Articles tagged with Epilepsy
Researchers found that inhibitory neurons born later in brain development mature faster than those produced earlier, ensuring a balanced neural network. This regulation is controlled by genetic mechanisms and may contribute to developmental disorders.
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing seizure frequency, improving mood, and enhancing motor recovery in various conditions. Future research should prioritize standardized protocols, large-scale trials, and biomarker development to personalize treatment.
Biomolecular condensates play a critical role in organizing and regulating proteins within the postsynaptic density of neurons. Prof. Strømgaard's research aims to develop condensate-modifying compounds that restore normal function in SYNGAP1-related disorders, offering new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
A new study published in Epilepsy & Behavior found that a self-management program for people with epilepsy can reduce health complications, improve mood, and enhance quality of life. The program, called SMART, features remote training sessions and written resource materials to help participants manage their condition.
Researchers have successfully controlled a dexterous robotic hand using noninvasive EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for individual finger movements. The study demonstrates real-time brain decoding and motor imagery control, paving the way for potential applications beyond basic communication to intricate motor control.
The new centre will investigate neural dynamics, developing novel interventions and devices to improve symptom relief and quality of life for people with brain disorders. It aims to harness neural dynamics for people with conditions like Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that rare instances of SYNGAP1-related disorders can be caused by inherited genetic variants, which could help guide clinical care and influence family planning decisions. The study identified eight individuals with inherited protein-truncating variants in the SYNGAP1 gene.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics identified a novel gene, BSN, linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. The research used large biorepositories and computational techniques to analyze data from patients with variants of the BSN gene. Key findings include the common symptoms of epilepsy, febrile se...
A Rutgers University study found lamotrigine to be safe in older adults with epilepsy, contradicting an FDA safety warning. The research analyzed data from over 158,000 adults and found no increased risk of heart rhythm problems or sudden cardiac arrest.
A research team from the Medical University of Vienna has identified a molecular mechanism that may play a role in the development of seizures. They found that paroxysmal depolarisation shifts (PDS) can lead to altered energy metabolism in neurons, paving the way for seizure-like electrical discharges.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that epilepsy is considerably more common among patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) than previously estimated. In fact, the prevalence of epilepsy increased over time, and approximately 11% of patients had epilepsy five years after diagnosis.
A new strategy for screening anxiety and depression in epilepsy patients has shown a significant increase in screening rates from 12.6% to 29.2% using an electronic health record-based approach. The study found that younger patients and white patients were more likely to complete the screeners.
Researchers found that insulin signaling changes affect both Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy in animal tests. This discovery confirms clinical evidence of increased risk of Alzheimer's in people with epilepsy and highlights the need for a broader therapeutic approach to address the complex nature of Alzheimer's disease.
A new short film sheds light on the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on brain health, particularly for those living with neurological conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The film features expert insights into the effects of rising temperatures on brain function and calls for research, awareness, and action.
A new study by researchers at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute found an association between long-term exposure to air pollution and new cases of epilepsy in adults in Ontario. Higher exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone increased the likelihood of developing epilepsy.
Dr. Yehezkel Ben-Ari's Neuroarcheology framework links developmental mechanisms to disorders, offering new hope for previously untreatable conditions. His groundbreaking work has transformed our understanding of brain development and malfunctions.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a miniaturized iontronic micropipette to precisely modulate neuronal and astrocytic activity. The study revealed dynamic dynamics between cells, highlighting the importance of chemical signaling in brain function.
A new hairlike electrode made of 3D-printed hydrogel material has been developed to monitor brain activity for extended periods without the need for gels or skin preparation. The device's lightweight and flexible design allows for stable, high-quality recordings and minimizes discomfort, making it suitable for chronic monitoring.
A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids' and young adults' access to chronic disease medication, particularly for those living in states with the largest drops in Medicaid enrollment. The disruptions led to increased use of private insurance or cash for prescriptions, exacerbating health issues.
Patients who develop epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury are at an increased risk of premature death, with a mortality rate 1.8 times higher than those without epilepsy. The study also found that the risk of developing epilepsy is highest in the first year after the injury.
Two brain proteins, Imp and Sdc, play a crucial role in preventing seizures by regulating neuronal growth and brain circuit development. Reducing either protein can lead to seizure-prone behavior in flies, highlighting their importance in seizure regulation.
A new global study found common genetic factors contributing to drug resistance in focal epilepsy, affecting 20 million individuals. Researchers identified specific genetic variants in CNIH3 and WDR26 genes associated with a higher risk of drug-resistant epilepsy.
The SynGAP Research Fund has announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees, bringing diverse expertise to the organization's mission. Jaime Aranda, Steve Gore, Heather Mestemaker, and Brian Smith will succeed outgoing Trustees, driving the development of therapies and enhancing SYNGAP1 quality of life.
A comprehensive natural history study of SCN8A-related disorders has been completed, revealing a range of seizure types and neurodevelopmental features. The findings identify potential targets for future clinical trials, including the use of sodium channel blockers to manage epilepsy.
Researchers developed a method to detect epileptic seizures in humans using canine EEG data. The approach leverages feature similarities across species and modalities, reducing input space discrepancies. Euclidean alignment and knowledge distillation are key components of the proposed joint alignment mechanism.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a personalized deep brain stimulation platform to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. The study found that this approach reduced seizures while also improving memory and sleep in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Researchers at UW–Madison have discovered that the arthritis drug tofacitinib can halt brain-damaging seizures in mice, restore short-term memory, and reduce inflammation. The drug has shown promising results in preventing seizures even after treatment is stopped, offering a potential new approach for treating epilepsy.
Dr. Vikaas Sohal's research focuses on cognitive flexibility and prefrontal gamma oscillations to improve cognitive function in individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders. The grant aims to confirm findings in Syngap1 mutant mice and explore new therapeutic strategies.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus identified significant mitochondrial dysfunction in lymphoblast cell lines from children with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. The findings suggest that mitochondrial defects play a role in the metabolic dysfunction observed in Dravet syndrome.
A study published by Tohoku University reveals that epileptic seizures can significantly reduce ATP levels in neurons, while increasing pyruvate levels in astrocytes. This finding challenges the traditional view of brain energy dynamics and suggests a more complex interplay between neuronal activity and metabolic processes.
A team of researchers has identified a common brain network that generalized seizures hijack, which is located in the region where deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes are placed. This finding could help explain why DBS is effective in alleviating generalized seizures and potentially improve treatment outcomes.
A new method detects epileptic seizures in infants using a video-based approach, enhancing accuracy for diagnosis and disease management. The technique involves feature recognition and utilizes an optimized 3D-ResNet architecture to extract key features from video frames.
A new MRI technique has been successfully used to treat adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, allowing doctors to offer life-changing surgery to patients. The parallel transmit 7T scanner identified previously unseen structural lesions in nine patients, confirming the effectiveness of the treatment option.
Researchers at UCL identified key brain regions involved in remembering words, finding shrinkage in the front and side of the brain linked to difficulty recalling words. Detailed MRI scans showed a dispersion network for creating and storing word memories, crucial for understanding epilepsy conditions.
Scientists have developed a new gene replacement therapy in mice that alleviated symptoms without side effects, offering long-term recovery for patients. The therapy targets the SCN1A gene, which plays a crucial role in regulating brain activity, and shows promising results in treating Dravet syndrome.
Scientists at the University of South Australia have developed a phospholipid complex to improve cannabidiol's effectiveness in treating epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases. The new formula increases cannabidiol's solubility by up to six times and improves its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Julia Dallman has been awarded a $65,000 grant by the SynGAP Research Fund to screen pro-GI motility compounds for reducing gut transit time in her zebrafish SYNGAP1 model. The project aims to identify therapeutic options that can alleviate severe GI symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified new variants of CDKL2 and CDKL1 genes associated with developmental disorders, including epilepsy. The study proposes a mechanism by which defective variants cause neurological symptoms in affected individuals.
The American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society, and Epilepsy Foundation of America have issued a consensus position statement on seizures and driving safety. The statement recommends that medical advisory boards conduct individualized risk assessments for people with seizures before allowing them to drive.
A new study reports that Raman spectroscopy, a noninvasive technique, can distinguish between abnormal FCD type II tissue and healthy brain cells with remarkable accuracy. This method could provide real-time guidance for surgeons to more accurately identify and remove affected tissue during surgery.
A new Clinical Research Center of Excellence will improve care for individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders and expand the Natural History Study to include Prospective Multidisciplinary Multisite Study. The center, established at Children's Hospital Colorado, aims to accelerate research and provide specialized care.
A genomics blood test has improved diagnosis and treatment plans for children with rare diseases, including epilepsy. The test provides genetic diagnoses for 43% of children in under three weeks, leading to significant impacts on treatment.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a precise mechanism by which an ion channel regulates its function, providing insights into fundamental biology and potential new treatments for diseases. The study identified a 'ball-and-chain' structure that plugs the channel, opening the way to modulate ion channel activity.
A Northwestern University study discovered a region of the brain processes subtle changes in voice pitch, transforming them into meaningful linguistic information that guides human understanding. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about speech perception and have implications for speech rehabilitation, AI-powered voice assist...
Researchers developed an AI approach to identify genes contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and developmental delay. The tool enhances gene discovery by predicting additional genes involved in these conditions.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel method to measure PTEN gene activity, which is associated with cancer and autism. This breakthrough may lead to personalized therapeutics and earlier disease detection.
A new AI-powered tool, MELD Graph, has been developed to detect subtle brain abnormalities in children with epilepsy. The tool improves detection rates by 64% compared to human radiologists, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. This could lead to faster surgical interventions, improved outcomes, and reduced costs for the NHS.
A nationwide Danish study found that newborns with seizures are at a higher risk of developing epilepsy. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million children and found that 20.4% of those with neonatal seizures developed epilepsy, compared to 1.15% of those without.
A recent MSU study highlights the challenges of diagnosing episodic disabilities like epilepsy, where symptoms fluctuate and can be unpredictable. The research found that 52% of participants experienced delayed diagnoses, while others faced quick confirmations within days of their first seizure.
A study by researchers at the University of Kentucky has found that plant immune responses and human neurological health share common biochemical pathways. This discovery highlights the importance of plant-based diets for essential vitamins and amino acids, and suggests a link between disruptions in amino acid metabolism and human health.
A comprehensive review published in Brain Medicine maps out the extensive influence of reproductive hormones on neurological health and disease. The study examines how sex hormones affect a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, including vascular disorders, movement disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
A new gene therapy has shown promise in treating a rare form of epilepsy, specifically Dravet syndrome, by replacing the SCN1B gene variant. The therapy increased survival rates, reduced seizure severity, and restored brain neuron excitability in mice with the condition.
Researchers have identified changes in brain rhythms that indicate seizure activity in Alzheimer's patients. High-frequency oscillations (HFOs) occur at rates two to three times higher in Alzheimer's patients than in cognitively normal individuals.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a rare genetic diagnosis in a child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy and developmental delay. The study reports a highly complex rearrangement of chromosomes 3 and 5, leading to a rare condition known as 5q14.3 microdeletion syndrome.
Researchers identified specific non-frontal brain areas involved in speech intent, which can be used to distinguish between language production and perception. This study is a crucial step towards developing a brain-computer interface to treat patients with Broca's aphasia.
The Syngap Research Fund's 2024 Impact Report showcases the organization's progress in accelerating SYNGAP1 research, collaborating with academia and industry, and advocating for patients' rights. The report highlights seven core scientific programs and over $6M in funding for SYNGAP1-related disorders science.
Researchers used single-cell sequencing to characterize different cell types in brain lesions and identify subpopulations involved in disease progression. The study provides a cellular view of focal cortical dysplasia, a malformation leading to drug-resistant epilepsy.
A new international study has identified the P2X7 receptor as a promising target for preventing post-traumatic epilepsy. The study suggests that blocking this receptor shortly after traumatic brain injury can significantly reduce brain hyperexcitability and improve behavior.
Researchers have created a detailed structural map of GABA A receptors in the human brain, revealing how they assemble and interact with drugs. The study provides new insights into treating epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and paves the way for customized therapies.
Researchers found that individuals with childhood epilepsy have an increased accumulation of brain amyloid later in life, which may lead to late-onset brain amyloid disorders like Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed that these individuals performed worse in cognitive tests compared to controls.