Articles tagged with Seizures
Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce the frequency of seizures in patients with PNES, improving their overall quality of life. The study also showed significant improvement in depression, anxiety, and psychosocial functioning.
A new study published in Epilepsia reveals that surgery for babies and toddlers suffering from epilepsy is relatively safe and effective in controlling seizures. Early surgery may also have a positive impact on brain development.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a previously undescribed syndrome associated with seizures, developmental delay, and hearing loss. The syndrome, named SeSAME, is caused by mutations in the KCNJ10 gene, which affects potassium channels in the brain, inner ear, and kidney.
A new case report suggests stun guns can cause seizures, particularly when shots are fired at the head. The study analyzed an incident where a police officer was mistakenly hit by a taser and experienced severe symptoms, including mild traumatic brain injury.
Researchers at Virginia Tech will explore the development of novel methods for delivering chemical antidotes that can mitigate the devastating effect of organophosphate-based neurotoxicants. The team aims to use nanoparticles called fullerenes to enhance their water solubility and catalytic properties, which could potentially protect a...
Researchers have identified a new gene, ELP4, linked to Rolandic epilepsy, a common form of childhood epilepsy. The discovery supports a new theory about the causes of epilepsy and offers insights into other cognitive and behavioral disorders such as ADHD, speech dyspraxia, and DCD.
A Phase III clinical study published online in Epilepsia found that Vimpat significantly reduced seizure frequency per 28 days from baseline compared to placebo. The study demonstrated efficacy in patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures, with higher rates of seizure reduction and complete seizure freedom among those receiving...
A 9-month-old breast-fed infant was diagnosed with rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency after presenting with seizures and a bulging soft spot. The case study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the importance of considering nutritional deficiencies in infants, particularly those who are solely breast-fed.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that genetic predisposition and initial seizures can set the stage for later onset of epilepsy. The study used animal models to analyze seizure behavior and identified a genetic component that protects against long-lasting brain changes after initial seizures.
A large study of 704 babies found no cases of bacterial meningitis in children with simple febrile seizures. The researchers suggest that lumbar punctures may not be necessary for well-appearing children who have had a single, uncomplicated seizure.
A new study from Tel Aviv University found that occupational stress has no effect on epilepsy attacks, with a large sample size allowing for high predictive power. The research benefits those who have been seizure-free for a long period of time, showing they are likely to stay seizure-free.
Scientists present reports on novel technologies to restore memory circuits, alter drug effects, deliver targeted therapies and improve brain imaging. The advancements aim to pinpoint seizure causes and deliver precise treatments, promising a new era in epilepsy care.
Studies show Keppra XR reduces nervous system side effects compared to levetiracetam immediate release, and a new dosing schedule may offer improved tolerability. The once-daily formulation also demonstrates bioequivalence in healthy adults.
The report proposes detailed medical history, neurological examination, and diagnostic tests as essential steps in diagnosing and treating epilepsy. The consensus also outlines the need for weight seizure control, side effects, and long-term safety when making treatment decisions.
Vimpat demonstrates statistically significant efficacy as early as the first week of treatment, with consistently significant results for both primary endpoints starting at doses of 100 mg/day. The drug shows a significant reduction in seizure frequency versus placebo, with a 39.1% increase in patients experiencing a 50% or greater red...
Researchers at University of British Columbia have identified hemichannels as a potential target for treating epileptic seizures caused by brain trauma or stroke. Blocking these channels may lead to the development of new therapies for epilepsy patients.
Analysis suggests that anterior temporal lobe resection can increase life expectancy by 5.0 years and quality-adjusted life expectancy by 7.5 years for patients with medication-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Early surgical treatment is crucial, especially for younger patients, to reverse associated severe disabilities.
Researchers found a new gene, PRICKLE1, linked to a specific type of epilepsy. The study involved international collaboration and led to the development of animal models to investigate its role in the disease.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that drops in blood oxygen levels may contribute to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) patients. Seizures in the temporal lobe and low oxygen levels during episodes are more common in males than females.
A study by NIAID scientist Theodore E. Nash found a strong association between brain tissue swelling and seizures in people infected with the parasitic tapeworm Taenia solium. Perilesional edema, a type of swelling around dead cysts, was seen in 50% of patients with seizures, suggesting a novel mechanism behind the condition.
A study of 110 patients found that brain edema, known as perilesional oedema (PO), is common and associated with seizures in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis. PO may be a preventable cause of seizures in endemic countries, suggesting a unique treatment target.
A new study presented at CHEST 2008 reveals that propofol, an anti-seizure drug, can be fatal in patients with refractory status epilepticus. The use of propofol for extended periods and high doses increased the risk of severe side effects, including cardiac arrest and death.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with epilepsy have a significantly higher risk of drowning compared to the general population. The study, which analyzed data from over 200,000 patient-years, found that individuals with epilepsy were 15-19 times more likely to die by drowning.
A large cohort of Danish children with up to 28 years of follow-up showed that death after febrile seizures is extremely rare. Children who had simple febrile seizures had mortality similar to the general population, but those with complex febrile seizures had a two-fold higher risk of death within two years.
Researchers found that compact, bedside brain-activity monitors, called amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) monitors, can detect most seizures in at-risk infants. The monitors are more portable and affordable than conventional EEG devices, but may require training to interpret.
A team of Australian researchers has received funding to develop new treatments for epilepsy, with a focus on compounds that block brain cell communication. The project aims to create effective therapies for the one-third of epilepsy patients who do not respond to current treatments.
Researchers discovered that BK channels become abnormally active after a seizure, leading to neuronal overexcitability, which may be associated with epilepsy development. A BK channel antagonist reversed abnormal excitability, offering new hope for individuals suffering from epilepsy.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a brain pathway that reacts to low pH levels, shutting down seizure activity. The study reveals that an acid-activated ion channel, ASIC1a, plays a crucial role in terminating seizures, providing new insights into the condition and potential therapeutic approaches.
A randomized controlled trial confirms the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in reducing epileptic seizures in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. The study found significant seizure reductions in children assigned to the ketogenic diet, compared to those on a control diet.
The study found that psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for nonepileptic seizures, followed by education and psychopharmacology. Neurologists and psychiatrists often work together to care for patients with NES, but barriers to treatment adherence include insurance limitations and lack of experienced practitioners.
Researchers are testing Metformine, a diabetes medication, to treat epilepsy by targeting the brain's energy sensing mechanism. Early results suggest it may reduce seizure frequency without affecting learning and memory.
A study from UC Irvine suggests that epilepsy is associated with an abundance of neuron 'hubs' in the brain, which can lead to seizures. These hub networks promote the onset of seizure activity by amplifying brain signals.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine used hypnosis to help doctors diagnose the cause of seizure-like events in children. Eight out of nine cases were found to be non-epileptic, caused by psychological stress, which require a different treatment approach than true epileptic seizures.
A modified version of the Atkins diet has been shown to significantly reduce epileptic seizures in adults with epilepsy. The high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can lead to the production of ketones, which may help control seizures. While side effects were mild, compliance was a challenge for some patients.
Researchers identified four polymorphisms in the dopamine transporter gene associated with an altered risk of withdrawal seizures in alcohol-dependent patients. These findings may help identify patients at high risk and prevent seizures more efficiently.
A study identified ADK as a molecular link between astrogliosis and neuronal dysfunction in epilepsy. Mice engineered with less ADK were protected from chemical-induced epilepsy, suggesting an ADK-based treatment strategy for individuals with epilepsy.
A new study found that leptin can delay the onset of seizures in rodents, suggesting it may be a key player in how a ketogenic diet combats epilepsy. The authors propose dietary changes and intranasal administration of leptin as potential treatments.
Researchers at Yale University have shown that early treatment of epilepsy-prone rats with ethosuximide can suppress seizures and reduce their frequency even after treatment is stopped. This breakthrough could lead to preventing epilepsy in genetically susceptible people.
Research at Emory University found that therapeutic drug monitoring for lamotrigine during pregnancy reduces increased seizure activity and improves health outcomes. The study's findings suggest a potential benefit for pregnant women with epilepsy, allowing for targeted dosage adjustments to minimize risk.
Research shows that therapeutic drug monitoring of lamotrigine during pregnancy significantly reduces seizure activity and improves fetal health. The study found that adjusting dosages based on blood levels can prevent increased seizure frequency and ultimately improve the health of both mother and baby.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends a routine electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain scans, such as CT or MRI, for adults experiencing their first unprovoked seizure. These diagnostic tools can help identify brain abnormalities that caused the seizure and predict seizure recurrence in approximately one in four patients.
Patients with focal epilepsy tend to underreport seizures, with up to 85.8% of nighttime seizures going unreported. Seizure documentation accuracy was not correlated with cognitive function or educational level, but patients who documented seizures had better verbal memory performance.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that inheriting two genetic mutations for epilepsy can actually reduce seizure frequency and severity. This discovery could lead to new gene-directed therapies for treating epilepsy.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology recommends using immediate brain CT scans to screen patients with seizures in the emergency room. This helps doctors select the right treatment option, especially for young children and those with AIDS. The scans can detect abnormalities such as tumors, traumatic brain injury, or s...
Scientists have found a way to prevent seizure-induced structural changes in brain cells, which can lead to cognitive impairments such as memory loss and reduced attention spans. The breakthrough discovery uses a drug called FK506, which blocks the breakdown of actin, a molecule essential for cell structures.
A new once-daily lamotrigine extended-release formula effectively controls partial seizures in people already taking one to two medications. The study found significant reductions in seizure frequency and improved medication adherence, making it a promising option for those with epilepsy.
Researchers discovered 'silent' seizures in mice with Alzheimer's disease, which may be related to cellular changes involving amyloid beta protein accumulations. These seizures could contribute to episodes of confusion in advanced Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers found that high levels of Amyloid-beta induce seizure-like activity in learning and memory centers, leading to cognitive impairments. The study provides new insights into the development of Alzheimer-related cognitive decline and potential therapeutic strategies.
Research found 90% of patients with multiple aura types had seizures originating from the non-dominant side of their brain. Epilepsy surgery was effective in stopping seizures in over half of study participants.
Researchers at Purdue University developed miniature devices to predict and prevent epileptic seizures by detecting neural signals in the brain. The system records data from 1,000 channels, enabling better prediction of seizure onset. A nanotech sensor for glaucoma treatment is also being developed.
A clinical trial is underway to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous carbamazepine in adult patients with epilepsy. The new treatment aims to provide an alternative to oral therapy during hospitalization or when oral administration is not feasible.
Scientists found evidence of a new type of communication between nerve cells in the brain, which may be linked to epilepsy. The discovery suggests that excitatory nerve cells are coupled together by gap junctions, potentially leading to cross-talk and altered brain function.
For people with temporal lobe epilepsy, epilepsy surgery can eliminate seizures in 60-85% and improve quality of life, but also lead to memory problems in 25-40%. Quality of life scores remain stable for those with seizures only.
A study of 19,560 Kenyan children with acute falciparum malaria found that nearly half developed seizures, coma, or impaired consciousness. Neurological involvement was associated with increased mortality and long-term neurological sequelae.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a new strategy to prevent acute and chronic brain diseases by reducing tau protein levels. The study shows that mice lacking tau protein can resist seizures and Alzheimer's-related memory loss.
Research suggests that estrogen's effects on the hippocampus can lead to increased excitatory synapses and enhanced learning, but also suppress inhibitory synapses, resulting in seizure activity. The study proposes novel therapeutic targets for anti-epileptic drugs, exploiting estrogen's rapid impact on neurotransmitter vesicles.
A teenage girl in London collapsed in a nightclub after taking 1-benzylpiperazine tablets, highlighting the dangers of this new drug. Analysis revealed the presence of the substance in her blood and seized tablet, which was linked to similar symptoms in seven other patients.
Researchers have created a mouse model of infantile spasms, which closely resembles human cases and responds to current treatments. This model could lead to new treatments for thousands of young children suffering from these catastrophic seizures.
Researchers have localized two new genes associated with febrile seizures in infancy and childhood, which could improve the understanding, treatment, and prevention of this disorder. The study found that chromosome 3 was shared by all family members who had febrile seizures, while a modifier gene on chromosome 18 may also be involved.
A study published in Neurology found that retigabine, a new epilepsy drug with a unique mechanism of action, is both safe and effective. In the study, participants who received the highest dose of retigabine experienced an average reduction of 35% in seizure frequency compared to those receiving a placebo.