Articles tagged with Epilepsy
A recent study published in Epilepsia found that selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) surgery can lead to verbal memory loss in patients, especially those who underwent left temporal lobe surgery. The study revealed that 30% to 50% of patients who underwent SAH on the left side showed no recovery of verbal memory after 12 months.
Researchers identified a brain region that processes sound location and motion, with impaired function leading to 'cortical motion deafness'. The study provides evidence of an auditory motion module within the right posterior superior temporal gyrus.
A five-year head-to-head trial of three common anti-epileptic drugs will enroll 439 children aged two to 13. The study aims to determine the best initial medicine for childhood absence epilepsy, which affects 10-15% of all epilepsy cases in children.
A team of researchers led by Guy A. Caldwell found that worms with a mutated LIS1 gene experience convulsions similar to those in humans with lissencephaly, a rare birth defect. The study reveals the mutated protein's impact on neuronal trafficking and neurotransmitter release, providing insights into the complexities of epilepsy.
A team of researchers found that impaired Kv4.2 ion channels in neurons can lead to increased excitability and seizure frequency in epilepsy. Inhibiting the ERK enzyme may provide a new therapeutic target for treating this condition.
Researchers developed a new approach to interpreting brain electroencephalograms that provides an unprecedented view of thought in action. The technique uses Independent Component Analysis to separate signals from different areas of the brain, enabling detailed insights into neural dynamics.
Scientists discovered that deleting three circadian genes in mice results in severe epilepsy and accelerated aging. The mice lacking all three genes are prone to epileptic seizures and display early mortality, with a significant increase in deaths on Mondays and Thursdays due to sound-induced attacks.
Fetal imaging technologies like DTI and fMRI enable early diagnosis and treatment of brain abnormalities, improving outcomes for patients with epilepsy, autism, and Alzheimer's. Researchers presented advancements in detecting seizure origins and understanding autistic brain function through innovative imaging techniques.
Recent studies on marijuana use among multiple sclerosis and epilepsy patients have yielded mixed results, highlighting the need for further research to determine its efficacy. Patients reported using marijuana therapeutically to manage pain, spasms, mood, sleep, and stress, but also experienced side effects and variable doses.
A study of 6,044 women aged 65 and older found that those taking epilepsy drugs lost bone mass at nearly twice the rate of non-users. This increases the risk of hip fractures by 29% over five years. Researchers recommend screening for osteoporosis and counseling on calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Researchers analyzed 770 seizure records to investigate the possible link between lunar phases and frequency of epileptic seizures. The study found that epileptic seizures were lowest during the full moon and highest in its last quarter.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a guideline evaluating the treatment of infantile spasms, a severe form of epilepsy. The guideline recommends adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as a short-term treatment option, but notes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend optimum dosage and length of treatment.
Research highlights disparities in stroke risk among Mexican-Americans and findings on treatment advancements for conditions like sickle cell disease and epilepsy. Studies also explore dementia prevalence in HIV-infected populations and the impact of diabetes and military service on neurological diseases.
The guidelines provide a rigorous analysis of the safety, efficacy, and mode of use of new antiepileptic drugs, offering clinicians evidence-based assessments for treatment decisions. The guidelines address concerns about side effects and liver metabolism, providing guidance on using newer drugs safely and effectively.
Researchers studied 87 women with epilepsy and found that nearly 40% experience catamential patterns where seizures fluctuate with menstrual cycles. Progesterone lozenges may help reduce seizure frequency and severity during monthly hormonal changes.
A five-year study found that four commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs were associated with varying levels of birth defects, developmental disabilities, and death in children. The study revealed that lamotrigine may cause less harm compared to other medications, while valproate posed the highest risk.
Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy have significantly lower levels of DHA in their red blood cell membranes compared to healthy individuals. This deficiency may contribute to seizure severity and inform potential treatment strategies involving DHA supplementation.
A novel mutation in the SCN1A gene has been discovered in a family with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), a condition characterized by unusual brain activity. This finding may lead to improved diagnoses, treatments, and genetic counseling for affected individuals.
Surgery for medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy shows variation among ethnic groups, with African Americans receiving surgery at significantly lower rates than non-Hispanic whites. The study suggests that racial disparities exist but do not appear to be related to differences in access to care.
Women with epilepsy face difficulties during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, leading to changes in seizure severity and increased risk of fetal loss and birth defects. Doctors can help women balance medication risks by adjusting dosages or switching medications while minimizing harm.
The new guidelines will help physicians select the correct treatment based on individual patient needs, reducing reliance on outdated data. Current insurance policies can lead to inadequate treatment due to cost containment measures, but the guidelines aim to address this issue and improve patient outcomes.
Epileptic seizures result from brain dysfunction, with early diagnosis and treatment crucial to preventing irreversible damage. The stigma surrounding epilepsy exacerbates the condition's impact on daily life and quality of life.
The American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society have developed guidelines for treating newly diagnosed and difficult-to-manage epilepsy. The guidelines evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mode of use of eight new anti-epileptic drugs, offering a rigorous analysis that clinicians can use to make treatment decisions.
Individuals with first-time epileptic seizures after 60 years are three times more likely to experience a subsequent stroke. This increased risk justifies screening for vascular risk factors and treatment to prevent stroke in elderly patients with epilepsy.
A specific mutation in the KCNMB1 gene is associated with lower blood pressure, according to a study published in JCI. Researchers found that individuals with this mutation had lower diastolic blood pressure compared to those without it. The study suggests that targeting the beta1 subunit may have therapeutic potential for treating hyp...
A new study has found that Bim regulation plays a crucial role in determining hippocampal vulnerability after injurious seizures and in temporal lobe epilepsy. The researchers suggest that understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating these conditions.
Recent studies demonstrate the accuracy of epilepsy diagnosis by doctors (96%), shedding light on dementia risk factors among adults with Down syndrome. Additionally, gabapentin shows significant effectiveness in treating chronic daily headaches, according to a study by The Australian Gabapentin Chronic Daily Headache Group.
A recent study analyzed patients treated with Keppra and found it to be well-tolerated and more effective in the oldest age group, those 60 years and older. The rate of epilepsy occurring in the elderly is twice that of people under 65, making treatment challenging due to multiple health conditions and medications.
Epilepsy can develop as people age, often due to common health problems like stroke, cancers, or heart diseases. The NCOA and Epilepsy Foundation launch an initiative to educate about epilepsy in the elderly, emphasizing subtle symptoms and effective treatment options.
A limited study of six patients found that the Atkins diet helped two children and one young adult remain seizure-free for up to 20 months. The researchers suggest that the diet may be a trial run for individuals considering the ketogenic diet, but its use should be cautious due to the small study size.
Researchers found that levetiracetam monotherapy can be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for adults with new onset and difficult-to-control epilepsy. After one year of treatment, 53% of patients were seizure-free, with some experiencing significant reductions in seizure frequency.
A study analyzing 62 movies across four continents found that epilepsy is often stereotyped, with males shown as violent and females as exotic and vulnerable. The dramatic potential of seizures may contribute to these portrayals.
Researchers studied neurons in the olfactory bulb and found that they only undergo subtle changes in response to environmental stimuli. These findings challenge previous theories of brain rewiring and may offer insights into disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
A cheap and easy way to treat Parkinson disease involves infusing the ketone body D-beta-HB, which restores mitochondrial respiration and protects against neurodegeneration. This novel therapy supports a critical role for mitochondrial defect in Parkinson disease and offers new hope for treatment.
Scientists at Sick Kids have identified a new gene, NHLRC1, that causes Lafora disease, a severe form of adolescent epilepsy. The discovery explains the condition in 90% of families and opens up new avenues for research into both epilepsy and normal brain function.
A study found that 63% of patients with intractable epilepsy who underwent surgery remained seizure-free for over eight years. The duration of epilepsy before surgery was a significant factor in predicting seizure freedom, with patients having longer episodes more likely to remain free from seizures.
The Pfizer Inc team won the Heroes of Chemistry award for developing Neurontin, a medication controlling seizures in children. This breakthrough led to improved quality of life for many children with epilepsy, demonstrating the valuable role chemists play in improving lives.
Researchers found prolonged fever-induced seizures increase brain's production of endocannabinoids, leading to long-term modifications in neural receptors linked to them. This can result in an increased susceptibility to seizures until adulthood.
Researchers develop novel gene therapy platform using AAV to deliver galanin, a neuroactive peptide that suppresses seizure activity. The treatment reduces sensitivity to focal seizures in laboratory rats, offering hope for treating temporal lobe epilepsy patients.
A recent study suggests that reducing the seizure-free interval from 12 to three months does not significantly increase total crashes. The researchers found that seizures-related crashes increased by 11, while deaths due to seizure-related crashes decreased.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that patients with moderate to severe brain injuries who inherited the epsilon 4 variation of apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene were more likely to develop seizures. The finding sheds light on post-traumatic epilepsy's pathophysiology and may lead to new therapies.
The KEPPRA international Phase IV SKATE study achieved a significant reduction in partial seizures in 49% of patients, with a seizure freedom rate of 17.2%. The study showed favourable efficacy across various subtypes of partial seizures.
A double-blind study found that patients taking topiramate experienced poorer word recognition and verbal memory compared to those on valproate. The research aims to improve seizure treatment with minimal side effects.
A Chinese study found nearly 50% higher lifetime prevalence of epilepsy and a 30% higher treatment gap than estimated, with 41% of cases never receiving proper treatment. Successful treatment of 60-70% of cases could benefit China's economy.
New research presented at the AAN Annual Meeting includes promising treatments for MS, potential therapeutic targets for worsening ataxia in ALS, and a connection between Chlamydia infection and increased stroke risk. Statins also show promise in reducing cognitive decline and improving recovery from stroke.
The study finds that adding Keppra to standard therapy can lead to seizure freedom in refractory patients with a moderate increase in costs. This results in significant healthcare savings, making it a cost-effective alternative.
Researchers found that mandatory reporting of seizures can lead patients to withhold information from their doctors, harming the doctor-patient relationship. The study also suggests that this may result in more uncontrolled seizures, posing a risk to public safety.
A study found that epilepsy surgery programs in developing countries can produce results comparable to those from developed countries using a carefully selected actuarial approach and the Seizure Scoring System. Researchers audited their program and identified factors most predictive of successful outcomes, yielding a nearly 60% succes...
A recent community-based clinical trial found that Keppra significantly reduced partial seizures in nearly 80% of elderly patients, aged 65 and older, with a median overall reduction in seizure frequency of 80.1%. The medication was well-tolerated, with a low incidence of side effects.
A review of 176 patients found that the addition of Keppra led to complete seizure control in 22.3% of patients who had at least 12 months of treatment, with some also experiencing reduction or discontinuation of other anti-epileptic drugs.
UCB's pharma sector announces a new antiepileptic drug candidate, ucb 34714, which demonstrates higher efficacy than existing levetiracetam in reducing epileptiform activity and seizure severity. The compound also shows tolerability and disease-modifying properties, supporting its potential for improving epilepsy therapy.
Maryanoff, a renowned medicinal chemist, has developed topiramate, a successful drug approved in over 70 countries to treat epilepsy and other central nervous system disorders. His work also focuses on structure-based drug design, with recent breakthroughs in human clinical trials.
Researchers are conducting a nationwide study to develop more personalized care for older adults with epilepsy. The study will consider factors like age, gender, and biological makeup to optimize treatment outcomes.
A comprehensive review of research findings shows that surgery is a superior treatment option for disabling seizures caused by mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, with better quality of life and reduced medication use. The analysis also found low surgical morbidity and mortality rates, making it an attractive alternative to medication.
A new laser-based technique could aid in drug design and testing for various neurological disorders, enabling the discovery of compounds to block cocaine poisoning effects. The technique allows researchers to study signal transmission between cells and identify potential therapeutic agents.
A large-scale study confirms KEPPRA's efficacy in reducing seizure frequency and achieving seizure freedom in patients with refractory epilepsy. The study analyzed data from 1,422 patients over a 54-month period, showing sustained antiepileptic benefits without tolerance developing.
A new study by American Academy of Neurology found that patients with epilepsy who respond positively to medication do not necessarily have a good long-term outcome. The study analyzed 333 adults with epilepsy and found that younger patients were more likely to experience remission periods without seizures before undergoing surgery.
Children with a first unprovoked seizure are unlikely to develop epilepsy, and most will have few or no recurrences. Individualized assessment of the child's medical history and neurological exam can help determine the best course of action.
Researchers found that age of onset, type of surgery, and history of febrile seizures are related to the amount of time before seizures become intractable. In patients whose seizures began before age 5, it took an average of 15 years for their seizures to become intractable.
A new study published by Georgetown University Medical Center found a link between worsening epileptic seizures and estrogen intake in women. Approximately 20% of women with epilepsy experienced seizures worsened when using estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.