Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
A new tool called EpiScalp uses algorithms trained on dynamic network models to map brainwave patterns and identify hidden signs of epilepsy from a single routine EEG. This tool has ruled out 96% of false positives, cutting potential misdiagnoses among cases by nearly 70%, according to a Johns Hopkins University study.
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 link neuropilin2 gene to autism and seizure development, highlighting its role in regulating neural circuits. The study suggests targeting specific phases of neuronal development could lead to therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston have discovered two novel genes, DYRK1A and EGFR, linked to genetic mutations causing epileptic brain lesions. This breakthrough offers a new framework for understanding epilepsy and developing targeted therapies.
A new study finds that women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are at increased risk of developing new-onset migraine, headache, epilepsy, sleep disorder, or mental fatigue after giving birth. Follow-up care is recommended for these high-risk patients to monitor for neurological symptoms.
Dr. Michael Courtney's team will use advanced phenotyping techniques to assess how SYNGAP1 missense variants impact protein function, focusing on pathogenic or uncertain variants. The project aims to inform therapeutic strategies for patients with SYNGAP1-related disorders through drug repurposing and functional assays.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that breathing rhythms coordinate hippocampal brain waves during sleep, strengthening memory consolidation. This synchronization is critical for proper memory formation and retrieval, with implications for treating disordered breathing during sleep, such as sleep apnea.
Researchers identified the critical role of TIMM50 protein in mitochondrial energy production and its link to a severe and rare neurological disease. The study's findings suggest potential targets for future drug treatments and advance research on protein import into mitochondria in brain cells.
A USC-led study found that neurogenesis in adults supports verbal learning and memory, enabling people to have conversations. The discovery could lead to new approaches to restore cognitive function in patients with epilepsy and other conditions.
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has been awarded a $230,000 grant from the SynGAP Research Fund to characterize a mouse model for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. This work aims to test innovative tRNA suppressor therapies and generate patient-derived research models.
A large multisite study found that two common antiseizure medications, lamotrigine and levetiracetam, are safe to use during pregnancy, with no statistically significant differences in cognitive and psychosocial outcomes at age 6. The study confirms these drugs offer a safe alternative to older antiseizure medications like valproate.
SynGAP Research Fund appoints Virginie McNamar as President and COO, bringing extensive Rare Disease advocacy experience. The organization aims to accelerate progress with robust organizational structure and strategic focus.
A study funded by NIH found no association between antiseizure drugs used during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental problems in children at age 6. Higher folate doses during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy were associated with better cognitive outcomes.
Researchers developed MoPEDE, a method combining genetic data and brain activity to pinpoint epileptic seizure origins. This approach offers deeper insights into epilepsy mechanisms, potentially leading to personalized treatments.
A new approach profiles gene activity in the living brain, providing insights into neurological conditions like epilepsy. The study enhances understanding of seizure networks, potentially improving surgical interventions.
Scientists have successfully used optogenetics to control seizure activity in living human brain tissue, opening doors to new treatments for epilepsy and other neurological diseases. By switching off specific neurons with light pulses, researchers can prevent seizures from occurring, providing a less invasive alternative to surgery.
A Japanese study of over 97,000 1-3-year-olds found a possible link between maternal prenatal psychological distress and increased epilepsy diagnosis rates in their offspring. The research suggests that continuous stress during pregnancy may be a contributing factor to the development of epilepsy in young children.
Researchers have developed a practical calculator to predict the risk of developing epilepsy after cerebral venous thrombosis, a rare cause of stroke. The tool is based on factors already available in clinical routine and can help inform treatment decisions or support preventive medication for those at high risk.
The Finnish epilepsy care pathway provides a comprehensive, integrated approach to diagnosing and treating complex conditions. The model combines modern digital tools, data sharing, and peer support to ensure consistent, effective care regardless of socioeconomic status.
A team of researchers has identified 30 patients with previously undiagnosed conditions, linking them to rare mutations in the FLVCR1 gene. The study reveals a range of severe developmental disorders, including anemia and bone malformations, which share similarities with mice lacking the Flvcr1 gene and Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
The SynGAP Research Fund has awarded grants to Dr. Clement Chow to advance therapeutic development for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. His research uses drug repurposing to identify compounds like N-acetyl-L-leucine as potential treatments.
Scientists have discovered a long non-coding RNA called CHASERR that regulates the production of the CHD2 gene, which is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that patients with a deletion of this RNA had excessive CHD2 protein production, leading to severe intellectual delays and other symptoms.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy approach that targets and breaks down faulty ribonucleic acids in the KCNA2 gene, which is associated with recurring seizures. The therapy has shown promise in reducing excessive neuron activity linked to epilepsy.
A new scoring system helps doctors predict which patients will likely become seizure-free after minimally invasive epilepsy surgery. The model is based on eight clinical factors and has been shown to outperform other predictive models in predicting seizure freedom.
Researchers have developed a lab-grown spine model that can test the effects of valproic acid on fetal development. The study found that co-treatment with Rapamycin can prevent the negative effects of valproic acid, enabling women to take life-saving medication while having healthy children.
Researchers have uncovered a shared genetic basis for bipolar disorder type I and epilepsy, identifying 1,300 genetic variants influencing both conditions. The study suggests that mood stabilizers may be effective in treating both illnesses, and could lead to personalized medicine approaches.
Researchers identify a homozygous SPAG9 gene mutation associated with intellectual disability, progressive cognitive decline, and heterogeneous brain abnormalities. The study provides a unique model for understanding disruptions in cellular transport mechanisms leading to neurodevelopmental and degenerative brain conditions.
Researchers found lamotrigine to reduce stiffness in non-dystrophic myotonias by around the same amount as mexiletine, offering a new treatment option. The trial results have direct implications for patient care and provide more 'real-world' options for patients with this life-changing muscle disorder.
A cohort study found a significant association between maternal influenza infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood seizures. The study suggests that maternal influenza may affect childhood neurological development, particularly for febrile seizures, but not epilepsy.
Researchers developed a shape-morphing cortex-adhesive sensor to monitor brain activity during tFUS stimulation, enabling real-time adjustments and suppressing seizures. The innovative device overcomes challenges in existing cortex-interfacing devices, providing stable and accurate monitoring.
A new Northwestern Medicine study identifies critical language connector sites in the cerebral cortex that work together to produce language. These sites serve as connectors between subnetworks of people, serving a similar function for language in the brain.
A study published in Brain Communications found that heatwaves can trigger more seizures in individuals with severe epilepsy. Researchers used intracranial electroencephalography to track brain activity during heatwaves and non-heatwave periods, revealing a significant increase in seizure frequency during hot weather.
Scientists at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences have discovered a protein complex that regulates phospholipid scrambling, a process important for blood clotting and unwanted cell removal. The finding could lead to new treatments for diseases like epilepsy and anemia.
Researchers will combine stem cell therapy with brain-computer interfaces to restore function to patients with brain damage. The goal is to create bidirectional connections between cultured brain cells and the living human brain.
A new algorithm has been developed to improve the accuracy of intracranial EEG data, which is critical for diagnosing and treating epilepsy. The Automated Bad Channel Detection (ABCD) algorithm demonstrated higher accuracy than human raters, particularly in identifying channels with high-frequency noise.
Seoul National University researchers developed a biodegradable electronic tent technology that enables non-invasive brain disease diagnosis using a needle. The device unfolds to cover the entire brain over a large area and naturally decomposes in the body after diagnosis, minimizing side effects.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered DNA methylation patterns that help identify the root cause of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, a condition affecting 1 in 590 children. The findings provide a new tool for diagnosing children with DEE and could lead to more effective treatments.
A major new study by Karolinska Institutet has found that women with epilepsy are four times more likely to die during pregnancy and their babies have a 50 percent higher risk of illness or death. Despite the high relative risks, most pregnancies for women with epilepsy go well.
A study published in Nature found that propofol can restore the function of mutated HCN1 ion channels, which are associated with certain types of epilepsy. The researchers suggest using propofol to treat these conditions or designing new compounds with similar effects but reduced side effects.
Viji Santhakumar, a UCR professor, has been awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to study brain circuit function and its impact on memory formation and cognitive deficits in diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
A study reveals that sexual and gender minority adults in the US have a higher risk of developing epilepsy due to unique biological and psychosocial factors. The findings highlight the need for protected access to medical care for this population.
A team of UCSF specialists predicts 24-hour seizure risk using brain activity patterns that foreshadow seizures. The discovery may improve quality of life for 2.9 million Americans living with epilepsy.
A team of researchers has developed light-activated compounds that can inhibit nerve signals locally and on demand, offering a potential treatment for neuropathic pain. The compounds, which are activated by amber-colored light, show photopharmacological activity in animal models.
Researchers from PSI and ETH Zurich studied connexin-36 gap junction channels and found that antimalarial drug mefloquine binds to the channels, potentially explaining its severe side effects. The study provides new insights into how drugs interact with connexins and may lead to the development of therapies for neurological diseases.
Researchers at Colorado State University used human stem cells to study synaptic connections in the brain, focusing on GABAergic synapses. They found that Gephyrin promotes autonomous assembly of these synapses, which can develop independently of neuronal communication. This understanding could lead to new treatments for neurological d...
Researchers have developed procedures for using gold nanostars to perform more efficient, conformal, and safe laser ablations for treating brain tumors. This technique addresses limitations in traditional LITT by providing improved precision for lesions greater than 3 cm or with complex shapes.
The study found teleneurology to be highly acceptable across various neurological diagnoses, including headache and movement disorders. Patients with additional medical conditions showed increased satisfaction with the telemedicine service.