Articles tagged with Epilepsy
A class of existing high blood pressure drugs appears to reduce adults' risk of developing epilepsy, with a 20-30% lower risk found among those taking angiotensin receptor blockers. Researchers hope these findings lead to randomized clinical trials to confirm the association.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered the mechanism of action of the widely-used epilepsy drug perampanel, which targets the AMPA receptor to dampen brain cell excitability. The study provides new insights into the potential applications of perampanel in treating other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease,...
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that ketones can rescue impaired neuronal function in the hippocampal network. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for preventing or delaying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A new study published in Neurology found that taking newer epilepsy medications during pregnancy does not affect a child's creativity. However, the study suggests that adjusting doses to reach an optimal balance between controlling seizures and minimizing negative effects on the developing child may be necessary.
Researchers used flicker stimulation to treat patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, reducing IEDs in the brain and modulating brain waves. The study found that flicker can induce gamma oscillations in mice and has potential implications for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
A study published in Nature Communications found that sharp-wave ripples in the hippocampus are associated with vivid, imaginative self-generated thoughts and less pleasurable states. This link may have implications for understanding conditions such as autism, attention deficit disorder, and happiness/well-being.
FutureNeuro, a leading SFI Research Centre, is expanding its research programme with a focus on diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health. The centre aims to develop precision diagnostics, future treatments, and systems using real-time health data.
A UCL-led team of researchers warn that climate change will aggravate brain conditions such as stroke, migraine, and dementia. The study, which reviewed 332 papers, found that extreme temperatures and weather events can disrupt sleep, exacerbate cognitive impairment, and lead to increased hospital admissions and mortality.
The guideline provides recommendations on the effects of antiseizure medications and folic acid supplementation on malformations at birth and child development during pregnancy. It recommends minimizing tonic-clonic seizures and using medications like lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or oxcarbazepine to minimize risk of major birth defects.
New research emphasizes the importance of integrated care for children with epilepsy and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. The study reveals that fragmented care can lead to negative outcomes, including disjointed treatment plans and inadequate seizure control.
A recent study in Saudi Arabia assessed the effectiveness of an educational program improving epilepsy care among caregivers. The intervention showed a significant decrease in knowledge gaps, with 23.2% having sufficient knowledge post-intervention compared to 60% before.
A new study reveals that pediatric emergency departments miss signs of epilepsy in two-thirds of cases. Nonmotor seizures, which cause 'zones out' behavior, are often overlooked due to similarities with anxiety and panic attacks.
A study published by NIH/NINDS found that low oxygen levels while sleeping and sleep apnea are linked to late-onset epilepsy in older adults. People with nocturnal hypoxia were three times more likely to develop late-onset epilepsy, independent of other medical issues.
Researchers identified a spectrum of effects on sodium channel function due to SCN2A variants, with hyperactive channels linked to early seizure onset and underactive channels associated with autism. The study provides insights into the relationship between genetic changes, disease severity, and age of seizure onset.
A flexible microdisplay device can track and display neural activity in the brain, allowing neurosurgeons to visualize critical cortical boundaries and guide surgical interventions. The device reduces the need for a buffer zone, enabling more precise removal of harmful tissue.
Astrocyte activity starts approximately 20 seconds before epileptic neuronal hyperactivity, suggesting their role in triggering seizures. Researchers found that blocking metabolic activity of astrocytes reduces the magnitude of epileptic neuronal hyperactivity.
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered a molecular pathway that helps balance neural excitation and inhibition in the brain. This balance is crucial for preventing neurodevelopmental disorders like epilepsy, and understanding this process may lead to new treatments.
A large-scale animal study reveals that brain pH and lactate levels are a common feature across various neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. Changes in brain energy metabolism are linked to cognitive impairment, particularly working memory.
Researchers discovered that only a small percentage of neurons are activated in epileptic brains, which can lead to permanent changes and impaired cognition. Early intervention with an experimental treatment within 48 hours after the first seizure may prevent these long-term changes.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate does not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. In contrast, valproate has been linked to a heightened risk of ASD.
A recent study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that activity in the dentate gyrus helps keep us focused on our environment when our mind wanders. This neural activity also aids in forming memories.
A study identifies a genetic mutation underlying KCNQ2 encephalopathy, a rare and devastating form of epilepsy. The research reveals key mechanisms by which the disorder manifests in patients, including suppression of normal gene function and altered protein distribution.
Researchers have developed a new method to trigger and image seizures in epilepsy patients, allowing for real-time data collection to tailor epilepsy surgery. This method is clinically feasible, convenient, and spares resources, providing valuable information for successful surgeries.
A new treatment has been shown to reduce mental health difficulties in children with epilepsy compared to standard care. The Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) treatment uses a modular approach to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders by 40%.
A new study led by Swansea University found that people with epilepsy had a significantly higher risk of COVID hospitalizations and deaths during the pandemic. Researchers analyzed data from 27,000 people with epilepsy in Wales and compared them to a control group of 135,000 without epilepsy.
Scientists trained AI models on brain activity data from mice to detect hippocampal ripples, a biomarker of memory, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. The model toolbox can be applied to non-human primate and human data with similar recording techniques.
Dr. Ryyna Ethell's lab at UC Riverside has been awarded a $2.4 million NIH grant to investigate the role of astrocytes in inhibitory synapse development and their connection to neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism.
Researchers found that participants had an average of 31% fewer seizures when they had seizure dogs, with seven participants achieving a 50-100% reduction. Seizure dogs are trained to recognize seizure activity and provide companionship during the seizure subsides.
Researchers have found that inhibitory neurons play a more critical role in the pathogenesis of STXBP1 disorder. The study's findings suggest that reducing functional STXBP1 protein in GABAergic inhibitory neurons has a more significant impact on symptoms, including early lethality and developmental delay.
Scientists have found a new treatment target for CDKL5 deficiency disorder, one of the most common types of genetic epilepsy. By boosting another enzyme's activity, they may be able to compensate for the loss of CDKL5 and potentially treat some effects on the brain in early development.
The updated guidelines provide 52 recommendations that span services including inpatient evaluation, therapeutic options, and outpatient chronic disease management. A multidisciplinary approach is also emphasized to coordinate different specialists.
A Michigan Medicine-led study found that patients with functional seizures have a death rate almost 2.5 times higher than expected, comparable to epilepsy and serious mental health conditions. The study highlights the need for improved access to holistic, multidisciplinary treatment for functional neurological disorders.
A new teaching module aims to improve health equity for infants with infantile spasms by educating front-line providers. The module includes short lectures and videos illustrating the condition and ensures prompt treatment.
A new approach to sensor manufacturing allows for minimally-invasive, high-resolution recording of deep brain activity, enabling the analysis of specific brain signals. The technology has the potential to enhance physicians' ability to acquire and understand brain signals at a higher resolution.
A clinical trial found that trazodone and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia were no more effective than placebo in improving insomnia symptoms among long-term dialysis patients. Serious adverse events also occurred more frequently with trazodone use. More trials are needed to investigate additional therapies for this condition.
A world-first brain stimulation treatment is being developed to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and epilepsy using ultrasound technology. The endovascular focused ultrasound technique could significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of people living with neurological diseases.
Researchers at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology have developed a new gene therapy that significantly reduces seizures in mice with focal cortical dysplasia. The treatment, which involves the overexpression of a potassium channel, has shown an average reduction of 87% in seizures without affecting the mouse's memory or behavior.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified Cav2.3, a calcium channel, as a potential treatment target for CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a genetic form of epilepsy that affects early childhood development. The study suggests that inhibiting Cav2.3 could help alleviate symptoms like seizures.
Researchers at University College London have discovered that slow waves typically present during sleep can also occur during wakefulness in people with epilepsy, potentially protecting against increased brain excitability. These 'wake' slow waves decrease the impact of epileptic spikes on brain activity and may protect against seizures.
CureSHANK is offering $250,000 grants to researchers studying SHANK3-related epilepsy in Phelan-McDermid syndrome. The goal is to improve mechanistic and clinical knowledge of this treatment-resistant form of epilepsy.
A study found that non-deployed veterans with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to develop epilepsy due to the 'healthy warrior effect', where good health is required for deployment. Deployed veterans also had a higher risk of epilepsy, especially those with penetrating TBI.
A study by CHOP researchers found that seizure patterns and response to treatment can help determine epilepsy trajectories and developmental outcomes for patients with STXBP1-related disorders. The study identified key treatment windows and outcome measures that will inform the interpretation of clinical trial success.
The PHOTOTHERAPORT project develops luminescent implants that emit light when illuminated, targeting specific regions of the body. The goal is to treat inflammatory pain and neuromodulation therapies for epilepsy using photobiomodulation and photoswitchable drugs.
Researchers have discovered the temporal structure of hippocampal ripples, a type of brain wave associated with memory consolidation. The study uses topological data analysis to classify these ripples and predict their generation by different regions of the hippocampus, offering new insights into episodic memory formation.
Researchers found that yoga therapy reduced perceived stigma and improved quality of life in people with epilepsy. Participants who received yoga had a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms, improvements in mindfulness, and more than four times the likelihood of reducing seizure frequency.
A $5 million NIH grant is expanding the University of Illinois Chicago's neurology tissue bank into a citywide effort to study epilepsy and brain cancer. The project will create a powerful new resource combining brain tissue data with clinical, functional, genetic, and 3D imaging information.
A patient at OHSU received a single stimulator implanted in the brain to effectively control two life-altering conditions: seizures caused by epilepsy and compulsive behavior caused by obsessive-compulsive disorder. The treatment, known as responsive neurostimulation system (RNS), has dramatically improved Pearson's quality of life.
A new study from UTHealth Houston has found that the posterior temporal cortex and inferior frontal cortex are crucial for semantic integration during reading. This discovery may help illuminate the inner dynamics of aphasia, a disorder affecting language expression and comprehension.
An international team recorded real-time chemical activity in the human brain using clinical electrodes, providing insights into the brain's chemistry and its implications for various medical conditions. The groundbreaking methodology has opened a window to never-before-seen brain activity.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism for the origin of brain chromosomal mosaicism, linking it to chromosome 1q gain in astrocytes. This association has implications for understanding the genetic causes of epilepsy, particularly drug-resistant seizures.
A recent study discovered two subgroups of people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, one experiencing highest incidence during sleep and the other during daytime. The researchers found that either dynamics of cortisol or sleep stage transition explained most of the observed distributions of epileptiform discharges.
A new study shows that XEN1101 can reduce seizure frequency by more than 50% in some patients and sometimes eliminate seizures altogether. The medication, a potassium-channel opener, boosts the flow of potassium out of nerves to stop them from firing.
Researchers have identified a specific area of the amygdala brain region that can cause prolonged loss of breathing after a seizure. This finding offers new insight into the mechanisms underlying Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare but fatal complication of epilepsy.
A new type of flexible neural electrode has been developed, which can accurately match the mechanical properties of brain tissue. The electrode was tested in epilepsy rat models, demonstrating accurate measurement of neural responses and stimulation of specific brain regions.
A massive genetic study has identified specific DNA changes that increase the risk of developing epilepsy. The research found 26 distinct areas in our DNA involved in epilepsy and proposed alternative drugs targeting these genes. The findings may inform better diagnosis, classification, and treatment strategies for epilepsy.
Researchers from four countries sequenced genomes of 100 infants with unexplained seizures to better understand the potential strengths of early genome sequencing for infantile epilepsy. The study found that 43% received a diagnosis within weeks, and this impacted prognosis in nearly 90% of cases.
A new NIH grant will help researchers better understand brain respiratory control and develop neuromodulation strategies to prevent Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The goal is to identify optimal stimulation paradigms for breathing enhancement during a critical time window after seizures.
A new study from the University of Arizona has found that remembering events can trigger theta oscillations in the brain's hippocampus region, suggesting that memory is a strong driver of these rhythmic signals. This discovery could lay the foundations for cognitive impairment therapy and improve memory.
Exposure to commonly prescribed antiseizure medications during pregnancy does not negatively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children. The MONEAD study found that lamotrigine and levetiracetam pose low risks for cognitive effects, with some caution needed for high dosages of levetiracetam.
A University of Ottawa study reveals that a diverse brain's ecosystem is key to maintaining normal function while responding to changes. This concept is inspired by Charles Darwin's idea that biodiversity is crucial for survival, suggesting cell-to-cell diversity helps prevent failures in brain circuits.