Articles tagged with Epilepsy
A new treatment has been discovered for restless legs syndrome (RLS) that improves sleep. Pregabalin, a commonly used epilepsy and anxiety medication, was found to be effective in reducing RLS symptoms by nearly two-thirds of participants. The study showed significant improvements in deep sleep stages compared to those taking a placebo.
New American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society guidelines suggest pregnant women with epilepsy consider avoiding valproate, a drug linked to increased fetal malformations and decreased thinking skills. The guidelines recommend regular blood testing to adjust medication doses.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that a specific gene can be 'switched on' in animals without a genetic predisposition to epilepsy, leading to changes in calcium channels and brain activity. This discovery may reveal a new mechanism for how epilepsy develops in some individuals.
Researchers at Cardiff University have identified a key molecule involved in Lithium's action on the brain. Increasing IMPase levels can lead to higher PIP3 production, which is reduced by Lithium treatment.
A landmark study found that three-year-olds exposed to valproate during pregnancy had average IQs six to nine points lower than those exposed to other antiepileptic drugs. The study recommends women with epilepsy try alternative treatments before taking valproate.
Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce the frequency of seizures in patients with PNES, improving their overall quality of life. The study also showed significant improvement in depression, anxiety, and psychosocial functioning.
A new study published in Epilepsia reveals that surgery for babies and toddlers suffering from epilepsy is relatively safe and effective in controlling seizures. Early surgery may also have a positive impact on brain development.
Researchers found two widely-prescribed anticonvulsants may lead to increased cholesterol, C-reactive protein and other markers of cardiovascular disease. Switching patients to newer drugs resulted in significant declines in these markers.
Severe pediatric epilepsy is generated from within the memory-forming hippocampus, according to a study by UC San Diego researchers. The discovery could pave the way for improved treatments of childhood epilepsy, which affects over two percent of children worldwide.
A new paper suggests that four specific processes occur only in conscious perception tasks, offering a unique insight into the neural correlates of consciousness. By studying brain activity of patients with epilepsy, researchers isolated four converging electrophysiological markers characterizing conscious access after word perception.
A study published in Epilepsia finds that individuals with epilepsy are at a higher risk of depression, with racial minorities having seven times the odds of depression compared to Caucasians. The study suggests routine screening and targeted interventions for depression are needed to help serve those with epilepsy.
A study of over 1.6 million young people in Denmark found that traumatic brain injury significantly increases the risk of epilepsy, with risks persisting for more than a decade after the injury. The risk is particularly high for those with severe brain injuries or family histories of epilepsy.
Researchers have identified a new gene, ELP4, linked to Rolandic epilepsy, a common form of childhood epilepsy. The discovery supports a new theory about the causes of epilepsy and offers insights into other cognitive and behavioral disorders such as ADHD, speech dyspraxia, and DCD.
A Phase III clinical study published online in Epilepsia found that Vimpat significantly reduced seizure frequency per 28 days from baseline compared to placebo. The study demonstrated efficacy in patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures, with higher rates of seizure reduction and complete seizure freedom among those receiving...
A new study from Tel Aviv University found that occupational stress has no effect on epilepsy attacks, with a large sample size allowing for high predictive power. The research benefits those who have been seizure-free for a long period of time, showing they are likely to stay seizure-free.
Scientists present reports on novel technologies to restore memory circuits, alter drug effects, deliver targeted therapies and improve brain imaging. The advancements aim to pinpoint seizure causes and deliver precise treatments, promising a new era in epilepsy care.
Studies show Keppra XR reduces nervous system side effects compared to levetiracetam immediate release, and a new dosing schedule may offer improved tolerability. The once-daily formulation also demonstrates bioequivalence in healthy adults.
The report proposes detailed medical history, neurological examination, and diagnostic tests as essential steps in diagnosing and treating epilepsy. The consensus also outlines the need for weight seizure control, side effects, and long-term safety when making treatment decisions.
Researchers at Rice University have identified a potential connection between glutamate and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in the development of neurological disorders. A mutation in a glutamate receptor gene found in both fruit flies and humans can disrupt regulatory mechanisms, leading to increased neuronal excitability.
A Mayo Clinic study found that withdrawing anti-seizure medication in children with epilepsy who have achieved seizure-freedom is generally safe and carries a low risk of developing intractable epilepsy. The study, which reviewed records of 241 children, found only 5% to develop intractable epilepsy after withdrawal.
Dr. Scott Mintzer has received a $843,000 NIH grant to investigate the cardiovascular side effects of anti-seizure medications in patients with epilepsy and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing potential risks.
Researchers at University of British Columbia have identified hemichannels as a potential target for treating epileptic seizures caused by brain trauma or stroke. Blocking these channels may lead to the development of new therapies for epilepsy patients.
Analysis suggests that anterior temporal lobe resection can increase life expectancy by 5.0 years and quality-adjusted life expectancy by 7.5 years for patients with medication-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Early surgical treatment is crucial, especially for younger patients, to reverse associated severe disabilities.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that women who take valproate during pregnancy may significantly increase their child's risk of developing autism. The research found that children exposed to valproate were seven times more likely to develop autism than those not exposed.
Researchers found a new gene, PRICKLE1, linked to a specific type of epilepsy. The study involved international collaboration and led to the development of animal models to investigate its role in the disease.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that drops in blood oxygen levels may contribute to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) patients. Seizures in the temporal lobe and low oxygen levels during episodes are more common in males than females.
Researchers found BDNF-induced activation of JAK/STAT pathway is crucial for temporal lobe epilepsy development in adult rats. This pathway is also implicated in inflammatory diseases.
The Rett Syndrome Research Trust aims to bring novel therapeutics addressing the underlying MECP2 pathology to clinical trials within five years. Classic Rett Syndrome affects females almost exclusively, causing severe physical disability and requiring total care.
A recent study found that 3T MRI is better at detecting and characterizing structural brain abnormalities in patients with focal epilepsy than 1.5T MRI, leading to a better diagnosis and safer treatment options. This improvement was seen in the detection of lesions and accurate characterization of abnormalities.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with epilepsy have a significantly higher risk of drowning compared to the general population. The study, which analyzed data from over 200,000 patient-years, found that individuals with epilepsy were 15-19 times more likely to die by drowning.
A systematic review of antiepileptic drugs found that children with drug-resistant partial epilepsy have a greater response to placebo treatments compared to adults. This suggests that clinical trials in children require careful design and reporting to provide valid results.
A study found that taking topiramate alone or with other epilepsy drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, particularly cleft palates and genital birth defects. The study suggests monitoring pregnancies of women exposed to topiramate.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found genetic mutations linked to rare familial hemiplegic migraine type-3 that alter sodium channel function in the brain. These mutations may prompt migraines and suggest medications targeting sodium channels as potential treatments.
A team of Australian researchers has received funding to develop new treatments for epilepsy, with a focus on compounds that block brain cell communication. The project aims to create effective therapies for the one-third of epilepsy patients who do not respond to current treatments.
People with epilepsy who fail to take their medication regularly are three times more likely to die compared to those who adhere to treatment. Hospital visits and emergency room visits also increase during periods of non-compliance, highlighting the importance of consistent medication adherence.
Researchers discovered that BK channels become abnormally active after a seizure, leading to neuronal overexcitability, which may be associated with epilepsy development. A BK channel antagonist reversed abnormal excitability, offering new hope for individuals suffering from epilepsy.
Researchers have pinpointed the mutated gene responsible for childhood absence epilepsy, a condition characterized by frequent seizures. The discovery may provide insight into developing effective treatments and cures for this form of epilepsy.
A mutated gene has been discovered as the key behind epilepsy and mental retardation specific to women, thanks to new research at the University of Adelaide. The study found that women carry both a 'good' and 'bad' gene, while men only carry the bad gene, leading to the condition affecting only females.
A randomized controlled trial confirms the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in reducing epileptic seizures in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. The study found significant seizure reductions in children assigned to the ketogenic diet, compared to those on a control diet.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that young women taking phenytoin for one year experienced significant bone loss compared to those on other epilepsy medications. Women taking phenytoin lost an average of 2.6% bone density in the femoral neck, a risk factor for fractures after menopause.
The study found that psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for nonepileptic seizures, followed by education and psychopharmacology. Neurologists and psychiatrists often work together to care for patients with NES, but barriers to treatment adherence include insurance limitations and lack of experienced practitioners.
Researchers identified a mechanism by which seizures increase production of a drug transport protein in the blood-brain barrier, leading to reduced medication effectiveness in epilepsy patients. This discovery offers promising new therapeutic targets to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers are testing Metformine, a diabetes medication, to treat epilepsy by targeting the brain's energy sensing mechanism. Early results suggest it may reduce seizure frequency without affecting learning and memory.
Researchers explore a new approach to treating epilepsy by using the diabetes drug metformine, which targets metabolic pathways similar to a ketogenic diet. The study's findings suggest that metformine may suppress over-active nerve cells by removing excess energy production.
Epilepsy patients face challenges in communicating with healthcare professionals about medication-related side effects. Advocates propose strategies to improve patient-physician communication and individualized treatment plans.
A study from UC Irvine suggests that epilepsy is associated with an abundance of neuron 'hubs' in the brain, which can lead to seizures. These hub networks promote the onset of seizure activity by amplifying brain signals.
Researchers identified the detailed structure of a GABA receptor type implicated in conditions like epilepsy and pre-menstrual tension. The discovery provides hope for developing drugs to block or stimulate the receptors, potentially leading to new treatments for these conditions.
A team of scientists has made a significant breakthrough in understanding conscious perception by showing how single neurons react to perceived and nonperceived images. The study found that neurons respond with an 'all-or-none' firing rate when pictures are recognized, enabling the prediction of recognition beyond chance.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine used hypnosis to help doctors diagnose the cause of seizure-like events in children. Eight out of nine cases were found to be non-epileptic, caused by psychological stress, which require a different treatment approach than true epileptic seizures.
Research published by the American Academy of Neurology found no difference between oxcarbazepine and placebo in reducing migraine attacks. The study suggests that other epilepsy drugs like topiramate and gabapentin may be more effective due to their ability to regulate GABA neurotransmitters.
A modified version of the Atkins diet has been shown to significantly reduce epileptic seizures in adults with epilepsy. The high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can lead to the production of ketones, which may help control seizures. While side effects were mild, compliance was a challenge for some patients.
Researchers found that human auditory neurons can detect subtle frequency differences down to a tenth of an octave, surpassing other mammals. This sensitivity may be linked to musical skill and cognitive abilities such as working memory.
A new study found that leptin can delay the onset of seizures in rodents, suggesting it may be a key player in how a ketogenic diet combats epilepsy. The authors propose dietary changes and intranasal administration of leptin as potential treatments.
Researchers at Yale University have shown that early treatment of epilepsy-prone rats with ethosuximide can suppress seizures and reduce their frequency even after treatment is stopped. This breakthrough could lead to preventing epilepsy in genetically susceptible people.
Research at Emory University found that therapeutic drug monitoring for lamotrigine during pregnancy reduces increased seizure activity and improves health outcomes. The study's findings suggest a potential benefit for pregnant women with epilepsy, allowing for targeted dosage adjustments to minimize risk.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends a routine electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain scans, such as CT or MRI, for adults experiencing their first unprovoked seizure. These diagnostic tools can help identify brain abnormalities that caused the seizure and predict seizure recurrence in approximately one in four patients.
Patients with focal epilepsy tend to underreport seizures, with up to 85.8% of nighttime seizures going unreported. Seizure documentation accuracy was not correlated with cognitive function or educational level, but patients who documented seizures had better verbal memory performance.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that inheriting two genetic mutations for epilepsy can actually reduce seizure frequency and severity. This discovery could lead to new gene-directed therapies for treating epilepsy.
Scientists have found a way to prevent seizure-induced structural changes in brain cells, which can lead to cognitive impairments such as memory loss and reduced attention spans. The breakthrough discovery uses a drug called FK506, which blocks the breakdown of actin, a molecule essential for cell structures.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania identified distinct patterns of brain activity associated with successful memory formation and retrieval. The study's findings may help neurosurgeons reduce cognitive deficits in epilepsy patients by identifying neural signatures of successful memory storage and retrieval.