Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers created cortical organoids from patients' skin cells, mimicking focal cortical dysplasia and identifying mechanisms involved in its emergence. The model can be used to screen existing medications for patients with severe epilepsy.
A study of 383 extremely preterm babies found that most had neurodevelopmental disorders and/or other diagnoses during childhood. The children were referred for habilitation services and had a range of additional diagnoses, including asthma and short stature.
A team of researchers has discovered a compound called TC-2153 that reduces seizure severity in mice with temporal lobe epilepsy by decreasing the activity of hippocampal neurons. The study found that female sex hormones play a role in the efficacy of TC-2153, which may be relevant to sex differences seen in temporal lobe epilepsy.
Researchers discovered that epilepsy patients' social media activity increased before their sudden deaths from SUDEP. The study found significant alterations in the patients' digital behavior, including changes in the number of words written and drastic sentiment shifts in their posts.
When the eyes land on a face, certain cells in the amygdala react and trigger memory-making activity. Theta wave activity is also reset or restarted, preparing the hippocampus to receive new socially relevant information.
Researchers observed that chandelier cells, which regulate cortical circuit activity, communicate with other neurons shortly after birth, influencing brain development. This interaction is crucial for normal brain function and may be disrupted in neurological disorders.
A consensus advice document provides an overview of available cannabis medicines for treating epilepsy in children and adults, including dosing, interactions, and symptom relief. The guidance will be updated as new evidence emerges, providing structure for a future definitive guideline.
The SynGAP Research Fund has developed a pre-screening tool to identify potential SYNGAP1 patients through a free online survey. The partnership with Probably Genetic aims to screen undiagnosed patients and provide them with genetic testing resources, ultimately advancing treatment development for SYNGAP1.
Researchers at UCL have created a technique called magnetomechanical stimulation that uses microscopic magnetic particles to control touch-sensitive brain glial cells. This allows for precise and remote activation of astrocytes, providing a new tool for understanding their function and potential treatment of neurological disorders.
A noninvasive imaging method called virtual intracranial EEG (ViEEG) has been developed to replace electrodes in epilepsy surgery planning. The method uses magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging to create a dynamic map of the brain during seizures, enabling precise identification of brain networks involved in seizure generation.
Researchers have identified a key brain protein to target for new customized drug therapies treating adverse symptoms of developmental disorder subtypes. The study found that mutations in ARHGEF9 lead to intellectual disability through impaired α2 subunit function, which is a central hub for many neurological symptoms.
Researchers found a significant increase in overdose deaths involving gabapentinoids and z-drugs between 2000 and 2018. The proportion of deaths increased by more than three-fold, coinciding with exponential prescription increases. Co-usage with opioids was common, with over 67% of overdose victims having both substances in their system.
A new study has discovered that as brains mature, the precise ways in which two key memory regions communicate make us better at forming lasting memories. The findings also suggest how brains learn to multitask with age, with slower oscillations in older participants and faster oscillations in younger ones.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that blood levels of seven out of ten commonly used anticonvulsant medications dropped dramatically during pregnancy, leading to breakthrough seizures. The study aims to improve outcomes in women with epilepsy by better managing their medications over the course of pregnancy.
A team of scientists has identified hundreds of new genomic loci associated with brain structure, shedding light on how the human brain is shaped. The study used genetically informed brain atlases to uncover the largest number of genetic variants linked to cortex size and thickness.
Researchers discovered increased activity in the hippocampus during anesthesia and sleep, preceding Alzheimer's symptoms by years. This abnormality may enable early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
A team of scientists from Pusan National University conducted an updated meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between alcohol consumption and unprovoked seizures and epilepsy. They found that overall, alcohol drinkers were at a significantly higher risk of developing epilepsy compared to non-drinkers.
Researchers have created a compact and affordable device for recording brain activity, offering research-grade signal quality and customizable configuration. The device has the potential to help people with epilepsy detect impending seizures and those with limited mobility regain control over their limbs.
Researchers developed a gene therapy called Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output (TANGO), which boosts SCN1A protein production in brain cells. The treatment restored normal cell function and reduced seizures in lab mice with Dravet syndrome, offering hope for the first direct treatment of the fundamental cause.
The new sensor grids offer 100 times higher resolution than existing technology, allowing for more precise identification of seizure origins and preservation of healthy brain tissue. Longer term, the technology holds potential for permanent implantation to improve life quality for people with paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a stimulation paradigm that can induce epilepsy resistance in experimental animals. Repeated stimulation resulted in a dramatic decrease in seizure response to the stimulus, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for managing epilepsy.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that responsive neurostimulation system reduced disabling seizures in 84% of children and young adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. The youngest patient to undergo RNS implantation was a 3-year-old child.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation associated with severe congenital epilepsy also leads to neural degeneration, inflammation and behavioral symptoms in mice. The study suggests the mutation as a potential target for treatment.