Articles tagged with Epilepsy
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
A preliminary study suggests that GLP-1 drugs, used for diabetes and weight loss, may be linked to a lower risk of developing epilepsy. Researchers found an association between the use of these drugs and a reduced risk of epilepsy, with semaglutide showing the strongest correlation.
A new advance in EEG imaging technology has improved mapping for epilepsy surgery, providing an accurate and non-invasive method. Pathological HFOs were found to be the most accurate biomarker for identifying epileptogenic brain regions, allowing for precise localization of seizure onset.
The EBRAINS Summit 2025 will bring together experts to assess how neuroscience can drive medical progress, digital innovation, and responsible data use. Preliminary results from the EPINOV clinical trial, integrating virtual brain technology for epilepsy surgery planning, will be presented.
Researchers at USC have identified four distinct layers of specialized cell types in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus, a structure vital for memory formation. This discovery changes our understanding of how information is processed in the brain and could explain why certain cells are more vulnerable in diseases like Alzheimer's ...
A multi-institute team led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has discovered how certain drugs used to treat epilepsy affect their target, a membrane protein found in nearly all neurons. The study provides guidance for therapeutic optimization and sheds light on a poorly understood but therapeutically important protein.
A national study reveals the US 'epilepsy belt' regions with high incidence rates, influenced by factors like sleep habits, heat exposure, health care access, and household vehicle availability. The research offers critical insights into how epilepsy impacts older adults nationwide.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new approach to treating drug-resistant epilepsy by mapping each patient's unique brain wave patterns. This method enables physicians to target the precise area in the brain where stimulation is most effective, moving beyond traditional one-size-fits-all treatment.
Researchers from UC San Francisco have identified the superior temporal gyrus brain region responsible for tracking words in a foreign language. The study shows that this region learns to recognize word boundaries through years of experience, enabling fluent speakers to distinguish individual words.
A nonsurgical approach has been demonstrated to quiet a specific brain circuit in an animal model by delivering engineered gene therapy only to the targeted region. The method uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, allowing precise control over brain activity without impacting off-target areas.
A team of researchers from Rice University and the Houston Methodist Research Institute will study how the brain responds to neural implants. They aim to develop more stable and longer-lasting brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics, which could treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and stroke.
A new contactless optical-tracking registration method has been developed to simplify robot-guided SEEG surgery, reducing positioning errors and procedure time. The study demonstrates the accuracy and ease of use of this technique, making it a promising innovation in neurosurgery.
A study published in Neurology found a significant link between heart attacks and the development of late-onset epilepsy in older adults. Researchers discovered that people who experienced a heart attack were nearly twice as likely to develop late-onset epilepsy, with a higher risk of dying from vascular causes related to the brain.
This study found 32 immune cell phenotypes associated with epilepsy risk, including B cells and regulatory T cells. Inflammatory proteins also played a role, with some increasing and others decreasing the risk of epilepsy.
A study published in Neurology found that veterans with epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury had a higher mortality rate compared to those with no prior traumatic brain injury. The risk varied by cause of the traumatic brain injury, with those with skull or facial fractures having an 18% higher risk of death.
The Mount Sinai team will investigate neural mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder and pioneer novel neuromodulation-based treatment strategies.
Researchers at Northwestern University captured a detailed look at TRPM3, a core temperature sensor, revealing how it turns on when temperatures rise. The finding uncovers a new way that cells sense temperature, helping explain how the nervous system distinguishes harmless warmth from dangerous heat.
A new study led by NYU Langone Health researchers shows that almost 70% of focal epilepsy patients, considered treatment resistant, experience a reduction in their average monthly seizure frequency over three years. The study found that even those who respond poorly to initial therapies may eventually see improvement.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC developed a new treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The approach uses deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeted to each patient's unique brain wiring, resulting in a significant reduction in seizures, with some patients becoming seizure-free for months.
A new clinical trial is investigating the use of advanced brain monitoring to improve epilepsy diagnosis and management. The trial involves multiple sites across Europe, including Ireland, where patients will undergo long-term outpatient monitoring using a subcutaneous EEG system.
A team of UNLV researchers has engineered a new class of cannabidiol (CBD)-like medicines that show powerful seizure-reducing effects. The caraway-seed derived therapies offer a safer and more effective treatment for childhood seizure disorders than existing frontline therapies.
A study by UC Riverside researchers identifies a strong connection between demyelination and seizure activity in multiple sclerosis. The findings suggest targeted treatments could address the root cause of seizures without suppressing overall brain activity.
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), but a therapy to prevent its development remains elusive. Studies identify key barriers, including collaboration, funding, and standardization, and propose eight recommendations to advance PTE research. Potential therapies include disease modifica...
A new study developed an advanced AI tool that can detect tiny brain lesions causing severe epilepsy in children, allowing for faster diagnosis and more precise treatment. The 'AI epilepsy detective' was trained using MRI and FDG-PET scans and showed a success rate of 94% in detecting lesions.
A large-scale study revealed that SEEG improves decision-making in temporal lobe epilepsy by identifying specific patterns like LFPS that predict better outcomes. This enhancement enables clinicians to make more precise surgical plans, particularly for patients with non-concordant imaging or suspected bilateral epilepsy.
A new study by Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche researchers reveals that brain slow waves are guided by neuronal excitability, not anatomy. The discovery uses advanced computational models to analyze local and global brain activity, shedding light on states like deep sleep and anesthesia.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a minimally invasive method for recording brain activity through blood vessels, offering high-fidelity recordings without the risks associated with traditional invasive approaches. This breakthrough could transform the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions like epilepsy.
A team of researchers at the University of Cologne has made a groundbreaking discovery about the molecular basis of inhibitory synapse formation. They found that gephyrin filaments play a crucial role in forming post-synapses, which are essential for billions of synapses in the brain. This study has significant implications for underst...
Researchers developed new methods to accurately target the centromedian nucleus for deep brain stimulation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Advanced imaging techniques, such as high-resolution MRI and DTI tractography, improve targeting accuracy by identifying specific brain pathways and neural firing patterns.
Researchers found distinct effects of single disease-causing gene variants across different brain regions, pointing to hippocampal disruptions as a key factor in cognitive problems beyond seizures. This study provides an early step toward understanding why current treatments often fall short and may help identify new therapies.
A new study reveals that most epilepsy patients with focal epilepsy will still experience seizures for at least a year after starting treatment. The study suggests that neurologists should rethink their initial approach to antiseizure therapy, as many patients may not respond well to the first medication or regimen prescribed.
Researchers have found that hyperactivity in a specific brain region can drive behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder. They reversed symptoms such as seizures, sensory hypersensitivity and repetitive behaviors by suppressing this area of the brain using epilepsy drugs.
Researchers found that a small, AI-powered implantable EEG can track seizures in the home environment with high accuracy. The device captured over 72,000 hours of brainwave data and detected 754 seizures, outperforming participants' self-reported records.
A £2.7 million trial will recruit 300 participants to investigate the long-term effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in people with drug-resistant epilepsy. The trial aims to provide evidence on VNS's clinical and cost-effectiveness, particularly for children and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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.
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 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.
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.