease, improving motor function and quality of life for thousands of patients. Their groundbreaking research has led to the use of DBS in other disorders, benefiting over 110,000 patients worldwide.
A Swedish study found that only 3% of epilepsy surgery patients suffered lasting complications, with a downward trend over time. Despite the encouraging data, only 50-60 procedures are performed annually, highlighting the need for awareness and increase in availability throughout Europe.
A new gene has been identified as the genetic cause of a progressive form of epilepsy in nearly one-third of patients. The mutation affects a potassium channel encoding gene KCNC1, which disrupts signal transmission in the brain and causes epileptic seizures and myoclonus.
Researchers have discovered a single mutation in a gene that explains a significant proportion of unsolved cases of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. The mutation disrupts brain signal transmission, leading to epileptic seizures and muscle twitching starting in childhood.
Researchers at McLean Hospital have successfully transplanted human stem cell-derived neurons into the brains of mice with epilepsy, reducing seizures in half of the recipients. The treatment showed promise, with improved electrical activity and reversal of seizure symptoms.
Researchers at Scripps Translational Science Institute have identified a new genetic cause of epileptic encephalopathy, a severe and complex form of epilepsy. The KCNB1 gene mutation was found in a 10-year-old girl, offering new treatment options for her condition.
A new study highlights the difficulty women with epilepsy face when becoming pregnant, as certain medications used to control seizures may be linked to developmental problems in children. The review of 28 studies found that children born to women who took sodium valproate had lower cognitive abilities than those whose mothers did not t...
A review of research published by the American Academy of Neurology found that low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may reduce seizures in adults with tough-to-treat epilepsy. The diets were moderately to very effective, with a 50% or better reduction in seizures experienced by 32% of participants.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that a form of calmodulin plays an active role in opening and closing ion channels, contrary to previous thought. This finding could lead to new treatments for disorders such as cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease
A new study published in Epilepsia reports that 76% of caregivers are more likely to have heard of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) compared to 65% of patients with epilepsy. SUDEP is a rare but devastating condition that occurs in about 1 in 1,000 individuals with epilepsy each year.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a robotic device that can treat severe epilepsy with a minimally invasive procedure. The system uses a shape-memory alloy needle steered by a robotic platform to destroy the area where seizures originate, avoiding drilling through the skull.
Researchers found that individual neurons can react differently to electrical signals and compensate by altering their own outputs. This variability may be important in discovering underlying problems associated with brain disorders.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed a customized transport system, the Mobile Oxygen-Temperature Sustaining (MOTS) system, to preserve human brain samples for research. They also created a planar Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) that provides in-depth understanding of epileptic seizures.
A large study has pinpointed synapse genes with major roles in severe childhood epilepsies, providing a new target for treatment strategies. The research identified 429 de novo mutations, including strong evidence for novel genes involved in synapse function.
Researchers analyzed genetic information from 356 patients and identified novel causes for severe childhood epilepsies. Strong evidence was found for additional novel genes involved in synapse function, which may help address underlying disease mechanisms and improve treatment options.
A new electroencephalography (EEG) tool has been developed to detect refractory idiopathic epilepsy in children, a condition that cannot be managed by antiepileptic drugs. The tool uses EEG classification analysis and identifies significant EEG features that distinguish refractory epilepsy from well-controlled forms.
Low-dose fish oil was found to reduce seizure frequency by a third in people with epilepsy who no longer responded to drug treatment. The study also showed a modest fall in blood pressure, but no significant changes in heart rate or fat levels.
A new animal model reveals that SENP2 deficiency leads to seizures and sudden death due to hyper-SUMOylation of potassium channels. This finding may lead to new treatment opportunities for SUDEP, which affects epilepsy patients at a rate 20-fold higher than the general population.
Scientists have developed a genetically engineered mouse line that allows them to study calcium levels in living brain cells, enabling new research on epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other neurological diseases. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for new treatments and a deeper understanding of the immune system's role in brain function.
Overexpression of Notch1 in temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with reduced seizure frequency and brain discharges. The study found increased presence of Notch 1 and hairy and enhancer of split-1 in intractable temporal lobe epilepsy patients, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for treating the condition.
Researchers found that reducing brain levels of tau protein effectively blocks disease development in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. This approach also improved cognitive and behavioral abnormalities associated with the syndrome.
Researchers successfully disconnected isolated temporal-parietal-occipital nerve tissue while maintaining its activity, providing neuroprotective measures for epilepsy patients. The procedure resulted in complete seizure control for two patients with intractable epilepsy.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that the immune system's response to protein S100B may contribute to memory impairment and cognitive dysfunction associated with conditions like chronic epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that treatments targeting this autoimmune response could help alleviate symptoms.
A new study at the University of Iowa has identified a potential genetic link between epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders, revealing a novel pathway involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The researchers found that mutations in prickle genes cause seizures in flies, leading to epilepsy-like behaviors.
A study published in JAMA found that whole-exome sequencing successfully identified the underlying gene mutations causing mitochondrial respiratory chain defects, leading to a 60% diagnostic yield. This approach outperformed traditional methods, detecting new potential disease genes and improving the diagnosis of neurometabolic disorders.
Researchers identified specialized ribbons of four protofilaments within cilia microtubules, linking proteins to human disease. The discovery sheds light on the microstructure of cilia and their role in human function and disease.
A significant genetic component of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy (IGE) has been discovered, implicating a mutation in the gene for protein cotransporter KCC2. The study found a clear association between two variants of KCC2 and severe IGE in French-Canadian patients.
Despite initial progress in reducing child mortality, the UK has fallen behind other wealthy countries over the past four decades. The country's poor performance in addressing non-communicable diseases, particularly among young people, is a major concern, with an estimated 446 excess deaths from NCDs by 2008.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a complex of three proteins that regulate brain function and may lead to improved treatments for epilepsy. The discovery has major implications for understanding neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and neuropathic pain.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a neural transplant that significantly reduces absence epilepsy seizures in mice. The treatment targets specific areas of the brain affected by the disease, offering hope for developing new therapies for humans suffering from various forms of epilepsies.
Researchers have developed a new treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy that suppresses seizures 'on demand' with a pill, similar to painkillers. The treatment uses genetic modification of brain cells to make them sensitive to a normally inactive compound, avoiding side effects and permanent brain alterations.
Studies suggest that medical marijuana and CBD may help reduce seizure frequency in patients with Dravet syndrome. However, current data is mostly anecdotal and not well-controlled. Researchers emphasize the need for rigorous investigation of medical marijuana's safety and efficacy before drawing conclusions.
The study found that overexpression of Notch1 in temporal lobe epilepsy rats reduced seizure frequency and brain discharges. Increased presence of Notch 1 and hairy and enhancer of split-1 was observed in intractable temporal lobe epilepsy patients, suggesting a potential role for Notch signaling in the disease.
A study by Shaoya Yin and colleagues found that PQ disconnection maintained the activity of isolated temporal-parietal-occipital nerve tissue after surgery, completely controlling epilepsy in two patients. The research suggests PQ disconnection as a neuroprotective measure for surgical treatment of epilepsy.
The American Academy of Neurology review found that medical marijuana can help treat spasticity, pain, and overactive bladder in multiple sclerosis patients. However, its effectiveness in other neurologic diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, Tourette syndrome, cervical dystonia, and epilepsy remains uncertain.
A UCLA research team has made significant progress in developing a computer-aided diagnostic system to accurately distinguish between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures. By analyzing clinical notes from patients with medication-resistant seizure disorder, the team achieved a diagnosis accuracy of 65% using machine learning methods.
The NeuroPace RNS System uses responsive stimulation to suppress seizures before they begin, reducing seizure frequency by up to 50%. The device is surgically placed and coupled with a unique electrode placement planning system that facilitates precise targeting of the seizure focus.
A team of researchers found that losartan, a commonly used hypertension drug, prevents post-traumatic seizures in a rodent model of the disease. The study suggests that blocking the TGF-beta receptor with losartan stops the cascade of steps that lead to localized inflammation and permanent brain damage.
New research reveals a fresh understanding of the structure of sodium channels, with particular focus on the β3-subunit's role in regulating heart cell activity. The study suggests that these channels may be functionally connected, leading to more efficient action potential initiation.
Children and young adults with epilepsy are more likely to suffer broken bones, burns, and poisonings compared to those without the condition. Young people with epilepsy are at significantly greater risk of being poisoned by medication, especially in the age group of 19-24 years old.
The new definition of epilepsy includes individuals with two unprovoked seizures and those with a high risk of seizure recurrence. Epilepsy is defined as a disease of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures.
Researchers have identified a conserved pathway responsible for seizures in both Drosophila flies and humans. Flies with prickle gene mutations exhibit myoclonic seizures, similar to those in human patients, and respond to the anti-convulsive drug valproic acid.
Researchers discovered a pattern of damage in the hippocampus — the brain's memory center — similar to humans with temporal lobe epilepsy. Sea lions exposed to domoic acid developed seizures and extensive brain damage due to toxin accumulation in anchovies and other small fish fed on by sea lions.
Researchers from Penn and CHOP confirmed a genetic link between missing DNA on the X chromosome and birth defects such as epilepsy, cleft palate, and respiratory failure. The study provides a mouse model to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of these conditions and potentially identify genes responsible.
A new cell type has been identified as a contributing factor to post-traumatic epilepsy caused by traumatic brain injury. The study found that damage to interneurons disrupts neurotransmitter levels, leading to increased epileptic activity.
Researchers used innovative tools to detect a previously unknown gene mutation and initiate personalized drug treatment for a boy with uncontrollable seizures. Memantine was shown to have an effect in reducing seizure activity.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that rosiglitazone, a known diabetes drug, can prevent brain damage in mice with cerebral malaria and increase brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels in humans. The findings suggest that this approved drug may have protective mechanisms against long-term cognitive impairments.
Two new smartphone applications have been developed to aid in diagnosing epileptic seizures and managing acute stroke care. The epilepsy app was found to be informative in 87% of tested individuals, agreeing with medical diagnoses in 96% of cases.
Researchers have identified metformin as a potential treatment for epilepsy by reducing the intensity of seizures. The study used fruit fly movement to analyze the effects of dietary modifications on seizure susceptibility. Dr. Kuebler's lab developed a low-cost, video-based method to investigate metabolic causes of seizures.
Research identifies moderate risk of self-harm among patients with diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma, as well as other physical illnesses. The study emphasizes the need for physicians and mental health workers to be aware of associated risks to better identify at-risk individuals.