Articles tagged with Seizures
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.
Researchers found that tooth-brushing can induce seizures in individuals with epilepsy, possibly linked to lesions in the somatosensory area of the brain. The study suggests a potential link between rhythmic stimuli and seizure activity.
A case report suggests that light streaming through whirling helicopter rotor blades during medical air transport can cause symptoms ranging from nausea to full-blown seizures. Researchers recommend shielding patients' eyes to prevent this under-recognized but highly preventable complication.
New research in mice suggests that reversing CaMKII inhibition alleviates Angelman syndrome neurological problems. The study identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating symptoms, and the findings may apply to other unexplained mental retardation syndromes.
A clinical trial found that nearly 600 adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy experienced few to no seizures while taking levetiracetam as a single therapy. The study also showed that patients remained seizure-free for at least six months at the lowest dose level.
Chronic pain has increased by 26% among US workers over the past decade, with most employees experiencing moderate to severe pain while still attending work. Employers are encouraged to invest in workplace wellness programs addressing chronic pain, as only 22% currently include such components.
A new national research network, NETT, aims to improve treatment outcomes for neurological emergencies. The network will gather data from patients at multiple hospitals nationwide to test new treatments in real-world settings.
Researchers found that some dogs are responding to seizures caused by psychological conditions, rather than epilepsy. People with psychogenic seizures need psychiatric evaluation and treatment, not specialized training for epileptic seizures.
Researchers found that epilepsy patients can reliably predict when they are likely to have a seizure, with 32% accuracy. Accurate predictions also indicate reduced risk of seizures, providing reassurance and improved quality of life for those with epilepsy.
The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of status epilepticus in children with epilepsy. It recommends considering anti-epileptic drug levels and performing an EEG to determine the cause of continuous seizures.
Researchers used gene therapy to modify signaling pathways in the brain, significantly reducing epileptic seizures in rats. The study suggests that altering specific signaling pathways in nerve cells after a brain insult may help prevent epilepsy.
Researchers at UW-Madison discover 2-deoxy-glucose blocks epileptic seizures in lab rats, a potential cure for up to half of all epileptic patients. The compound works by clogging cellular enzymes, allowing the body to use alternative energy sources.
Researchers at MIT are developing a device that can detect and prevent epileptic seizures by measuring brain activity. The new technology builds on an existing therapy and could be refined to work with a headband or baseball cap. If successful, it would allow more patients to use the therapy on demand.
Researchers at Barrow will study neurons from HH tumors to understand why seizures occur and how GABA causes excitation instead of inhibition in some HH neurons. The study aims to develop new strategies for treating gelastic epilepsy.
A critical review found that repeated administration of antiepileptic drug therapy leads to diminishing results in preventing seizures. Acquired tolerance is responsible for this effect, with some patients developing cross-tolerance to similar medication, posing a significant concern for medically intractable epilepsy
Researchers discovered that the brain's endocannabinoid system provides 'on-demand' protection against seizures by modulating glutamatergic transmission in neurons. The study suggests that this system might be a prime target for drugs against epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases.
A Stanford study found that boosting neuropeptide Y levels in the thalamus and hippocampus can reduce seizures. Researchers discovered that valproic acid increases neuropeptide Y production by 50% in these areas, offering a potential new approach to treating epilepsy with fewer side effects.
New data demonstrate that lamotrigine is an effective adjunctive therapy for treating primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures in children and adolescents. The study found a significant reduction in PGTC seizure counts among patients receiving lamotrigine, with a median percent decrease of 77% compared to the placebo group.
Researchers at UCLA develop trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) as a new alternative for controlling seizures in individuals who are resistant to medication or ineligible for surgery. The device uses a brain pacemaker to stimulate the trigeminal nerve, offering a potential advantage over vagus nerve stimulation.
Dr. Tallie Z. Baram, a renowned UCI researcher, has been honored with the nation's top neuroscience prize for her pioneering work on childhood febrile seizures and their link to adult epilepsy. Her research has defined molecular changes in brain cells caused by early-life febrile seizures.
Researchers found that the septum can induce rhythmical electrical activity in the hippocampus, reducing epileptic seizures by 86-97 percent. The study suggests a new approach to stopping epilepsy, focusing on inducing theta rhythm generation.
Three new studies help diagnose psychological seizures by identifying key behavioral cues, such as eye movement during seizures. These findings could guide early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
A novel approach to epilepsy surgery in young children with tuberous sclerosis has shown promising results, with 17 of 25 patients freed from seizures after a multi-stage brain operation. The procedure involves multiple surgeries to remove seizure-causing tissue, and may improve developmental outcomes for affected children.
Patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy who don't respond to treatment have increased mortality compared to the general population. In contrast, those who become seizure-free at follow-up do not experience a rise in mortality rates.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that epilepsy surgery is durable and effective, improving quality of life for patients with intractable epilepsy. The procedure removed the focal region of brain disease in 399 consecutive patients, with a 4% risk of complications.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that high temperatures can reduce the number of GABA-A receptors on nerve cells' surfaces, making them more susceptible to seizures. This discovery may lead to new approaches for preventing recurrent febrile seizures in vulnerable children.
A study by Professor Renzo Guerrini highlights the importance of special precautions for children with severe epilepsy at home to prevent accidents. These precautions include using shields around heat sources and ensuring children are never left alone during bathing.
Researchers at Pitt University developed a new treatment for epilepsy using radio frequency technology, which has fewer side effects than traditional treatments. The RFNS device is implanted under the skin with one surgical incision, reducing infection risk.
A recent study published in Neurology found that epilepsy surgery significantly improves mental health outcomes for patients. After the surgery, 9% of participants met the criteria for depression, compared to 22% before surgery. The study suggests removing dysfunctional brain areas may be critical to improving mental well-being.
A study published in Neurology found that depression and anxiety disorders decreased by over 50% two years after epilepsy surgery. Participants who underwent successful surgery without seizures were more likely to be free from depression and anxiety.
Researchers found that GABA-triggered neurons contribute to the development of epilepsy in immature brains through fast oscillations. As brain maturity increases, glutamate's excitatory effects dominate, reducing GABA's impact on epilepsy.
Dr. Tallie Z. Baram has been awarded the Epilepsy Research Recognition Award for her pioneering research on childhood febrile seizures and their potential link to adult epilepsy. Her work aims to develop new treatments that can calm childhood seizures without harming adults.
A study of 20 children with epilepsy found that 13 had a greater than 50 percent improvement and four were seizure-free after six months on the modified Atkins diet. The diet, which mimics ketosis, was better tolerated by children and easier to follow than the ketogenic diet.
The ketogenic diet has been found to enhance brain energy production and increase neuron stability, leading to improved resistance to seizures. Researchers discovered that the diet's effects on gene expression and mitochondrial function contribute to its anticonvulsant properties.
Researchers found that a diuretic called bumetanide can inhibit seizure activity in newborns by lowering chloride levels and making nerve cells responsive to GABA activation. This is promising news for the treatment of seizures in newborns, as conventional anticonvulsants are ineffective due to differences in brain chemistry.
The Medicare elimination of essential drugs will have a significant impact on 24% of elderly recipients, who will lose coverage for essential medications like benzodiazepines. This could lead to withdrawal reactions, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions.
Kids aged 7-19 are at higher risk of visually induced seizures while watching TV or playing videogames. The Epilepsy Foundation recommends adjusting technical parameters to reduce the risk, and provides guidance for parents on how to minimize exposure.
A new guideline suggests a blood test can help identify the type of seizure, distinguishing between generalized tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures. The test measures prolactin levels in the blood after a seizure.
The study reveals inhibitory systems play a crucial role in controlling the timing of action potentials and network synchronization. This fine-tuning affects cognitive functions and may underlie problems in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.
Researchers found propofol to be an effective treatment for continuous seizures in children, controlling seizures in 14 out of 22 patients. Propofol was preferred over thiopental due to lower side effects and fewer respiratory problems.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a heat spreader that uses phase-change heat process to cool the brain during epileptic seizures. The device, implanted on the neocortex, cools the brain from 38°C to 20°C to render it seizure-free.
A recent study has shown that buccal midazolam is more effective and faster-acting than rectal diazepam in treating seizures in children. The research, published in The Lancet, found that buccal midazolam was successful in 61% of episodes compared to 27% for rectal diazepam.
A new report describes a potential problem with the new drug pregabalin, which may result in neurological complications such as nausea, headache, and hallucinations. The researchers recommend that patients not stop taking the medication abruptly until further studies are conducted.
A study evaluated the effect of fMRI results on diagnostic work-up and treatment planning for 60 consecutive seizure disorder patients. The findings helped five patients avoid additional surgery, altering the extent of surgery in four others. This non-invasive test improved surgical decision making for epilepsy patients.
The American Academy of Neurology has published a new guideline recommending medications such as propranolol, primidone, sotalol, and atenolol to treat limb and head tremors in patients with essential tremor. These medications can help manage tremors and improve daily life.
A study found that 50% of patients who underwent temporal lobectomy for epilepsy were seizure-free after 30 years. Patients who experienced seizures within the first year after surgery had a lower likelihood of being seizure-free in the long term.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that early treatment with antiepileptic drugs may not provide significant long-term benefits for patients with infrequent seizures. In fact, the trial found that delayed medication did not increase the risk of chronic epilepsy or improve quality of life.
A study of 1400 patients with single or infrequent seizures found that delaying antiepileptic drug treatment reduced short-term seizure recurrence. However, there was no significant difference in long-term outcomes, suggesting that immediate treatment may not offer long-term benefits.
Researchers created rat pups with subtle cortical malformations and found that they developed temporal lobe epilepsy after experiencing prolonged fever-related seizures. The study suggests that early identification of children with atypical febrile seizures could lead to neuroprotective treatments to prevent later epilepsy.
Researchers have developed a mathematical way to translate brain wave readings into simple terms to help doctors identify newborns at risk for epilepsy. The new tool uses quantitative EEG analysis to pinpoint abnormal brain activity in real-time.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found changes in GABAA receptors linked to seizures and anxiety during the menstrual cycle. The researchers suggest that these changes may be relevant to post-partum depression and mood swings during pregnancy, and could provide novel therapeutic targets for PMS and catamenial epilepsy.