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Getting to grips with seizure prediction

Researchers have developed software that can learn from a patient's normal and seizure electrical activity to predict when another seizure may occur. This allows for an early warning system, potentially enabling people with epilepsy to live safer lives by avoiding hazardous situations before a seizure begins.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics·DateNov 7, 2013

JCI early table of contents for July 25, 2013

Researchers found that rapamycin increased longevity in mice by reducing cancer rates and improving memory and spatial learning. However, the drug had limited effects on age-related symptoms such as cardiovascular function, muscle mass, and balance. The study suggests that rapamycin may be useful for treating some age-related conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2013

Adenosine therapy reduces seizures and progression of epilepsy

Researchers have discovered that adenosine therapy can reduce seizures and slow the progression of epilepsy by targeting epigenetic changes in the brain. By delivering adenosine directly to the brain, scientists were able to reverse DNA hypermethylation, which is a key factor in the development of epilepsy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2013

Accurate prognosis for epilepsy patients

Scientists at Bonn University Hospital and MPI Cologne developed a method to predict temporal lobe epilepsy surgery success rates, achieving 96% accuracy for female patients and 94% for males. The algorithm assesses brain images to differentiate between seizure-free and non-seizure-free patients.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuroImage·DateJul 17, 2013

Depression common among children with temporal lobe epilepsy

A new study found that children and adolescents with seizures involving the temporal lobe are at risk for clinically significant behavioral problems and psychiatric illness, especially depression. Routine psychiatric evaluation is crucial before epilepsy surgery to improve quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateMay 23, 2013

Developmental delays in children following prolonged seizures

Researchers found that prolonged seizures in children are associated with developmental delays and impairments within six weeks of the event, which persist at one year. The study suggests that seizures may have a long-lasting impact on future development through reorganization of functional brain networks.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateApr 8, 2013

Peer support shows promise in epilepsy fight

A new study by Michigan State University found that young people with epilepsy experienced significant reductions in stigmatization after participating in regular peer support groups. The research, published in Epilepsy and Behavior, suggests a potential solution to the debilitating stigma surrounding epilepsy in developing countries.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEpilepsy & Behavior·DateMar 11, 2013

Potential treatment prevents damage from prolonged seizures

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered a potential lead compound that can reduce mortality when given to mice after drug-induced seizures. The compound, TG6-10-1, blocks signals from prostaglandin E2, which is involved in the toxic inflammation in the brain arising after status epilepticus.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Nov. 26, 2012

Researchers found that bariatric surgery techniques produce similar outcomes, with weight loss itself being the primary factor responsible for improved metabolic responses. In another study, antifibrinolytic drugs were linked to seizures due to their inhibition of glycine receptors in the brain. A companion commentary reviews the conne...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 26, 2012

Engineered flies spill secret of seizures

Scientists developed a genetically engineered fruit fly model to study temperature-dependent seizures. The model reveals that disease-causing mutations lead to breakdowns in brain regulation, causing excessive electrical activity. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to the development of new treatments for febrile seizures.

Childhood virus infection linked to prolonged seizures with fever

A new study published in Epilepsia found that human herpesviruses (HHV)-6B and HHV-7 are associated with febrile status epilepticus (FSE) cases, accounting for one-third of FSE cases. The study suggests a possible link between these viruses and the development of epilepsy, particularly temporal lobe epilepsy.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateJun 14, 2012