Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
New data confirm KEPPRA's sustained antiepileptic effect over 7.13 years, with a high retention rate of 54.3%. The incidence of adverse events is similar to previous studies, ensuring the safety and tolerability profile for KEPPRA.
Researchers created a new mouse model that mimics the natural development of epilepsy, revealing the crucial role of astrocytes in seizure disorders. The study, led by David H. Gutmann and Kelvin Yamada, found that mice lacking TSC1 in astrocytes developed abnormal neuronal organization and seizures.
Researchers identified genetic mutations associated with inherited epilepsy that perturb brain cell electrical properties. These findings support a plausible mechanism for the disorder and suggest potential targets for anticonvulsant drugs.
A new radiosurgery protocol using the Gamma Knife is being tested to eliminate epileptic seizures in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The treatment has shown promising results, with up to 95% effectiveness and significant improvement in quality of life.
Epilepsy does not increase motor vehicle crash risks compared to other medical conditions; regulations hinder patients from seeking proper care. Mandatory reporting laws are discriminatory and destroy patient-physician confidentiality.
A Brazilian study found that anticonvulsant therapy can lead to cognitive disabilities in epileptic children, affecting their ability to recall information. The research suggests a need for cooperation between physicians and educators to develop strategies to mitigate these effects.
A new study shows that VNS Therapy is more effective in treating epilepsy patients when used earlier in their treatment course, resulting in a three-fold improvement in seizure control. The therapy also improves quality of life indicators such as alertness, mood, and verbal communications.
A retrospective study of 1407 VNS Therapy patients found that reducing antiepileptic medications did not impair seizure control. The study analyzed changes in medication use and seizure rates over one year, with no significant differences between groups.
A retrospective review of studies on psychological interventions found no direct impact on seizures or quality of life among patients with epilepsy. However, some promising indications were noted regarding reduced anxiety and improved medication compliance.
Only 25% of patients have been seizure-free for the past year, with many experiencing frequent seizures despite medication attempts. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy (VNS) has shown promise in reducing seizures and improving quality of life.
Researchers from Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide have identified a major gene responsible for both intellectual disability and epilepsy. The new gene is found on the X-chromosome and acts as a master gene controlling other genes' function, contributing to normal brain cognitive function.
Researchers have identified a gene called LGI1 associated with a rare type of epilepsy characterized by auditory hallucinations and other symptoms. The discovery provides new insights into the cause of common epilepsy.
A study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) increases blood flow in thalamic areas of the brain, leading to improved seizure control. VNS was shown to reduce seizures by up to 91% in patients with partial epilepsy.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective in reducing seizure frequency in children with refractory epilepsy. The study found significant improvements in quality of life, including alertness, verbal communication, and school performance.
A team of researchers led by Louis J. Ptacek identified a novel gene, mass1, responsible for audiogenic reflex epilepsy in the Frings mouse strain. The gene was found to be mutated in mice with spontaneous seizures triggered by loud noises.
Researchers at Emory University found that temporal lobectomy significantly reduces complex partial seizures in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who cannot be controlled by medication. However, the procedure is less effective in reducing generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures.
A pilot study found that an implanted 'brain pacemaker' for epilepsy may cause mild increases in sleep apnea, a condition where breathing is disrupted during sleep. Researchers are investigating ways to fine-tune the device to reduce these effects and improve treatment outcomes.
The conference will feature presentations by renowned neurologists and Epilepsy experts, including Dr. Paul Mullin and Dr. Moise Danielpour, discussing the latest anticonvulsants and epilepsy surgery options.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that a significant proportion of people with epilepsy may also have undiagnosed sleep apnea, which can disrupt brain function and exacerbate symptoms. The study suggests that addressing sleep apnea through lifestyle and medical interventions may help improve seizure control and quality of...
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that 31% of recent popular press articles on epilepsy contained gross mistakes, including inaccurate science and exaggerated treatment claims. The print media often reflect and shape views about epilepsy, but also perpetuate misconceptions that can shame patients.
Researchers discovered two mutations in a sodium channel gene that regulate electrical activity in nerve cells, which may cause inherited forms of epilepsy. Genetic testing could identify at-risk infants and prevent seizures and neurological damage.
Researchers at U of T used nonlinear dynamics techniques to predict seizures and identified a dynamic regime - type III intermittency - that takes place during seizures. This approach may improve techniques to control the brain's transition to seizure, offering new hope for patients with intractable epilepsy.
Scientists at Brandeis University and Children's Hospital Boston used video games to study the brain's sense of direction in teenagers with severe epilepsy. They found that theta oscillations, a special type of brain wave, play a crucial role in spatial learning and navigation.
A new study at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland provides a tool for physicians to evaluate an epilepsy patient's risk of having an accident while driving. The study found that four illness-related characteristics can predict accidents, including the length of time between seizures.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between the stargazer gene and calcium channel defects in absence epilepsy. The Cacng2 gene produces a defective protein that disrupts normal brain function, leading to abnormal neuron firing and seizures.
Treating people with epilepsy or seizures who are in remote locations like space, underwater or extended airline flights may be possible through telemedicine. Sleep deprivation and weightlessness can provoke seizures during travel.