Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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.
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.
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.
Scientists from UT Health Science Center San Antonio discovered a relationship between phosphoinositide kinases and calcium ions in nerve cells, which could lead to treatments for neurological disorders. The study's findings have implications for epilepsy, stroke, dementia, hypertension, mental illness, and other diseases.
A study found that maternal depression affects the health-related quality of life of children with epilepsy, but this impact is modulated by family resources and functioning. The accumulation of supportive resources for both mothers and children with epilepsy can lead to improved outcomes over time.
Researchers used PET scans to evaluate cognitive dysfunction in children with fever-induced refractory epileptic encephalopathy (FIRES), finding significant brain impairment. The study identified frontotemporal dysfunction as the cause of cognitive deterioration, paving the way for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that at least one in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime, with higher risks for the elderly. This highlights the need for more research using epilepsy surveillance data to inform healthcare planning and improve patient care.
Dr. Douglas Coulter, a neuroscientist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, has received the American Epilepsy Society's 2010 Epilepsy Research Recognition Award for Basic Science. His pioneering contributions have focused on understanding altered brain cell and circuit function in epilepsy development.
Researchers found that brain regions surrounding seizure-generating areas have reduced synchrony, a key finding in understanding epilepsy. The study suggests that this isolation could be used as a clinical biomarker to identify individuals with abnormal brain function.
The Mayo Clinic study found that more than half of children with cryptogenic epilepsy had a significantly better long-term outcome than those with symptomatic epilepsy. Approximately 68% of the cryptogenic group achieved seizure freedom compared to 46% in the symptomatic group.
A study found that breastfeeding does not harm a child's IQ when taking seizure medication, according to the American Academy of Neurology. The research followed 194 pregnant women and their 199 babies, with no significant difference in IQ scores between breastfed and non-breastfed children.
A recent study published in Neurology found no significant difference in IQ scores between breastfed and non-breasted babies of mothers taking epilepsy drugs. The study, which followed 194 pregnant women taking one epilepsy drug, suggests that breastfeeding may not have a negative impact on cognitive skills.
Researchers at Michigan State University have linked cerebral malaria to epilepsy and behavioral disorders in African children, affecting hundreds of thousands. The study reveals that acute seizures and extreme fevers are key risk factors for these disorders.
A large population-based study revealed that exposure to multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used by pregnant women to control seizures may cause poor school performance in their teenagers. The study found children exposed to two or more AEDs had an increased risk of not receiving a final grade upon completion of schooling.
Researchers have found that brain damage continues to develop and evolve after traumatic brain injury, offering a potential target for treatments. The study, published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, provides new insights into progressive changes in brain structure and function after injury.
Researchers demonstrate that individuals can intentionally alter the firing rate of specific neurons in the brain, increasing some while decreasing others. This control is achieved through focusing thoughts on particular images displayed on a computer screen.
A new computer program helps researchers map brain connectivity in children and adults, showing how white matter improves with age. The tool may aid epilepsy and schizophrenia research, and inform brain surgeons about potential surgical sites.
A new study found that statin use reduces the risk of developing epilepsy in people over 65 with cardiovascular disease. The study showed a 35% lower risk of hospitalization for epilepsy among those taking statins compared to non-users.
A dozen new epilepsy drugs are now available, offering more treatment options for patients. However, this increased choice also complicates treatment decisions for clinicians.
A recent study found nearly 50% of pharmacies in Zambia do not carry antiepileptic drugs, hindering efforts to treat the condition. The lack of affordable treatment options is attributed to cost, regulatory issues, and logistics challenges.
A recent study found that women with epilepsy are more likely to experience infertility compared to the general population, particularly those taking multiple epilepsy drugs. The study also revealed that older women and those with less than 10 years of education were more likely to experience infertility.
Researchers found that rufinamide significantly reduced total partial seizure frequency compared to placebo, with a notable 50% reduction in responder rate and total partial seizure frequency. The study also showed efficacy for complex partial seizures, simple partial seizures, and secondarily generalized partial seizures.
A special issue of Neurologic Clinics details latest advances in treating neurologic disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. The issue includes treatments for Parkinson's disease and headaches, as well as new medications for epilepsy.
An Australian study discovered a rare genetic form of epilepsy can originate from an embryonic genetic mutation, challenging previous assumptions about its inheritance. Researchers believe this finding may have implications for siblings of individuals with other genetic diseases that could be caused by an embryo mutation.
The US Neurology guidelines provide a framework for diagnosing and treating infantile spasms, with a focus on early intervention and personalized treatment strategies. The consensus among experts is that broad clinical evaluation, vigabatrin or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as first-line treatment, and timely assessment of treatme...
The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published four position statements on common management problems in the post-reproductive health of women. The statements cover the management of menopause in the context of obesity, epilepsy, endometriosis, and premature ovarian failure.
A study found that valproate reduces collagen production by almost 60% and osteonectin levels by 28% in SMA cells, contributing to bone loss in these patients.
Researchers identify an ancient gene family regulating nerve excitability in the brain, which may contribute to epileptic seizures. Studies on mice suggest that activating this potassium channel can block seizures, opening up potential new drug targets with fewer side effects.
A new study found that newer epilepsy drugs with a higher risk of depression, such as levetiracetam and topiramate, were associated with an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal behavior among people with epilepsy. In contrast, older drugs did not show this increased risk.
The FDA has accepted historical controls for epilepsy monotherapy studies, allowing patients to receive promising AEDs at effective doses. This design reduces the need for placebo/pseudo-placebo trials and makes the study more attractive to patients and physicians.
A research project at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid has successfully analyzed cerebral bioelectricity to detect epilepsy. The team developed an algorithm that extracts relevant characteristics from electroencephalograms, allowing for quick detection and classification of epileptic seizures.
Researchers found that 44% of veterans with a traumatic brain injury developed post-traumatic epilepsy, and in some cases, seizures didn't appear until over 14 years after the injury. The study strongly suggests that veterans with brain injuries will require long-term neurology care.
New data demonstrate Vimpat (lacosamide) C-V's sustained efficacy in reducing seizure frequency and improving responder rates when added to a broad range of antiepileptic drugs. Long-term results show improved seizure control for up to 5 years, with median percent reductions in seizure frequency ranging from 45.5% to 71.8%.
A mutation in the big-conductance potassium ion channel (BK channel) is linked to epilepsy, altering its dynamics and increasing nerve-cell excitability. The mutation makes part of the channel more rigid, allowing it to toggle open more easily.
A 15-year follow-up study found that children with idiopathic new-onset epilepsy have a higher rate of remission compared to those with remote symptomatic epilepsy. The study concluded that the long-term prognosis of epilepsy is favorable in most children, especially for those with an idiopathic etiology.
UCB has announced an oral solution formulation of Vimpat (lacosamide) C-V, expanding treatment options for people with epilepsy. The new formulation is available in three forms, including oral solution and IV injection, allowing patients to maintain consistent treatment across various clinical settings.
A new study found that improved treatment of severe epilepsy could significantly reduce the overall cost of the condition. The study analyzed data from 9,163 epilepsy patients and found that non-AED related costs increased disproportionately with disease severity, while AED-related costs remained stable.
A study found that children with newly diagnosed epilepsy have significantly slowed expansion of white matter volume compared to healthy children. This reduced volume may affect brain connectivity and cognitive development, leading to impaired executive function and mental tasks.
A new study from UCLA's Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program found significant improvements in surgical outcomes for pediatric epilepsy patients over the past two decades. The researchers attribute the success to advancements in diagnostic technology and experience in selection and operations.
A study by UCLA researchers found that children with epilepsy rate their own quality of life as comparable to their healthy siblings, despite parental concerns. The 'disability paradox' suggests that having a chronic disease does not necessarily mean a person is dissatisfied with life.
Researchers link PMSE syndrome to mTOR pathway, a complex network implicated in common neurological disorders with autism-like symptoms. The study reveals clues about TSC, a relatively common disorder, and its connection to PMSE and other neurological conditions.
A retrospective study found that vaccination is associated with earlier onset of seizures in children with Dravet syndrome, but does not affect the clinical outcome. The study analyzed 40 patients and found no difference in intellectual outcome or subsequent seizure type between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.
Researchers discovered that changes in astrocytes disrupt signal control, leading to seizures. The study found that altering reactive astrocytosis reduced inhibition, allowing neurons to fire out of control and potentially developing new treatments for epilepsy.
Scientists confirm chloride channel ClC-2's role in regulating nerve cell excitability. A lack of ClC-2 channels increases the excitability of inhibitory cells, which balance the system's sensitivity. The discovery opens new possibilities for brain research and understanding nerve cell communication.
A study of over 800 epileptic patients found that individual susceptibility, AED type, and physician skills are key factors determining adverse effects. Despite high polytherapy rates, no major difference was observed in adverse effect frequency between monotherapy and polytherapy groups.
A new biosensor can measure real-time glutamate flux of neural cells in a living organism, providing valuable data for neurological diseases and treatments. The sensor's versatility would be valuable for understanding the effects of therapies for various conditions.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered a strong link between rare gene variants on chromosome 16 and the development of various seizure disorders. The study found that deletions in this region can cause a wide range of neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and specific forms of epilepsy.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a genetic framework that can explain and predict adverse drug reactions, including heart arrhythmias. The framework, developed by Ravi Iyengar and his team, uses genetic information to identify potential risks for arrhythmias in patients taking certain medications.
A new report concludes that Ginkgo herbal medicines can increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy and reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs. The herb's potentially toxic material, ginkgotoxin, may alter a chemical signaling pathway that triggers epileptic seizures.