Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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.
A study published in Science has identified a genetic mutation in almost 75% of cases, linking HSP to other common neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and ALS. The research found over 50 families with autosomal recessive HSP, providing insight into the biological processes underlying these diseases.
Researchers have discovered a new operating principle of potassium channels, revealing the pore remains open even in response to cAMP. This finding has implications for developing drugs to treat epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias.
A staged approach to epilepsy surgery in children is a safe and effective treatment option, with complications decreasing as surgeons gain experience. The study found that the benefits of staged surgery outweigh the risks, making it an important treatment option for complex cases of childhood epilepsy.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have found that individual cells in the hippocampus use small electrical fields to stimulate and synchronize neighboring cells, spreading activity layer by layer. This discovery suggests a possible novel target for seizure-blocking medicines.
A new gene, CHD2, has been found to be responsible for a subset of epilepsy patients with symptoms similar to Dravet syndrome. This discovery offers new diagnostic tools and potential treatments for families affected by the condition.
A new brain-imaging technique allows people to monitor and control their brain activity in real time, enabling the training of specific targeted brain regions. MEG is being explored as a potential therapeutic tool for various neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.
A recent study by McGill University researchers discovered a direct link between brain metabolism and signaling, which may explain why seizures in some epilepsy patients can be controlled with a specially formulated diet. The research also found that the mitochondria of brain cells play a crucial role in energy production and signaling.
Researchers at NYU and NYU Langone Medical Center found that speech engages both sides of the brain, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery sheds new light on addressing speech-related inhibitions caused by stroke or injury, enabling more effective rehabilitation methods.
Grand Challenges Canada announces $7.7M project to improve mental health care in developing countries, with mobile phone technologies and innovative approaches to reach underserved populations. The projects aim to increase epilepsy treatment and eliminate barriers for critical mental health services.
A new study has found that levetiracetam does not appear to be associated with thinking, movement, and language problems in preschool children born to mothers who took the drug during pregnancy. In contrast, valproate was linked to some difficulties in preschoolers.
Researchers found auxiliary proteins play crucial role in sodium channels, affecting disease treatment and pain syndromes. The discovery could lead to more focused treatments for epilepsy, neurological diseases, and muscular disorders.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum investigated anti-epilepsy drugs' effects on glial cells. They found that valproic acid and gabapentin promote cell survival, while phenytoin and carbamazepine have pro-inflammatory properties.
Researchers successfully demonstrated a technique to boost inhibition in the brain, leading to improved self-control. The method, involving direct electrical stimulation of the prefrontal cortex, shows promise for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other severe disorders.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that 92% of epilepsy surgery patients are satisfied with the results, experiencing improved driving ability, employment status, and reduced antidepressant use. Patients who underwent temporal resection had significant improvements in these areas, particularly those with favorable sei...
New research shows microRNA-128 controls complex functions in the adult brain by adjusting a neuronal signaling pathway. Reducing miR-128 expression led to increased motor activity and fatal epilepsy in mice, while overexpression decreased motor activity and reduced seizure susceptibility.
A UT Arlington assistant professor has developed a computational model that can accurately predict when an epileptic seizure will occur next. The model analyzes EEG readings to provide early warnings, allowing patients to use medicine to combat an oncoming seizure.
Researchers found specific neurons in the amygdala of autistic individuals respond differently to faces, with reduced processing of the eye region compared to control-group individuals. These neurons also responded more strongly to mouths than eyes, shedding light on abnormal face processing in autism.
A new study has found that patients with temporal lobe epilepsy have abnormal brain connections, which could help diagnose and treat the condition. The study used diffusion tensor imaging to track water movement in the brain's white matter, revealing a decrease in long-range connectivity of up to 45%.
Research suggests hyper-connected neurons may cause social symptoms in autistic children, leading to potential new treatment strategies and early detection methods. The study found a link between brain connectivity and severity of social impairment in individuals with autism.
Researchers have developed software that can learn from a patient's normal and seizure electrical activity to predict when another seizure may occur. This allows for an early warning system, potentially enabling people with epilepsy to live safer lives by avoiding hazardous situations before a seizure begins.
A recent clinical trial found that calcium and vitamin D supplementation improves bone density in patients with epilepsy who take chronic antiepileptic drugs. The results suggest that risedronate may help prevent new vertebral fractures when combined with these supplements.
A study by Prof. Xiaoming Wang and team found that low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) suppressed electrical activity in epileptic rats, leading to improved nonlinear electroencephalographic parameters. This suggests a potential antiepileptic effect of low-frequency rTMS in treating chronic epilepsy.
Researchers have identified a new way to determine precisely what portions of the brain suffer from epilepsy, improving surgical outcome accuracy and efficiency. Using intracranial electroencephalography, they found that patients' preoperative functional neural connectivity was strongly associated with successful surgery outcomes.
The Sudden Death in the Young Registry aims to collect comprehensive data on sudden unexpected death in youths up to age 24, with a focus on heart-related conditions and epilepsy. The registry will help researchers define the scope of the problem and set future research priorities.
Researchers at Brandeis University observed a neural firing-rate set point in neocortical neurons, which remains stable even during sensory deprivation or sleep. This homeostatic mechanism could lead to new approaches for neurological disorders.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Neurosurgery found that surgery can be an effective treatment option for older epilepsy patients, with 74% remaining seizure-free compared to 58% of younger patients. However, caution is needed regarding postoperative memory decline in older adults.
A study by University of Utah bioengineers found that visual cues can dominate sound perception, leading to the McGurk effect. The team used brain signal recordings to demonstrate how vision overrides hearing in certain conditions.
Research suggests that vigorous exercise as a young adult can lower the risk of developing epilepsy later in life. Men with high cardiovascular fitness were 36% and 79% less likely to develop epilepsy than those with medium and low fitness levels, respectively.
Researchers identify role of BDNF in controlling brain activity during seizures, potentially leading to new anti-epileptic therapies with fewer side effects. The discovery could help patients who do not respond to current treatments.
A new study suggests that zebrafish carrying a Scn1a mutation can serve as a model for Dravet syndrome, allowing researchers to quickly identify potential treatments. The study found that clemizole, an FDA-approved drug, was effective in inhibiting seizure activity in the mutant fish.
Researchers at UC San Francisco discovered a potential epilepsy drug in zebrafish bred to mimic Dravet Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Clemizole, an antihistamine, showed efficacy in preventing seizures in the fish, offering a glimmer of hope for families affected by this debilitating disease.
A new study has found a link between high doses of epilepsy medication valproate and increased risk of physical birth defects such as spina bifida and hypospadias in babies. Reducing the dose of valproate during pregnancy can significantly lower this risk, providing pregnant women with epilepsy new hope.
A 60-year-old woman with hearing impairment experiences unusual music hallucinations that are familiar to her husband but not herself. The case raises intriguing questions about the nature of memory and forgetting.
A groundbreaking study led by NYU Langone Medical Center has identified nine specific genes with four completely new mutations associated with two severe forms of epilepsy: infantile spasms and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These genetic risk factors may lead to personalized therapy and drug development.
A new guide created by researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic provides valuable information for parents of children with epilepsy and mental health problems. The guide covers topics such as child development, treatment options, and navigating the school system for support.
A global study using exome sequencing identified new genetic mutations causing severe childhood epilepsies, revealing common pathways to target the condition with drugs and therapies. The findings could lead to fast-tracking discoveries of genetic causes and improving treatment options for devastating childhood epilepsies.
A genetic study of childhood epilepsies has discovered two new genes associated with severe forms of the disease. The study used exome sequencing to identify disease-causing gene mutations and found an unusually large number of mutations, providing a wealth of information for epilepsy research.
University of Washington researchers have made significant progress in linking a rare form of epilepsy called epilepsy aphasia to genetic mutations in the GRIN2A gene. This breakthrough finding may lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for patients with this condition, which is characterized by seizures and speech abnormalities.
A large-scale international study has identified 25 new mutations on nine key genes behind severe childhood epilepsy, including two new genes never before associated with the disorder. The findings suggest a new direction for developing genome-wide diagnostic screens and precise therapies for the condition.
Researchers developed a real-time system for detecting and identifying epilepsy using a nonlinear dynamics index and support vector machine. The system effectively identifies epileptic electroencephalogram signals with good generalization ability, making it suitable for clinical applications.