Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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.
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.
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 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...
Researchers at Vanderbilt University identified a new gene, KCNV2, that influences the risk of developing epilepsy. The gene codes for a unique potassium channel protein and alters electrical activity in nerve cells, leading to seizures.
The new stereo-EEG method enables exact localization of functionally important brain areas, improving the safety of epilepsy surgery. The technique also provides a more pleasant experience for patients, with thin recording electrodes placed through small holes.
A new study published in Epilepsia found that children with epilepsy are at increased risk of developing behavioral and psychiatric problems. The study showed that girls were more likely to experience emotional problems, while boys had more hyperactivity/inattention issues and peer relationship problems.
Cardiac pacing has been shown to reduce falls in epilepsy patients with ictal asystole, a condition where the heart stops beating during an epileptic seizure. The study found significant reductions in fall rates and seizures after implantation, suggesting potential anti-seizure properties of pacemaker implants.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel algorithm to detect epileptic seizures in real-time, analyzing EEG recordings of patients' brains. The new method has been shown to be highly accurate, detecting every seizure while scoring extremely low false positives rates, and may have applications beyond epilepsy.
Brown University researcher Robert Reenan has created mutant fruit flies that mimic human epilepsy, with the goal of finding genes that can suppress seizures. By using a unique technique called homologous recombination, Reenan hopes to induce mutations in the flies that may lead to a genetic cure for epilepsy.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a critical protein that maintains nerve fibre health, potentially improving understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery could lead to new insights into conditions like epilepsy, dementia, and stroke by unraveling the complexities of brain function.
A survey of patients with epilepsy found that they ranked memory loss as their second-most important concern, while doctors ranked it 12th. Practitioners were more concerned about unexpected seizures, which was also the top concern for both groups.
Young adults with chronic illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, or epilepsy, are less likely to graduate high school and secure employment. They also experience higher rates of public assistance and disability insurance.
A Brown University study uncovers a novel protective effect of the molecule putrescine on brain activity after epileptic seizures. Putrescine converts into GABA, calming brain activity and increasing resistance to subsequent seizures.
A study published in Epilepsia reveals that patients with epilepsy and low socioeconomic status experience more uncontrolled seizures, drug-related side effects, and a lower quality of life. Low SES patients also use hospital emergency rooms more frequently and have more visits to general practitioners.
Researchers have developed a software application that automatically detects subtle brain lesions in MRI scans of epilepsy patients, identifying 92% of previously undetectable abnormalities. This proof-of-concept study validates the potential of non-invasive, automated detection tools for diagnosing and planning epilepsy surgery.
Research suggests that Frédéric Chopin's hallucinations were probably caused by temporal lobe epilepsy, a condition that can produce brief, fragmentary, and stereotyped visual hallucinations. The authors draw on the composer's own descriptions of his experiences and accounts from friends and pupils to support their claim.
Loyola University Health System neurologists Dr. José Biller and Dr. Michael J. Schneck predict an 'explosive growth in potential medical therapies' for age-related neurological disorders. New treatments and diagnostic tests have led to an increased demand for neurologists and interest in the field.