Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.