Articles tagged with Epilepsy
Cats and humans share a similar form of epilepsy caused by an autoimmune response targeting nerve cell proteins. Researchers have discovered antibodies reacting to these proteins in the blood of affected cats, which is consistent with a similar human condition.
A large-scale study reveals that parasites and inadequate prenatal care contribute significantly to epilepsy prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. The research found that adults with parasitic infections were 1.5-3 times more likely to have epilepsy than those without exposure.
Researchers created an EEG-based computer system that activates optical fibers in the brain to arrest seizure activity and reduce severe 'tonic-clonic' events. The approach shows promise for treating severe manifestations of epilepsy with minimal side effects.
Researchers have found that the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is present in the brains of individuals with a common form of childhood epilepsy. The discovery suggests that the virus may play a role in the development of the condition, and could lead to new therapeutic options related to HPV.
A new study from MIT researchers suggests that some epileptic seizures may originate in non-neuronal glial cells. Mutations in a gene called zydeco, which influences glial-cell communication with neurons, appear to make neurons more excitable and prone to seizures.
A recent study found that individuals with a strong family history of seizure disorders are more likely to experience migraines with aura. The research, published in Epilepsia, analyzed data from over 730 participants with epilepsy and demonstrated a significant genetic link between the two conditions.
Scientists have identified a gene expression that initiates a protective electrical response after seizures, which could prevent recurrent seizures and the onset of devastating epilepsy. This discovery also has implications for relief from chronic pains, cardiovascular disease, and recovery from mood disorders.
A study by neurologists at Henry Ford Hospital found that brain surgery for refractory localization-related epilepsy can lead to significant long-term benefits, with 73% achieving favorable seizure outcomes and 28% experiencing seizure freedom. The researchers tracked 470 patients over 15 years after surgery.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that carbon nanotubes can accelerate the growth of neuronal cells and lower nerve-damaging chloride levels. This finding has potential applications in developing new neural engineering devices using carbon nanotubes to treat neural injuries.
A small Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that children on the ketogenic diet experienced reduced seizures after incorporating periodic fasting. The results suggest that fasting does not intensify but rather changes the metabolism of children with epilepsy.
A new study by Emory researchers has proven successful in preventing depression in people with epilepsy, reducing seizures and improving quality of life. The web-based method, called Project UPLIFT, provides patients with depression prevention and stress management skills, increasing knowledge and skills to replace negative feelings.
A Loyola University Medical Center neurologist reports a higher-than-expected rate of patients with non-epileptic seizures who also experience epileptic seizures during the same hospital stay. This finding is significant because it highlights the need for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Scientists have discovered several toxins in sea anemones that could be used as new generation of insecticides. These toxins disable ion channels, potentially leading to the development of pain and cardiac disorder treatments.
Researchers identified potent antiepileptic fatty acids in the ketogenic diet, which could lead to a new pill for controlling seizures. The discovery aims to replace the high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with a safer treatment option.
Researchers created a new fruit fly model of inherited epilepsy that shows the link between temperature-dependent seizures and flawed sodium channels. The study establishes a platform to develop therapies for febrile seizure disorders, such as GEFS+, which can persist beyond childhood and often develop seizures in the absence of fever.
Scientists developed a genetically engineered fruit fly model to study temperature-dependent seizures. The model reveals that disease-causing mutations lead to breakdowns in brain regulation, causing excessive electrical activity. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to the development of new treatments for febrile seizures.
Researchers identified a new drug target for epilepsy in human brain tissue, which also shows promise for treating behavioral disorders. The study found that specific brain layers are activated during seizures and linked to increased synapses, leading to abnormal neuronal synchrony.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researcher W. Curt LaFrance Jr. compared diagnosis and treatment practices for PNES in the US and Chile. Increasing access to video-EEG is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of PNES, which are often misdiagnosed as epilepsy.
A study by UC Irvine neurologist Dr. Jack Lin suggests that screening for comorbidities can enhance the care and quality of life for children and adults with epilepsy. The study highlights the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention of psychiatric, cognitive, and social issues in conjunction with epilepsy.
Children and adults with epilepsy often experience psychiatric disorders, cognitive disorders, and social problems. Early detection and treatment of these comorbidities can improve quality of care and life.
The burden of epilepsy in low- and lower-middle-income countries is substantial, with twice as many people affected than in higher income nations. Despite being a cost-effective disorder to treat, only 40% of those affected receive appropriate care due to factors such as stigma, cultural beliefs, and lack of skilled manpower.
A study finds that more than 60% of people in low- and lower-middle income regions are not accessing any appropriate epilepsy treatment. The burden of epilepsy in these regions is estimated to be at least double that found in high-income countries, with inadequate facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered a biological mechanism that causes brain seizures in mice with molecular disruptions in small neurons called granule cells. Treating epileptic mice with a drug that blocks the mTOR pathway stopped seizures, solidifying the link to the PTEN-mTOR pathway.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation that speeds up metabolism of certain amino acids, leading to epilepsy and neurobehavioral symptoms in patients with autism. Nutritional supplementation with branched chain amino acids reversed symptoms in mice and showed potential for human treatment.
Researchers at University of Minnesota develop new non-invasive brain scan technique to study seizures immediately after they occur. The method could lead to breakthroughs in identifying the brain regions responsible for seizures and finding effective treatments.
Scientists at UCLA and the Technion have unraveled how our brain cells encode vowel pronunciation in speech. They found two distinct areas in the brain responsible for this process, one responding to all vowels and another firing exclusively for specific vowels.
New research finds that epilepsy patients taking antiepileptic drugs are up to four times more likely to suffer fractures and have osteoporosis compared to non-users. The study also showed a significant increase in falls among female patients taking the medication.
A new invasive imaging technique monitors brain function in patients with diseases such as epilepsy, providing real-time analysis at a higher resolution than current technologies. The procedure uses pre-placed electrodes to image the brain, offering unprecedented insight into its function.
A study by European Society of Human Genetics researchers identifies a crucial factor, CD36 fatty acid transporter protein, in suppressing response to VPA treatment. Monitoring blood for CD36 levels can help doctors determine response to treatment before starting therapy.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered the genetic cause of double-cortex syndrome, a form of epilepsy that affects primarily females. The study found that disease-causing mutations disrupt teamwork between proteins necessary for brain cell skeleton construction, leading to malformation and seizures.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a unique brain wave pattern, called glissando, that can predict epileptic seizures. The study found that this pattern is highly indicative of human epilepsy and cannot be easily reproduced in non-epileptic brain tissue.
A 25-year follow-up study found that 68% of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy patients became seizure-free, with nearly 30% no longer needing antiepileptic drug treatment. AED polytherapy and generalized tonic-clonic seizures preceding bilateral myoclonic seizures predicted poor long-term seizure outcomes.
Researchers have found an imbalance between neuronal excitation and inhibition in individuals with Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by seizures, cognitive delay, and severe intellectual disability. This imbalance may underlie the high seizure activity observed in AS patients.
A protein called BAD modifies cellular metabolism in the brain, resisting epileptic seizures and providing a potential treatment option. Researchers discovered that altering BAD's function can reduce seizures without dietary therapy.
Researchers discovered a link between a protein called BAD and glucose metabolism in the brain, finding that modifications to this protein reduced seizure susceptibility. The study suggests that targeting BAD could lead to new treatments for epilepsy.
A study published in Epilepsia found that pediatric epilepsy severely affects both child and parental sleep patterns. Parents of children with epilepsy reported decreased sleep quality when sharing a room or co-sleeping with their child, while children experienced greater sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness.
A study published in Neurology found that the response to initial treatment can predict future seizure risk. The research followed 1,098 people with newly diagnosed epilepsy for up to 26 years and found that 50% were seizure-free after the first drug tried, while 4% became seizure-free after the third.
A new study found that how well people respond to their first drug treatment for newly diagnosed epilepsy can predict their likelihood of having more seizures. The study showed that 50% of participants were seizure-free after the first drug, while only 4% remained seizure-free after the third drug regimen.
Individuals with epilepsy have a higher risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as an increased likelihood of developing psychosis. A Finnish study found that families with a history of epilepsy were more likely to experience both conditions.
Michigan State University researchers are leading a clinical trial in Malawi to test the safety and feasibility of levetiracetam, an anti-seizure medication, to control seizures in children with cerebral malaria. The trial aims to improve neurologic outcomes for survivors, who often develop epilepsy or other neurologic disorders.
Researchers discovered that adult brains can form new synapses and prune existing ones in response to learning. This process may hold hope for treating neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia.
Researchers at MIT and two Boston hospitals have developed a simple wrist sensor that can measure the severity of epileptic seizures with high accuracy, potentially allowing patients to monitor their condition at home. The device could also predict seizure onset, enabling early intervention.
A new study from UCSF found that brain surgery for epilepsy has not increased in the decade since a landmark clinical trial demonstrated its effectiveness. Despite this, thousands of Americans suffer from uncontrolled seizures each year, highlighting disparities by race and insurance status.
Researchers have identified a protein called SUMO that regulates information transfer between nerve cells in the brain. The discovery could lead to new therapies for stroke and epilepsy.
A 'brain-only' mutation has been discovered that causes hemimegalencephaly (HMG), a condition characterized by an enlarged and dysfunctional half of the brain. This mutation is limited to brain tissue and contributes to overgrowth, intellectual disability, and severe epilepsy.
Patients with pseudo-seizures, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), often misdiagnosed due to stress-triggered symptoms. Research suggests that these patients lack effective coping mechanisms and are more distressed by stressful events than those with epilepsy or healthy individuals.
Researchers have developed new seizure detection software that significantly reduces false alarms, offering promise for improved epilepsy treatment. The system uses algorithms to detect imminent seizures and has been tested on real-time brain activity recordings from four patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Research confirms that childhood onset temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with significant cognitive and developmental deficiencies. As patients age, extensive brain structural abnormalities persist, including ventricular expansion and cortical thickness changes.
Research finds astrocytes play a key role in reducing electrical signals, influencing neuron firing and synaptic fidelity. The discovery offers new insights into diseases like epilepsy, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that early-initiated immunotherapy is associated with improved seizure outcomes among patients with autoimmune epilepsy. In a cohort of 32 patients, 81% reported improvement after immunotherapy and 44% were seizure-free within 12 weeks.
A new epilepsy gene has been discovered in dogs, specifically in Belgian Shepherds, which is associated with a seven-fold increased risk of epilepsy. The research also suggests that other genetic risk factors may be present in the breed, and ongoing studies aim to identify the specific gene causing epilepsy.
A recent study published in JAMA found that patients with epilepsy who underwent brain surgery soon after failing to respond to drug treatment had a lower risk of seizures during the 2nd year of follow-up. The study showed that 73% of participants in the surgical group were seizure-free, compared to 0% in the medical group.
The research aims to use real-time EEG data to detect impending seizures and develop fast-acting drug therapies to prevent them. The technology has the potential to improve epilepsy management for both canine and human patients.
A study found that 73% of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy who underwent surgery were seizure-free after two years. The procedure, called anteromesial temporal resection, also improved quality of life for those patients. Early diagnosis and referral to specialized centers are crucial for optimal treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that early surgical intervention followed by antiepileptic drugs stopped seizures and improved quality of life for patients with medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. The study suggests that surgery should not be viewed as a last resort for these patients.
Researchers will study new methods to detect impending seizures using real-time EEG data, aiming to prevent seizures through fast-acting drug therapies. The goal is reliable seizure forecasting and timely intervention for both canine and human epilepsy.
A recent study published in Epilepsy & Behavior found that 41% of seizure-related tweets were derogatory, perpetuating negative attitudes towards epilepsy. The study highlights the need for improved epilepsy education to combat these stereotypes and promote positive change.
A $2 million grant from NINDS funds research into the psychosocial impacts of epilepsy testing. The study aims to explore how genetic information affects individuals and their families, with a focus on reducing stigma and discrimination associated with epilepsy.
Researchers identified a previously unknown mutation in a sodium channel protein as the likely cause of a rare and severe form of epilepsy. The discovery provides emotional relief to the patient's family, who had been searching for answers.
A comprehensive review found that switching brand-name antiepileptic drugs for generic equivalents can lead to increased hospitalizations and longer stays. The studies suggest that the switching aspect, rather than the drug itself, may be causing the problem, but more research is needed to confirm.