Researchers at the University of Utah Health have identified a gene variant called CNTN2 that may protect against PIGA-CDG, an ultra-rare genetic disease causing seizures and developmental delays. This finding could lead to better therapies for PIGA-CDG by targeting multiple genes involved in symptom severity.
A new method allows for accurate measurement of blood-brain barrier permeability, revealing that many CNS drugs penetrate the barrier rapidly. The study found that plasma proteins play a crucial role in maintaining brain delivery of lipophilic agents.
Researchers used single-cell sequencing to characterize different cell types in brain lesions and identify subpopulations involved in disease progression. The study provides a cellular view of focal cortical dysplasia, a malformation leading to drug-resistant epilepsy.
A new international study has identified the P2X7 receptor as a promising target for preventing post-traumatic epilepsy. The study suggests that blocking this receptor shortly after traumatic brain injury can significantly reduce brain hyperexcitability and improve behavior.
A new tool called EpiScalp uses algorithms trained on dynamic network models to map brainwave patterns and identify hidden signs of epilepsy from a single routine EEG. This tool has ruled out 96% of false positives, cutting potential misdiagnoses among cases by nearly 70%, according to a Johns Hopkins University study.
Researchers link neuropilin2 gene to autism and seizure development, highlighting its role in regulating neural circuits. The study suggests targeting specific phases of neuronal development could lead to therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism.
Researchers have identified molecular changes that occur long before symptoms appear, shedding light on the development of Rett syndrome. These findings hold promise for developing safe gene therapies and monitoring biomarkers to track MECP2 gene function.
A USC-led study found that neurogenesis in adults supports verbal learning and memory, enabling people to have conversations. The discovery could lead to new approaches to restore cognitive function in patients with epilepsy and other conditions.
Researchers developed MoPEDE, a method combining genetic data and brain activity to pinpoint epileptic seizure origins. This approach offers deeper insights into epilepsy mechanisms, potentially leading to personalized treatments.
Scientists have successfully used optogenetics to control seizure activity in living human brain tissue, opening doors to new treatments for epilepsy and other neurological diseases. By switching off specific neurons with light pulses, researchers can prevent seizures from occurring, providing a less invasive alternative to surgery.
A new study found that initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors often include excessive doses, posing a risk of dependence, falls, and other harmful effects. Guidelines recommend avoiding benzodiazepine prescriptions if possible, but some cases may require limited use under close monitoring.
The number of seizures in US children due to medication or substance exposure has more than doubled between 2009 and 2023. The main culprits are over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antidepressants, painkillers, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy approach that targets and breaks down faulty ribonucleic acids in the KCNA2 gene, which is associated with recurring seizures. The therapy has shown promise in reducing excessive neuron activity linked to epilepsy.
A cohort study found a significant association between maternal influenza infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood seizures. The study suggests that maternal influenza may affect childhood neurological development, particularly for febrile seizures, but not epilepsy.
Researchers developed a shape-morphing cortex-adhesive sensor to monitor brain activity during tFUS stimulation, enabling real-time adjustments and suppressing seizures. The innovative device overcomes challenges in existing cortex-interfacing devices, providing stable and accurate monitoring.
A new Northwestern Medicine study identifies critical language connector sites in the cerebral cortex that work together to produce language. These sites serve as connectors between subnetworks of people, serving a similar function for language in the brain.
A study published in Brain Communications found that heatwaves can trigger more seizures in individuals with severe epilepsy. Researchers used intracranial electroencephalography to track brain activity during heatwaves and non-heatwave periods, revealing a significant increase in seizure frequency during hot weather.
A breakthrough technology allows for touchless infrared imaging to monitor changes in pupil size and gaze direction behind closed eyes. This innovation can help identify wakefulness, awareness, and pain in sleep, anesthesia, and intensive care, enabling more accurate clinical decision-making.
A recent study found that synthetic opioid drug overdoses are becoming increasingly common in Australia, particularly due to the presence of fentanyl. The researchers highlighted the need for safe consumption spaces and increased awareness about the risks of fentanyl contamination.
Prescriptions for first-generation antihistamines were associated with a 22% higher seizure risk in children aged 6-24 months. The study emphasizes the need for careful prescription of these medications in young children.
A new study by researchers at MIT and MGH found that even low stimulation currents could sometimes still cause electrographic seizures in awake mice, with a rate of 2.2 percent of tests experiencing seizures. The study cautions against the use of brain stimulation-based therapies without proper monitoring.
Researchers at UF Health have been awarded a five-year grant to work on a treatment for SYNGAP1 mutations, which cause seizures, sensory processing disorders, and intellectual disability. The goal is to create a pill that restores healthy gene production, boosting neuroplasticity.
A team of UCSF specialists predicts 24-hour seizure risk using brain activity patterns that foreshadow seizures. The discovery may improve quality of life for 2.9 million Americans living with epilepsy.
A breakthrough in brain-computer interfaces allows a patient to communicate using only the power of thought. The study, led by Dr. Ariel Tankus, enables individuals with paralysis to signal 'yes' and 'no' through electrical signals in their brain.
Researchers at Duke University developed an assistive machine learning model that greatly improves the ability of medical professionals to read EEG charts. The model, which provides visual explanations and decision support, has been shown to almost double medical professionals' accuracy in identifying seizure-like events, potentially s...
First-seizure clinic (FSC) attendance, particularly early attendance, is associated with reduced rates of subsequent hospital utilization. Adequate resource allocation for FSCs may improve timely and equitable access.
Law enforcement seizures of illicit fentanyl increased dramatically between 2017 and 2023, with 115 million pills seized in 2023 compared to 49,657 in 2017. The proportion of fentanyl pill seizures quadrupled, posing significant risks to public health.
New research emphasizes the importance of integrated care for children with epilepsy and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. The study reveals that fragmented care can lead to negative outcomes, including disjointed treatment plans and inadequate seizure control.
A recent study in Saudi Arabia assessed the effectiveness of an educational program improving epilepsy care among caregivers. The intervention showed a significant decrease in knowledge gaps, with 23.2% having sufficient knowledge post-intervention compared to 60% before.
A new study reveals that pediatric emergency departments miss signs of epilepsy in two-thirds of cases. Nonmotor seizures, which cause 'zones out' behavior, are often overlooked due to similarities with anxiety and panic attacks.
A study published in Neurology found that nonmotor seizures were often missed in children and teens, leading to delayed diagnosis and potentially worse outcomes. Researchers discovered that participants with initial nonmotor seizures were less likely to seek emergency care and had a higher percentage of incorrectly identified seizures.
A study found that an organ transplant drug, rapamycin, can regulate over-excited neurons and preserve cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and seizures. The research suggests that seizures may accelerate AD progression and that targeting neuron excitability could slow the disease.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found no association between new-onset seizures and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The study included over 118,000 participants from randomized clinical trials and found the incidence proportion of new-onset seizures to be similar across vaccine recipients and unvaccinated participants.
Researchers identified a spectrum of effects on sodium channel function due to SCN2A variants, with hyperactive channels linked to early seizure onset and underactive channels associated with autism. The study provides insights into the relationship between genetic changes, disease severity, and age of seizure onset.
A cohort study found statistical signals for myocarditis and pericarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination in children aged 12-17 years, consistent with previous reports. Seizures after mRNA-1273 vaccinations in younger age groups require a robust epidemiologic investigation to confirm findings.
Astrocyte activity starts approximately 20 seconds before epileptic neuronal hyperactivity, suggesting their role in triggering seizures. Researchers found that blocking metabolic activity of astrocytes reduces the magnitude of epileptic neuronal hyperactivity.
A new study at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that standardizing seizure action plans improves epilepsy management. The study involved 204 adult patients, who showed significant improvement in seizure management after receiving structured SAPs.
A study identifies a genetic mutation underlying KCNQ2 encephalopathy, a rare and devastating form of epilepsy. The research reveals key mechanisms by which the disorder manifests in patients, including suppression of normal gene function and altered protein distribution.
Researchers have developed a new method to trigger and image seizures in epilepsy patients, allowing for real-time data collection to tailor epilepsy surgery. This method is clinically feasible, convenient, and spares resources, providing valuable information for successful surgeries.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a neural-specific protein, PSD-95, as an early biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. The study found that inhibiting PSD-95 slowed seizure activity in mice with amyloid-beta pathology, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for early-stage Alzheimer's.
Dr. Ryyna Ethell's lab at UC Riverside has been awarded a $2.4 million NIH grant to investigate the role of astrocytes in inhibitory synapse development and their connection to neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism.
Researchers found that participants had an average of 31% fewer seizures when they had seizure dogs, with seven participants achieving a 50-100% reduction. Seizure dogs are trained to recognize seizure activity and provide companionship during the seizure subsides.
A new study from the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai reveals significant variations in emergency medical service (EMS) performance across the United States. The research found that EMS agencies in rural areas were less likely to provide optimal care, including treating low blood sugar and pain for trauma patients.
A Michigan Medicine-led study found that patients with functional seizures have a death rate almost 2.5 times higher than expected, comparable to epilepsy and serious mental health conditions. The study highlights the need for improved access to holistic, multidisciplinary treatment for functional neurological disorders.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger and Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new way to decrease early seizure likelihood among infants with Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Presymptomatic treatment involving anti-seizure medication and low-dose aspirin improves neurologic outcomes.
Researchers at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology have developed a new gene therapy that significantly reduces seizures in mice with focal cortical dysplasia. The treatment, which involves the overexpression of a potassium channel, has shown an average reduction of 87% in seizures without affecting the mouse's memory or behavior.
CureSHANK is offering $250,000 grants to researchers studying SHANK3-related epilepsy in Phelan-McDermid syndrome. The goal is to improve mechanistic and clinical knowledge of this treatment-resistant form of epilepsy.
Researchers at University College London have discovered that slow waves typically present during sleep can also occur during wakefulness in people with epilepsy, potentially protecting against increased brain excitability. These 'wake' slow waves decrease the impact of epileptic spikes on brain activity and may protect against seizures.
A study by CHOP researchers found that seizure patterns and response to treatment can help determine epilepsy trajectories and developmental outcomes for patients with STXBP1-related disorders. The study identified key treatment windows and outcome measures that will inform the interpretation of clinical trial success.
Breath-holding spells are common in young children and are harmless, yet many undergo unnecessary diagnostic interventions. A Lund University study proposes guidelines to reduce emergency visits and provide more equitable care for affected children.
The PHOTOTHERAPORT project develops luminescent implants that emit light when illuminated, targeting specific regions of the body. The goal is to treat inflammatory pain and neuromodulation therapies for epilepsy using photobiomodulation and photoswitchable drugs.
Researchers at DZNE and Charité developed a novel treatment for autoimmune encephalitis by reprogramming white blood cells to target misdirected antibodies. The new therapy, called CAAR-T cells, has shown accuracy in laboratory studies and is planned for clinical trials.
A patient at OHSU received a single stimulator implanted in the brain to effectively control two life-altering conditions: seizures caused by epilepsy and compulsive behavior caused by obsessive-compulsive disorder. The treatment, known as responsive neurostimulation system (RNS), has dramatically improved Pearson's quality of life.
A new electronic health record documentation tool has been shown to improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation for patients undergoing treatment for epilepsy. This tool enables medical providers to identify patients who are failing treatments earlier, allowing for rapid optimization of positive outcomes.
A recent study discovered two subgroups of people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, one experiencing highest incidence during sleep and the other during daytime. The researchers found that either dynamics of cortisol or sleep stage transition explained most of the observed distributions of epileptiform discharges.
A new study shows that XEN1101 can reduce seizure frequency by more than 50% in some patients and sometimes eliminate seizures altogether. The medication, a potassium-channel opener, boosts the flow of potassium out of nerves to stop them from firing.
Researchers have identified a specific area of the amygdala brain region that can cause prolonged loss of breathing after a seizure. This finding offers new insight into the mechanisms underlying Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare but fatal complication of epilepsy.
A new portable device invented by researchers at the University of Bath can detect synthetic cannabinoids like Spice on various materials, including paper and fabric, with high accuracy. The device is expected to be rolled out across the UK within months and may eventually be available globally.
Researchers from four countries sequenced genomes of 100 infants with unexplained seizures to better understand the potential strengths of early genome sequencing for infantile epilepsy. The study found that 43% received a diagnosis within weeks, and this impacted prognosis in nearly 90% of cases.
A study led by Dr. Roy Sillitoe discovered the cerebellum as a source of generalized convulsive seizures, implicating alterations in midbrain neurons and a reciprocal cortico-thalamic loop. The research found that 80% of VPM neurons contribute to seizures, with cerebellar circuits driving seizure activity.