Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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 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 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 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.
Researchers found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine can prevent sudden death in epilepsy patients by enhancing respiratory function. The study provides hope for developing treatments to lessen SUDEP risk, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
A 26-year study found that nearly half of epilepsy surgery patients were free of disabling seizures, while 80% reported better quality of life. The study suggests increased use of surgical intervention could offer patients long-term seizure control and improved lives.
Researchers at UCSF are sequencing the DNA of 4,000 people with various forms of epilepsy in a bid to identify the genetic causes of the disease. The study, funded by a $25-million grant, will also explore ways to treat people with epilepsy and uncover new patterns of genetics.
A new guideline issued by the American Academy of Neurology recommends caution when selecting seizure medications for individuals with HIV/AIDS due to the risk of adverse interactions. The guideline aims to minimize the impact of these drug combinations, particularly in developing countries where treatment options are limited.
New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology provide treatment recommendations for people with HIV/AIDS taking seizure drugs. The guidelines aim to prevent drug interactions that could make HIV drugs less effective or lead to a more virulent strain of the disease.
A large Swedish study found that having epilepsy is not directly linked to committing violent crime, contradicting common public opinion. However, individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury were more likely to commit violent crimes after diagnosis.
A combination of lamotrigine and valproate significantly reduced seizure frequency in patients with very difficult-to-control epilepsy. The treatment regimen, out of 32 tested combinations, showed superior efficacy compared to other regimens.
Researchers have developed a new method to analyze electrical activity in the brain, enabling better diagnosis and treatment of brain illnesses. The technique can help identify impending seizures and paralysis, allowing for more effective interventions.
Researchers found that patients with epilepsy on long-term antiepileptic drugs, especially phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid, are at increased risk for developing atherosclerosis. The study suggests that newer AEDs like lamotrigine may minimize metabolic disturbances and reduce this risk.
The WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme aims to reduce the treatment gap for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in low- and middle-income countries. The programme provides evidence-based management recommendations to improve access to treatment and care.
A new microelectronic device developed by a Penn-led team can record brain activity at high resolutions, revolutionizing brain-computer interfaces for treating neurological and psychiatric illnesses. The device's flexibility and multiplexed nanosensors enable precise mapping of brain networks underlying normal function and disease.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) affects 2.7 million Americans, with a high risk associated with chronic and severe cases. Increased awareness, improved prevention, and better treatments can help reduce SUDEP rates through devices that detect seizures and understanding its mechanisms.
A first-of-its-kind study found that brain stimulation significantly reduced 'medically refractory' epileptic seizures in adults. The NeuroPace Responsive Neurostimulation System delivered electrical pulses to stop seizures, providing a new treatment option for patients who have tried multiple medications and surgery without success.
Researchers developed a method to optimize ion channel activity, reversing abnormal neuronal function and pathology in epilepsy. The study suggests this approach may be useful for other brain diseases and organs with excitable cells.
Around half of adults undergoing surgery for epilepsy are seizure-free after 10 years, with improved outcomes seen for those with anterior temporal resections. The study highlights the need for further improvements in presurgical assessment and surgical treatment to increase success rates.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong connection between premature birth and an increased risk of developing epilepsy later in life. Adults born prematurely were five times more likely to be hospitalized for epilepsy compared to those born full-term.
A recent study published in Epilepsia found a strong bidirectional relationship between schizophrenia and epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy were significantly more likely to develop schizophrenia, while those with schizophrenia had a higher incidence of epilepsy. The research suggests shared genetic and environmental factors contributin...
A new study found that epilepsy patients who receive additional treatment with antiepileptic drugs have a seven times lower risk of dying from a sudden unexpected death. The study suggests that the reduction in seizure frequency is the most likely explanation for this finding.
The Division of Pain Medicine at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center received a 2011 Medical & Academic Partnerships Fellowship Award from Pfizer Inc. The Epilepsy Center also received an award for its nationally competitive research. The fellowships support patient-oriented research to improve healthcare outcomes.
A new study published in Neurology found that psychogenic non-epileptic seizures may be misdiagnosed for up to five years in veterans compared to one year in civilians. The delay is largely due to limited access to epilepsy monitoring units, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
A study of 17 cats with epilepsy revealed that early treatment can lead to improved outcomes and a better quality of life for affected animals. The researchers found changes in the hippocampus similar to those seen in human MTLE-HS, but without structural brain damage.
Researchers have developed a genetically engineered mouse model to study Lafora disease, revealing the role of malin-laforin complex in glycogen synthesis and neuronal degeneration. The study provides evidence for abnormal sugar accumulation leading to neuronal deterioration and death.
Researchers at U of M Medical School used advanced MRI technology to develop a better approach to diagnosing epilepsy. The study revealed highly detailed images of brain tissue, allowing doctors to accurately locate scar tissue associated with the condition.
Research confirms fast ripples as a reliable marker for the brain region responsible for seizure activity in children. Resection of brain regions with fast ripples and seizure-onset zones may lead to better seizure outcomes, suggesting a new surgical approach to improve treatment.
Researchers have identified a new gene, LGI2, linked to human benign childhood epilepsies characterized by seizure remission. The discovery provides new insights into the development of a child's brain and the mechanisms of childhood epilepsy.
A new UCSF study reveals that brain surgery can completely cure two-thirds of people with severe and untreatable epilepsy, highlighting the importance of accurate brain mapping in achieving successful outcomes. The study's findings also underscore the need for further research into developing new methods to pinpoint seizure sources.
A recent study found that women with generalized tonic-clonic seizures had a greater number of seizures during anovulatory cycles than in ovulatory cycles. This suggests that reproductive steroids, such as estradiol and progesterone, may contribute to the occurrence of tonic-clonic seizures.
A new study has linked out-of-body experiences to neural instabilities in the brain's temporal lobes and errors in the body's sense of itself. Healthy individuals who experience OBEs showed signs of neuroelectrical anomalies and biases in body representation.
Research highlights the importance of controlling seizures through effective drug treatment and good compliance in protecting against SUDEP. The study also recommends modifying risk factors such as polytherapy and non-adherence to prescribed medications.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that generic anti-epilepsy drugs have varying levels of effectiveness, particularly when switched between two generics, raising concerns about safe dosing practices. The study highlights the need for policy makers to evaluate standards for generic drugs' similarity to brand-name versions.
Researchers have identified a central switch responsible for transforming healthy brain cells into epileptic ones. The discovery marks a dramatic change in understanding how temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) develops, revealing the role of epigenetic mechanisms and a master switch-like protein called NRSF.
Researchers identify dozens of rare genetic variants in ion channel genes associated with epilepsy, as well as nearly identical variations in healthy individuals. The study suggests that a combination of altered channels can mask individual defects, leading to a complex interplay between gene variants and the development of epilepsy.
Researchers at UC Riverside have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding epileptic seizures by developing a computational model that simulates the cortical network. The model shows that restricting chloride increase can lead to faster seizure termination and even make seizures impossible, offering new hope for treating epilepsy.
A new study reveals that four common epilepsy medications associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of major birth defects. The research suggests that doctors should select the safest effective treatment for pregnant women with epilepsy by considering individual drug and dose options.
A recent study found that preschool children with epilepsy exhibit significant cognitive impairment, particularly those with early-onset seizures. The study suggests that age at seizure onset is a crucial factor in determining cognitive function, with higher IQ scores associated with later seizure onset.
A new nerve-stimulation treatment called Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (TNS) has shown promise in controlling seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. In a Phase 2 clinical trial, 40% of patients experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency, with some also experiencing improved mood.
A study comparing the US economy to epilepsy suggests a connection between economic downturns and seizure-like behavior in financial markets. The researchers propose severing excess links between sectors to cure market distortions.
Scientists have discovered the CLN6 gene on chromosome 15 as the cause of inherited recessive Kufs type A disease. This breakthrough enables a rapid and simple blood test for diagnosis, screening in at-risk families, and genetic counseling.
A study found nearly 60% of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy showed persistent nonadherence during the first 6 months of therapy. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher non-adherence rates, indicating a need for intervention studies to optimize adherence early in treatment.
A new study found that treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE) is common in idiopathic autism, with early age at seizure onset and delayed global development associated with TRE. Researchers also discovered that patients with TRE had more developmental regression, motor and language delays than those who were seizure-free.
A study published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that brain donors with autism and epilepsy had a significantly higher mortality rate than those with autism alone, increasing by over 800%. The research highlights the importance of early identification of epilepsy in children with autism.
Perampanel, a new drug, has shown promise in reducing seizures in people with hard-to-control epilepsy. The study involved 387 participants who took either the 12mg or 8mg dose of perampanel and reported a significant reduction in seizure frequency compared to those taking a placebo.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered a potential mechanism that may contribute to the link between epilepsy and fragile X syndrome. The protein FMRP controls the production of a protein called Kv4.2, which regulates electrical signals in brain cells.
A new study reveals that Iraqi refugees are disproportionately affected by brain and nervous system disorders, with 4% of all registered refugees having a diagnosed condition. The most common diagnoses were epilepsy, back pain, and headache, with many refugees experiencing torture-related injuries.
A new gene, SYN1, has been identified as a predisposing factor for both autism and epilepsy in individuals from Quebec. Mutations in this gene lead to impaired synaptic function, causing communication between neurons to break down. This study provides a key to understanding the comorbidity of these devastating diseases.
A team of researchers from Washington University used electrocortiography (ECoG) to control a computer cursor using words spoken out loud and in their head. The study showed up to 90% accuracy, even without prior training, and has huge potential for patients with speech disorders or limited movement. Future operations may use small, mi...