Articles tagged with Epilepsy
Researchers have developed a sensor system that can detect seizure-preventing drugs in saliva, enabling patients with epilepsy to monitor their medication levels from home. The system aims to reduce the risk of toxic side effects and improve treatment outcomes.
A research team led by City University of Hong Kong neuroscientist Dr. Geoffrey Lau Chun-yue identified a new drug candidate, D4, that selectively blocks connexin hemichannels to suppress neuroinflammation and curbs TLE seizures in a mouse model. The findings suggest a promising new treatment strategy for epilepsy.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that patients with severe epilepsy who undergo surgical tissue analysis are at risk for rare secondary diseases, including inflammation and incipient Alzheimer's dementia-like. These conditions can lead to unexpected cognitive decline months or years after surgery.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze high-frequency oscillations in patients' brains during deep sleep, distinguishing between epileptogenic and non-epileptogenic regions. The study achieved an 85% accuracy rate, suggesting a promising method for predicting seizure outcomes.
A new study finds that children with severe forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome, are at high risk of seizures triggered by the flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for these children to protect them from complications and prolong their survival.
A three-year research project led by Aston University aims to prevent epileptic seizures in children. The team will explore how epilepsy becomes established in the brain and test new drugs using living tissue samples.
A new study led by Rice University and UCSF researchers found that seizure cycles are linked to age and common triggers, such as illness and menstrual cycles. The study used data from over 1,000 patients aged 2 months to 80 years to develop a statistical model that captures the effect of these factors on seizure risk.
Researchers have developed a new gene therapy that selectively targets overactive brain cells, reducing excitability and suppressing seizures in mice. The treatment shows promise for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and pain disorders.
Researchers have developed an animal model of West syndrome, which exhibits a progressive increase in epileptic spasms and learning and memory deficits. The study, published in Epilepsia, establishes this as an ideal model to identify underlying molecular mechanisms and discover targeted therapies for the condition.
Researchers found that structural racism and insurance barriers limit access to advanced epilepsy care for minority groups in New Jersey. Black patients with private insurance and Medicaid had the lowest EMU admission rates relative to emergency room visits.
Researchers found that individuals who underwent hemispherectomy surgery at a young age can still recognize differences between pairs of words or faces with remarkable accuracy. The study, published in PNAS, sheds light on brain plasticity and its limitations.
Scientists at OHSU have identified synaptotagmin-3 (SYT3) as a crucial protein for replenishing neurotransmitters between neurons. This discovery sheds new light on the underlying causes of neurological disorders such as epilepsy and autism, and may lead to the development of gene therapies or pharmaceutical approaches targeting SYT3.
Researchers found that people who had bariatric surgery had a 45% increased risk of developing epilepsy compared to those who did not have the surgery. Those who had a stroke after their surgery were 14 times more likely to develop epilepsy.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have identified a protein called Ait1 that regulates cell growth in yeasts. This discovery presents new targets for developing antifungal drugs that can attack disease-causing yeasts while sparing human immune cells.
Researchers developed an algorithm to decode brain scans and identify epilepsy types based on electrical signal patterns. The Cumulative Sharp Count and areas under spike and sharp curves were used as parameters to detect epilepsy, with high accuracy rates in blind validation studies.
A new study has found a potential link between high-dose folic acid use in pregnant women with epilepsy and an increased risk of childhood cancer. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, suggests that children born to mothers who took high-dose folic acid supplements during pregnancy may be at higher risk of developing cancer.
A recent study found that telemedicine is a viable option for many patients, especially those with epilepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, barriers remain, including limited access for socially vulnerable families and racial/ethnic minorities.
A new study urges regulators to take a closer look at the health and safety risks of the growing medicinal and recreational cannabis market. The research team found that many pesticides in cannabis cultivation were highly unlikely to be used, but still detected, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
A new study published in Cell Reports has identified the molecular pathways responsible for reduced seizures during fasting. The researchers found that amino acid sensing plays a critical role in the beneficial effects of fasting on seizures, suggesting targeted dietary strategies may be effective for patients without DEPDC5 mutations.
A study published in Neurology found that pregnant women with epilepsy have more symptoms of depression and anxiety than those without epilepsy or pregnant women with epilepsy. The study highlights the importance of screening and treating depression and anxiety in pregnant women with epilepsy.
Researchers developed a peptide that can be administered through nasal spray to reduce seizure activity and protect neurons in both Alzheimer's and epilepsy. The A1R-CT peptide inhibits neurabin, a protein that prevents the overactivation of neurons, allowing for increased action by adenosine receptors.
A new AI algorithm has been developed to detect subtle brain abnormalities causing epileptic seizures. The Multicentre Epilepsy Lesion Detection project used over 1,000 patient MRI scans to train the algorithm, which was able to detect focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in 67% of cases. This could lead to more patients being considered for...
Scientists have identified two areas of the auditory cortex specialized to recognize human voice sounds without linguistic meaning. These regions help react to sound cues allowing people to identify characteristics of the person speaking, such as gender, age, and height. This discovery sheds light on neurological disorders affecting vo...
A new AI-based dynamic brain imaging technology has been introduced by Carnegie Mellon University, which can map out rapidly changing electrical activity in the brain with high precision and speed. The technology uses deep learning approaches to translate scalp EEG signals back to neural circuit activity without human intervention.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that more than 85% of tested CBD products contained inaccurate labeling, including misstated CBD amounts and presence of THC. The study also revealed that some products made unapproved therapeutic claims, highlighting the need for better regulatory oversight.
A FSU team found a specific protein's gradient distribution in the brain linked to neurodegeneration in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The discovery using area-specific tissue analysis will help researchers narrow focus for developing therapies, promoting the discovery of more effective treatments.
A unique study of brain activity found that sound during sleep prompts a robust response from the brain, except in one key area where alpha-beta waves are attenuated. The findings could help understand how information is processed by the brain in unconscious states.
Researchers found that despite a powerful brain response to sound during sleep, the level of alpha-beta waves associated with attention and expectation is significantly reduced. This means the brain can analyze auditory input but fails to focus on it, resulting in no conscious awareness.
Researchers found brain ripples in all areas of the human cortex, synchronizing distant elements of memory upon recollection. The ripples involve brief, high-frequency oscillations that promote neural interactions and potentially support interaction between distant locations.
Astrocytes in the thalamus play a key role in susceptibility to seizures after brain injuries. Targeting a specific protein, GAT3, in these cells may prevent long-term damage.
Duke researchers identify DDX3X gene as crucial for neuron formation and brain development, with dosage-dependent defects leading to developmental disabilities. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying DDX3X syndrome and related disorders, potentially paving the way for therapies.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that brand-name epilepsy drugs experienced a significant price hike between 2010 and 2018, with costs rising by 277% compared to generic alternatives, which decreased in value by 42%. This shift in pricing has major implications for patients and healthcare systems.
A study reveals that valproic acid induces cellular senescence in neuroepithelial cells, leading to developmental defects such as spina bifida, facial alterations, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The researchers found that a specific molecule, p19Arf, is responsible for this effect.
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have elucidated the structure of a small protein carrying GABA into neurons using cryogenic electron microscopy. This breakthrough could lead to more effective drugs for conditions such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and autism spectru...
Early genetic testing and precision medicine lead to improved seizure control, enabling infants with epilepsy to leave the hospital sooner. A study at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found a significant reduction in hospital stay time for babies with epilepsy who underwent genetic testing.
A study of over 4 million pregnancies found that exposure to valproate and topiramate during pregnancy doubles the risk of autism and intellectual disability in children. The largest such study confirms previous findings and highlights the need for informed decision-making on treatment options.
A study by Brazilian scientists reveals that autophagy can modulate the accumulation of mutant mitochondrial DNA in cells during aging. The researchers found that mice with liver-specific atg7 knockout showed reduced buildup of mutant DNA, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown mutation in a child with epilepsy that affects the functioning of ion channels, which are crucial for brain function. The mutation has been found to decrease the function of normal proteins as well, highlighting the importance of studying genetic mutations.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine are developing novel biomarkers to predict post-traumatic epilepsy risk and treatments. The team aims to establish a biomarker panel that can identify people at high risk for PTE and predict their response to treatment.
Researchers create a new method for detecting diagnostic markers of epilepsy using EEG and MEG, enabling precise localisation of epileptogenic cortical structures. The biomimetic algorithm improves the effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions for epilepsy patients with resistant treatment.
A novel network analysis technology can pinpoint seizure originating brain regions and predict a patient's seizure outcome before surgery, using only 10 minutes of resting state recordings.
A study of over 1.7 million children found no link between antidepressant use by mothers during the first trimester and a child's risk of seizures or epilepsy. However, children exposed to certain antidepressants had a slightly higher risk of neonatal seizures.
A study found that certain shunts used after epilepsy surgery may increase the risk of chronic headaches by causing the brain to shift across the skull. Researchers discovered that non-programmable shunt valves were associated with elevated brain shift, while programmable valves weren't.
A recent study in CMAJ found that nearly half of Canadian drownings were caused by pre-existing medical conditions, with seizure disorders posing a significant risk. Young women aged 20-34 with seizure disorders were particularly vulnerable, facing a risk 23 times higher than the general population.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai discovered how the brain uses a group of neurons in the frontal lobe to monitor performance, enabling humans to learn from mistakes and develop specific skills. This mechanism allows for flexibility in learning new tasks and adjusting focus based on conflict or difficulty encountered.
Astrocytes, comprising nearly half of all brain cells, have been found to perform an electrically active function that influences neurotransmitter release and brain disease pathology. This discovery opens new avenues for neuroscience research and potential treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's and epilepsy.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered that reducing protein tau levels soon after birth can prevent autism and epilepsy in an experimental model. The study pinpointed the crucial brain cells where tau levels must be reduced to avoid these problems, and showed that lowering tau is still effective when initiated after birth.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that in utero exposure to mother's antiepileptic or antidepressant medication can lead to widespread changes in cortical networks, affecting local and global brain function. This may have implications for infants' neuropsychological development and future research on environmental factors.
Researchers tracked brain cell activity in zebrafish during seizures, finding that seizures arise from an excess of excitatory over inhibitory neuron activity in confined regions. The findings suggest a nuanced role for both excitation and inhibition in seizure origins.
Researchers have identified a potential method of preventing damaging seizure activity by restoring the integrity of blood vessels in the brain. This breakthrough could hold promise for treating patients who are currently non-responsive to anti-seizure medications.
A new study suggests that people with epilepsy linked to head injuries are more likely to experience depression, PTSD, back pain, and other health conditions. Those with drug-resistant epilepsy associated with a head injury reported the lowest quality of life scores.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a way to use the body's ions to transmit data at megahertz rates for implantable bioelectronics. This technique, dubbed ionic communication, leverages electrical potential energy stored in living tissues to exchange data with external devices.
A Danish cohort study reveals people with epilepsy die significantly earlier than the general population, with excess mortality pronounced among those with mental disorders. The study's findings have important implications for healthcare professionals and highlight the need for targeted preventive efforts to reduce mortality.
Researchers discovered newborn neurons and immature astroglia in patients with epilepsy, which could lead to new anti-seizure medications. The study suggests that targeting immature astroglia may be an effective approach to controlling seizures without aggressive brain surgery.
A new wireless implant has the potential to treat neuropathic pain resistant to medical therapy, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. The device uses bioelectronic therapy to stimulate peripheral nerves from within blood vessels, providing precise placement and predictable outcomes.
A genetic disease in children, CHARGE syndrome causes intellectual disability, attention deficit disorder, and autism. The INRS team is studying the gene's impact on brain development to identify potential treatments.
Researchers are combining optogenetics and fMRI to study the links between brain activity and behavior. This hybrid approach allows for targeted manipulation and monitoring of brain function in awake and behaving rodents, providing valuable insights into neural mechanisms.
Researchers at Boston University have developed optoacoustic neurostimulation with single neuron and subcellular level precision. Optoacoustic neuromodulation may offer advantages over ultrasonic neuromodulation, including higher spatial temporal resolution.
A new study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) plus anti-seizure medications significantly reduces hospital costs for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. The study showed patients treated with VNS and ASM had lower inpatient healthcare utilization and outpatient care costs compared to those treated with ASM alone.
A research team found that limiting energy in neurons increases hyperexcitability and severity of seizures in mice. The ketogenic diet restored mitochondrial function and reduced seizure intensity.