Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study reveals that early activation of astroglia in focal epilepsy drives neurons to generate epileptic discharges. This neuron-astrocyte interaction may represent a novel target for controlling epilepsy.
UCLA researchers have made a direct recording of mirror neurons in the human brain, showing they are more widely distributed than previously thought. The study found that specific subsets of mirror cells increased activity during action execution but decreased it when observing an action.
A national study by Queen's University researchers has found a strong correlation between Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and a high prevalence of epilepsy. Six percent of participants had epilepsy, while twelve percent experienced one or more seizures in their lifetimes.
Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are at a high risk of developing epilepsy or seizure history, according to a new study. Researchers found that six percent of individuals with FASD developed epilepsy and 12 percent had one or more seizures in their life.
Researchers found that image recognition and memories are stronger when neurons fire in sync with local theta waves during the learning process. The study also established a direct relationship between individual neuron spike timing relative to theta oscillations and human behavior.
A recent study found that deep brain stimulation significantly reduced seizure frequency in patients with refractory partial and secondarily generalized seizures, with a 56% reduction in seizure frequency by 2 years. The benefits of stimulation persisted long-term, with improved responder rates.
A new NIH-funded clinical trial has found that ethosuximide is the most effective treatment for childhood absence epilepsy, with no intolerable side effects. The study enrolled 453 children and showed that ethosuximide and valproic acid were significantly more effective than lamotrigine in controlling seizures.
A Phase III clinical study published online in Epilepsia found that Vimpat (lacosamide) demonstrated significantly fewer partial-onset seizures versus placebo in adults living with epilepsy. The study showed that patients taking Vimpat had greater reductions in seizure frequency and a higher 50% responder rate compared to placebo.
A comprehensive clinical trial established an evidence-based approach for initial drug therapy of childhood absence epilepsy. Ethosuximide was found to provide the best combination of seizure control and fewest attentional side effects, making it a sensible choice for initial monotherapy.
Researchers found that lacosamide 400 mg/day provides good efficacy and tolerability for patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures, while higher doses may provide additional benefits. The study confirms the safety and effectiveness of adjunctive lacosamide treatment in reducing seizure frequency and severity.
Dolphins' health is shedding light on human and ocean health. Researchers have discovered that diseases found in dolphins are similar to human diseases, providing clues into how human health might be affected by contaminated coastal water or seafood. High levels of PCBs in dolphins may be suppressing their immune function.
Researchers at UCLA's Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program have found that a non-invasive approach to pre-surgical testing, combined with earlier consideration for surgery, is associated with the best seizure-free surgical outcome in patients with TSC. Approximately two-thirds of TSC patients became seizure-free after surgery.
Researchers discovered that UV LED light can reduce seizure-like activity in rat epilepsy models by releasing gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural neurotransmitter. The study suggests that this technique could be translated to human focal epilepsy, offering an alternative treatment option.
The pivotal trial data demonstrate that the RNS System significantly reduced seizure frequency among people with medically intractable partial onset epilepsy. The device delivered brief and mild electrical stimulations to suppress seizures, with a mean percentage reduction of 29% in disabling seizures.
A global consensus definition of refractory epilepsy has been developed to aid better care for patients caught in the treatment gap. The definition highlights the need for state-of-the-art care for millions of people with epilepsy worldwide, who are currently not receiving adequate treatment.
Scientists have recorded spontaneous epileptic activity in human brain tissue for the first time, revealing that electrical connections between nerve cells cause the disease. This discovery offers real hope for finding new treatments for epilepsy, which affects 45 million people worldwide.
A recent study published in Epilepsia found that current cigarette smokers are at a significant risk of seizure. The study analyzed data from over 116,000 female nurses and found that long-term moderate caffeine or alcohol use is not associated with an increased risk of seizures or epilepsy.
Researchers found a gene deletion in chromosome 15 associated with significant learning and behavioral problems, including developmental delay, mental retardation, and epilepsy. The study suggests that the nicotinic receptor plays a crucial role in these conditions.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a potassium channel KvLQT as the molecular trigger for sudden death in epilepsy. This discovery could lead to a simple genetic screening test to identify patients at risk, offering effective treatments such as beta blockers and cardiac pacemakers.
Packages of care aim to improve epilepsy recognition and management, closing the 'treatment gap' in LMICs. Epilepsy affects 65 million people worldwide, with limited access to effective treatment.
A Duke University researcher has discovered a receptor that receives messages from astrocytes, which can form excitatory synapses in the brain. The discovery may explain why people develop epilepsy or have neuropathic pain, and could lead to new therapies for these conditions.
Studies suggest that routine stroke prevention therapies could be highly effective in the very elderly population. Meanwhile, research on epilepsy in later life is needed to improve treatment and prognosis for this growing demographic.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health have discovered a gene mutation that causes severe epilepsy and febrile seizures in some infants. The SCN9A gene mutation can alter sodium channel function in the brain, leading to seizures, and may be responsible for up to 5% of febrile syndrome patients.
Children with microcephaly are at risk of neurologic and cognitive problems, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and eye and ear disorders. Doctors recommend screening for coexisting conditions, brain scans, and genetic testing to identify the causes of microcephaly.
Researchers found that similar symptoms occur in many systems as they approach a critical state of transition, indicating 'tipping points' for abrupt changes. These early-warning signals are observed in ecosystems, financial markets, and human physiology, highlighting the potential for catastrophic bifurcations.
A study found that 1 in 8 patients thought to have epilepsy or unsure diagnosis actually had a heart rhythm issue causing fainting. Eighty percent of those who underwent pacemaker insertion were symptom-free after 9 months.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered a genetic link between childhood brain development and adult-onset epilepsy, highlighting the fragility of the brain during early childhood. The study identifies a new pathway controlling neuron circuit maturation, which may lead to new therapies for this condition.
A study published in Neurology found that children with normal IQs before a first seizure may experience language, memory, learning and other cognitive skills problems. Children who took epilepsy drugs had difficulties in processing speed, verbal memory, and learning.
A study found that women with epilepsy who experience seizures during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to pre-term and small babies than those without epilepsy. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 women with epilepsy and found a significant association between seizure activity and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have successfully prevented epilepsy in mice by identifying a faulty gene as the cause. The study, published in PNAS, offers irrefutable proof that a defective version of the Atp1a3 gene is responsible for causing epileptic seizures in mice.
Researchers have devised a chemical technique to discover brain function and provide clues for treating brain diseases. The technique allows neuroscientists to noninvasively activate entire populations of neurons in an animal brain, promoting understanding of brain function and disease treatment.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a single gene mutation responsible for catastrophic epilepsy, a condition marked by severe muscle spasms, persistent seizures, and mental retardation. The discovery provides a new model for studying the disease and has sparked hope for potential treatments.
A CU-Boulder study found that chemicals released by the brain's immune system can cause chronic seizures in people who have suffered a traumatic head injury. The research suggests that temporarily shutting down the immune response could prevent the development of acquired epilepsy.