Articles tagged with Epilepsy
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.
Scientists have discovered a brain protein, CNTNAP2, that quiets overactive brain cells and is at abnormally low levels in children with autism. The protein can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid, making it a potential biomarker for diagnosing autism and treating epilepsy.
A case series of 10 children with severe epilepsy found that whole plant medicinal cannabis reduced monthly seizure frequency by an average of 86%. The study suggests that whole plant products may be more effective than CBD products in treating childhood-onset severe treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Researchers found damage to a brain part that regulates hyperactivity contributes to both memory issues and seizures in the most common form of epilepsy. This discovery may lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments for epilepsy and related disorders.
A new web-based application can predict which epilepsy patients will not benefit from stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), a costly and invasive procedure. The '5-SENSE' score reliably identifies patients who will not have a focal seizure onset zone, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary procedures.
A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers shows that merging AI with electrical brain stimulation can enhance specific brain functions related to self-control and mental flexibility. The method improved cognitive control in patients undergoing brain surgery for epilepsy, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Researchers at Skoltech propose a method for interpreting brain activity data that is up to five times more accurate than the conventional technique. This method can help treat drug-resistant epilepsy and understand cognitive processes in the healthy brain.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that non-convulsive epileptic activity drives chronic brain inflammation in Alzheimer's models, which can be reversed by eliminating protein tau or using the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam. This link between brain networks and immune cells may hold promising treatments for Alzheimer's di...
Researchers found that somatostatin interneurons can cause seizures when they go haywire, disrupting the brain's balance. The study identified a rare epilepsy syndrome and developed mouse models to understand the neurological dysfunction, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that reducing tau levels impacts both excitatory and inhibitory cells, leading to a reduction in excitation-inhibition ratios. This effect counteracts diseases that cause abnormal increases in this ratio, potentially improving the brain's ability to perform its functions.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered three rare cannabinoids that reduce seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. These findings provide new insights into the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis extracts on treating epilepsy.
A Phase 2 clinical trial found that levetiracetam improved cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients with epileptic activity, particularly those under 65 when symptoms began. The study demonstrated a clear benefit from the medication for this subtype of Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that oxcarbazepine, a commonly prescribed anti-seizure medication, is associated with a higher risk of fractures in children with epilepsy. The research team examined the effects of levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine on bone fragility in children between the ages of four and 13.
Researchers found that listening to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major (K448) for at least 30 seconds was associated with a significant reduction in epilepsy-associated electrical activity spikes. The study suggests that the therapeutic effects may be linked to positive emotional responses triggered by the music.
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing higher-resolution sensor grids with increased density to improve diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. The team plans to test these grids in pigs before conducting clinical trials, aiming to provide surgeons with a clearer picture of brain regions triggering seizures.
Researchers emphasize the importance of high-quality evidence for efficacy and safety when evaluating cannabis-based medicinal products in pediatric epilepsies. The authors caution that unlicensed products pose risks to children with epilepsy and warn against using them as a Trojan horse for the cannabis industry.
A new study published in Science identifies a specific molecule, C1q, that plays a key role in the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury. The researchers found that an antibody treatment could prevent the development of negative outcomes such as sleep disruption and inflammation.
Researchers developed a new AI algorithm called 'basis profile curve identification' to simplify comparisons between effects of electrical stimulation on the brain. The algorithm may help understand which brain regions interact with each other, guiding placement of electrodes for treating network brain diseases.
A recent study found that mTORC1 enhances neuronal network activity in TSC neurons by increasing Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channels. This increase promotes axonal extensions and triggers sustained activation of CREB, a transcription factor important for synaptic plasticity.
A new study found that a next-generation brain implant for treating refractory epilepsy does not induce changes to patients' personalities or self-perceptions. The study follows 12 patients and their family caregivers over two years, providing reassurance for patients implanted with this device.
A study published by the European Society of Human Genetics found that genetic testing can identify the cause of childhood epilepsy in half of those studied, allowing for tailored treatments. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to improve treatment possibilities and avoid unnecessary procedures.
A recent study found that genetic risk scores can help diagnose epilepsy in individuals with a single seizure, distinguishing them from those with other causes. The researchers analyzed data from over 9,600 individuals with epilepsy-related diagnoses and found a significant correlation between genetic risk and epilepsy diagnosis.
Researchers found that epilepsy surgery is associated with improved overall brain health, reducing brain-predicted age by at least seven years in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. The study used advanced MRI techniques to inform its findings and suggests earlier surgery may benefit these patients.
A new study developed a wearable technology-based method to assess myoclonus symptoms in the home environment. The method, which measures electrical neuromuscular function and movement, correlates well with assessments performed by experienced physicians.
Researchers have discovered a marijuana-like brain substance that calms seizures by damping down seizure intensity. However, the rapid breakdown of this substance leads to blood-vessel constriction and disorientation, commonly experienced after epileptic seizures.
Researchers at the University of Basel developed a breath test to measure treatment success in epilepsy patients. The test provides immediate results without requiring a blood sample, allowing doctors to adjust medication quickly and precisely tailored to individual patients' needs.
Researchers found no evidence of increased suicide risk among patients taking recently developed antiseizure medications. The study suggests that the FDA's blanket warning on anti-seizure medications may not be justified, highlighting concerns about its impact on patient treatment and trial results.
Researchers have developed a wireless, battery-free device that can illuminate neuron activity in the brain without penetrating the skull or tissue. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize treatments for conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and depression by enabling less invasive optogenetics experiments.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new reverse optogenetic tool that can be controlled by light, suitable for studying changes in the brain responsible for epilepsy.
A new dietary supplement, K.Vita, has been shown to reduce seizures in children and adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, with a mean 50% reduction in seizures or paroxysmal events. The study found that the supplement was well-tolerated and palatable, with fewer than 10% of participants producing significant ketones.
Researchers at UC Riverside's Brain Injury Lab have received significant federal funding to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic epilepsy. Two graduate students, Laura Dovek and Susan Nguyen, have each won prestigious fellowships to study the role of immune receptors in the developme...
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered a rare genetic mutation that can cause epilepsy. The study found that a specific receptor in brain cells behaves differently, leading to an imbalance in communication - a key factor in the development of disorders.
Researchers have developed a new, noninvasive brain stimulation technique using magnetoelectric nanoparticles to stimulate deep brain function. The method is more efficient than traditional methods without invasive procedures, showing promise for treating various neurological conditions.
Researchers are exploring the mechanisms of CASK loss-of-function mutation associated epileptic encephalopathy. A new mouse model suggests that deleting the CASK gene impairs mitochondrial function and energy supply to the brain, potentially causing seizures.
A study led by Professor Ivan Rektor found that listening to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos K448 reduced epileptiform discharges in epilepsy patients by 32%, while Haydn's music had the opposite effect. The acoustic properties of music were responsible for this anti-epileptic effect.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center identified a common mechanism underlying a spectrum of brain disorders caused by variations in the SLC6A1 gene. Boosting transporter function via genetic or pharmacological means may be beneficial in treating these disorders.
A multidisciplinary team has developed a genomic single-cell map that identifies cell-type specific transcriptional signatures of hyper-excitability and neurodegeneration. The study provides grounds for improved diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy and may also shed light on Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed new resin acid molecules with antiseizure effects, opening a potassium ion channel that can prevent epileptic seizures. The molecules also show less effect on smooth muscle, reducing undesired side effects.
A large research project found that children of women with epilepsy who took antiseizure medication during pregnancy have similar cognitive outcomes at age 2 as those born to healthy women. However, higher levels of medication were linked to lower scores on motor and general adaptive tests related to self-care.
Researchers used standardized reporting of clinical data to determine the most effective methods for controlling seizures in pediatric epilepsy patients. The study found that using telemedicine had no impact on seizure frequencies and that certain patient demographics were more likely to experience worsening seizures.
A new $2.3 million grant will support a five-year research project at UC Riverside, led by Viji Santhakumar, exploring the relationship between inflammation and abnormal neuron connections after brain injury. The study aims to identify potential early therapies to prevent epilepsy and memory issues following traumatic brain injury.
Researchers developed a neuromorphic chip that can detect high-frequency oscillations and recognize complex biosignals in real time. The technology has the potential to improve neurosurgical interventions and monitor epilepsy outside of hospitals.
Researchers found that analyzing local networks within brain regions provides superior results to traditional fiber tract connectivity approaches for predicting disease progression and surgery outcomes in epilepsy patients.
Case Western Reserve researchers have identified a potential new approach to controlling epileptic seizures by stabilizing the sodium channel through neddylation. This finding, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, offers hope for future research and potential drug development to prevent epilepsy.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that brain waves travel both up and down the hippocampus, integrating messages from different areas of the brain. The finding suggests that brain waves can predict direction and may be a biomarker for cognitive activity.
A Columbia University team designed a high-performance implantable system that can read and modify brain signals, suppressing pathological coupling in epileptic animal models. The multiplex-then-amplify (MTA) system enables simultaneous stimulation of arbitrary waveforms on multiple independent channels.
New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that sleep can increase the risk of sudden death in people with epilepsy. Seizures disrupt the body's natural regulation of sleep-related changes, leading to a slower heart rate and potentially deadly consequences.