Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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%.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
A new brain mapping technique using magnetoencephalography (MEG) has been developed to help surgeons plan for surgical treatment in epilepsy. The study, published in Human Brain Mapping, produced detailed spatial maps of critical language functions to improve surgical outcomes.
Researchers created a 'dish' of patient-specific neurons from skin cells, discovering abnormal sodium current activity that could set off seizures in Dravet syndrome patients. The study holds promise for modeling seizure disorders and screening medications.
Researchers found that intracerebroventricular injection of neuropeptide Y gene suppressed mossy fiber sprouting, inhibited abnormal synaptophysin expression, and reduced epileptic seizures. This study suggests a recombinant adeno-associated virus expression vector carrying the neuropeptide Y gene as a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers at UC Riverside aim to develop more effective treatments for brain disorders like epilepsy by studying neuronal hyperexcitability and astrocytic swelling. They will investigate the relationship between astrocytic swelling and seizure thresholds using mouse models and modern imaging techniques.
A study published in The Lancet found that people with epilepsy are ten times more likely to die prematurely than the general population, with mental illness being a major contributor. The research revealed a strong correlation between psychiatric diagnoses and increased risk of accidents and suicide.
A 41-year study of 70,000 patients with epilepsy found that three-quarters of those who died had also been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition. The study suggests that carefully assessing and treating psychiatric disorders could help reduce the risk of premature death in these patients.
Children exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero are at risk for motor development issues, language skills difficulties, and autistic traits. The study also found no increased risk of developmental delays in children born to mothers with epilepsy who did not use AEDs during pregnancy.
Scientists at Bonn University Hospital and MPI Cologne developed a method to predict temporal lobe epilepsy surgery success rates, achieving 96% accuracy for female patients and 94% for males. The algorithm assesses brain images to differentiate between seizure-free and non-seizure-free patients.
A new study shows that everolimus dramatically reduces seizures in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disease characterized by benign tumors on multiple organ systems. The drug also improves overall quality of life, with significant reductions in seizure frequency and duration.
Patients with epilepsy and mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) showed earlier cognitive decline than those without epilepsy. Epilepsy increases the risk of seizures and accelerates symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Identifying and treating epilepsy could improve clinical outcomes for patients.
Dr. Gary Mathern, a pediatric neurosurgeon at UCLA, was honored with the Ambassador for Epilepsy Award for his significant work in improving clinical care for children with medically refractory epilepsy. His research has led to breakthrough discoveries on mechanisms of the disease process and how seizures develop in the brain.
Researchers develop mathematical approach to understand synchrony in medical and ecological conditions, with potential applications in epilepsy and predator-prey systems. The formula analyzes indirect coupling in complex systems, enabling predictions and tests through experiments.
Researchers found DBI calms key brain rhythms and could be valuable for developing novel therapies for epilepsy, anxiety, and sleep disorders. DBI binds to GABA receptors, enhancing inhibition, and its actions are tightly controlled to occur only in specific brain areas.
A large scientific study has discovered two new genes associated with severe seizure disorders in infants and children. The finding will lead to new tests to diagnose these conditions and promises to improve outcomes for affected families.
A new study found that children and adolescents with seizures involving the temporal lobe are at risk for clinically significant behavioral problems and psychiatric illness, especially depression. Routine psychiatric evaluation is crucial before epilepsy surgery to improve quality of life.
A new imaging technique developed by Jean Gotman and his colleagues combines electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to more precisely localize the areas generating epileptic seizures. This allows neurosurgeons to better understand the optimal ways of intervention for patients with epilepsy.
Researchers at the University of Arizona used a state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technique to determine the genetic mutations causing severe epilepsies in seven out of ten previously undiagnosed children. The study found 15 mutations in nine children, seven of which are known or likely to cause epilepsy.
Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco have made a breakthrough in treating epilepsy by transplanting new inhibitory nerve cells into the brains of adult mice. This innovative approach has shown promising results in reducing seizure occurrence and reversing associated learning and memory problems.
Researchers at UCSF controlled seizures in epileptic mice with a one-time transplantation of MGE cells, which inhibit signaling in overactive nerve circuits. The treatment showed promising results, eliminating seizures in half of the treated mice and reducing spontaneous seizures in the rest.
Researchers developed an implantable device that detects abnormal brain activity and predicts seizures with a high accuracy rate. The technology has the potential to improve management strategies and potentially allow patients to avoid dangerous situations.
A world-first study led by Professor Mark Cook has accurately predicted epilepsy seizures in humans using a device implanted between the skull and brain surface. The system correctly predicted seizures with a high warning rate of 65% of the time, offering new management strategies for epilepsy.
A study published in JAMA found that maternal use of valproate during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder and childhood autism in offspring. The absolute risk is estimated at 4.42% for autism spectrum disorder and 2.50% for childhood autism.
A study by W. Curt LaFrance Jr., M.D., M.P.H. found that TBI significantly increases the odds of major depression, personality impulsivity, and PTSD in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Patients with PNES and TBI had higher rates of disability, unemployment, and poorer functioning.
Researchers have discovered that epileptic seizures in temporal-lobe epilepsy patients can propagate through anatomically and functionally connected brain networks. The study found reduced gray-matter concentrations in certain brain regions, which correlated with changes in functional connectivity and communication between brain areas.
Researchers characterized SUDEP in a mouse model of Dravet Syndrome and found that a prolonged slowing of the heart beat preceded SUDEP. Treatment with certain drugs reduced the incidence of SUDEP, suggesting mortality results from seizure-related parasympathetic hyperactivity.
Researchers characterized SUDEP in a mouse model of DS, finding that treatment with drugs reducing parasympathetic activity reduced incidence. Lymphatic vasculature also plays crucial role in cholesterol removal from arteries, with impaired lymphatic growth leading to increased cholesterol retention. A new therapeutic target is identif...
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience received $1.257 million in grant funding to study Parkinson's and epilepsy. Researchers aim to develop new molecular tools to analyze the human brain, with potential breakthroughs in treatments and cures.
The updated SEEG technique combines sophisticated imaging data reconstructions and robot-assisted surgery to provide essential information in complex cases of drug-resistant epilepsy. The new workflow reduces procedural error risks and improves accuracy in localizing the epileptogenic zone.
A new study by Michigan State University found that young people with epilepsy experienced significant reductions in stigmatization after participating in regular peer support groups. The research, published in Epilepsy and Behavior, suggests a potential solution to the debilitating stigma surrounding epilepsy in developing countries.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that astrocytes play a key role in brain communications, integrating messages and connecting neuronal circuits. This new framework offers insight into brain disease and disorders, such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's, which are linked to malfunctions in brain connectivity.
A new study in rats indicates that gentle brain cooling after injury may prevent seizures in humans, a finding that could lead to a safe and relatively simple way to treat patients with head injuries.
A Michigan State University research team begins a groundbreaking clinical drug trial to control seizures caused by cerebral malaria, which affects brain function in three million children. The trial aims to improve seizure control and potentially prevent epilepsy.
Researchers tracked 73 subjects with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to find that about 60% of newborns had visible seizures at the time of stroke, while 43% of older children did. Within two years, 13% of study subjects developed epilepsy, and patients with elevated brain pressure were more likely to experience later seizures.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University and Tel Aviv University found that mutations in the NHE9 gene lead to a profound loss of function in an ion transporter, which may trigger seizures. This discovery could lead to new diagnosis or treatment options for autism patients.