ScienceDaily: Epilepsy News

Enhanced motion perception in autism may point to an underlying cause of the disorder

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:18:18 EDT

Children with autism see simple movement twice as quickly as other children their age, and this hypersensitivity to motion may provide clues to a fundamental cause of the developmental disorder, according to a new study.

Geneticists find causes for severe childhood epilepsies

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:30:30 EDT

Using a DNA sequencing technique capable of deciphering all human genes at the same time, researchers have discovered genetic mutations underlying seizure disorders in previously undiagnosed children.

Epilepsy cured in mice using brain cells

Fri, 03 May 2013 23:03:03 EDT

Epilepsy that does not respond to drugs can be halted in adult mice by transplanting a specific type of cell into the brain, researchers have discovered, raising hope that a similar treatment might work in severe forms of human epilepsy.

Human brain cells developed in lab, grow in mice

Fri, 03 May 2013 23:03:03 EDT

A key type of human brain cell developed in the laboratory grows seamlessly when transplanted into the brains of mice, researchers have discovered, raising hope that these cells might one day be used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease, as well as and complications of spinal cord injury such as chronic pain and spasticity.

Turning human stem cells into brain cells sheds light on neural development

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

Medical researchers have manipulated human stem cells into producing types of brain cells known to play important roles in neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism. The new model cell system allows neuroscientists to investigate normal brain development, as well as to identify specific disruptions in biological signals that may contribute to neuropsychiatric diseases.

World-first study predicts epilepsy seizures in humans

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:48:48 EDT

A small device implanted in the brain has accurately predicted epilepsy seizures in humans in a world-first study.

Intractable seizures halted with experimental treatment for rare pediatric 'Pretzel syndrome'

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:09:09 EDT

With a better understanding of underlying mechanisms that cause a rare neurodevelopmental disorder in the Old Order Mennonite population, referred to as Pretzel syndrome, a new study reports that five children were successfully treated with a drug that modifies the disease process, minimizing seizures and improving receptive language.

Use of anti-epileptic drug during pregnancy associated with increased risk of autism

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:18:18 EDT

Maternal use of valproate (a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy and other neuropsychological disorders) during pregnancy was associated with a significantly increased risk of autism in offspring, according to a new study. The authors caution that these findings must be balanced against the treatment benefits for women who require valproate for epilepsy control.

Discovery of genetic defect which triggers epilepsy

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:19:19 EDT

Researchers have identified a gene behind an epilepsy syndrome, which could also play an important role in other idiopathic (genetically caused) epilepsies. With the so-called "next generation sequencing", with which genetic changes can be identified within a few days, it was ascertained that the CNTN2 gene is defective in this type of epilepsy.

How 'free will' is implemented in the brain and is it possible to intervene in the process?

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:12:12 EDT

Researchers have been able to identify the precise moment when a network of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain creates the signal to perform an action, before a person is even aware of deciding to take that action. Now they are building on this work to make initial attempts to interfere with consciously made decisions by decoding the pattern of brain activity in real time before an action is taken.

New guideline recommends treatments for tapeworm infection that is on rise in U.S.

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:20:20 EDT

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has released an evidence-based guideline on treating neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm infection causing seizures that is common in developing countries and is now on the rise in developed countries, including the United States.

Non-invasive mapping helps to localize language centers before brain surgery

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:23:23 EDT

A new functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique may provide neurosurgeons with a non-invasive tool to help in mapping critical areas of the brain before surgery, reports a new study.

Developmental delays in children following prolonged seizures

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:50:50 EDT

Researchers have determined that developmental delays are present in children within six weeks following convulsive status epilepticus (CSE)—a seizure lasting longer than thirty minutes. The study suggests that neurodevelopmental impairments continue to be present one year after CSE.

Epileptic seizures can propagate using functional brain networks

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:46:46 EDT

The seizures that affect people with temporal-lobe epilepsy usually start in a region of the brain called the hippocampus. But they are often able to involve other areas outside the temporal lobe, propagating via anatomically and functionally connected networks in the brain. New research findings that link decreased brain cell concentration to altered functional connectivity in temporal-lobe epilepsy are reported in a new article.

Electroencephalography (EEG) underused investigative tool in hospitals, study finds

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:18:18 EDT

A retrospective study of patients who had in-hospital electroencephalography (EEG) has established that EEG is a valuable tool that could be deployed more widely to identify treatable causes of impaired consciousness in the hospital setting.

Star-shaped glial cells act as the brain's 'motherboard'

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:47:47 EST

Researchers have found that the star-shape glial cells that act as the brain's "motherboard" also connect different neuronal circuits in various regions of the brain. The research introduces a new framework for making sense of brain communications, aiding our understanding of the diseases and disorders that impact the brain.

Solving the 'Cocktail Party Problem': How we can focus on one speaker in noisy crowds

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:42:42 EST

In the din of a crowded room, paying attention to just one speaker's voice can be challenging. Research demonstrates how the brain homes in on one speaker to solve this "Cocktail Party Problem." Researchers discovered that brain waves are shaped so the brain can selectively track the sound patterns from the speaker of interest while excluding competing sounds from other speakers. The findings could have important implications for helping individuals with a range of deficits.

Cooling may prevent trauma-induced epilepsy

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:18:18 EST

In the weeks, months and years after a severe head injury, patients often experience epileptic seizures that are difficult to control. A new study in rats suggests that gently cooling the brain after injury may prevent these seizures.

Secrets of human speech uncovered

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:17:17 EST

Scientists have uncovered the neurological basis of speech motor control, the complex coordinated activity of tiny brain regions that controls our lips, jaw, tongue and larynx as we speak.

Engineering control theory helps create dynamic brain models

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:12:12 EST

Models of the human brain, patterned on engineering control theory, may some day help researchers control such neurological diseases as epilepsy, Parkinson's and migraines, according to a researcher who is using mathematical models of neuron networks from which more complex brain models emerge.

Potential treatment prevents damage from prolonged seizures

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:22:22 EST

Researchers have found a new anti-inflammatory compound that can reduce mortality when given to mice after drug-induced seizures. Researchers are hopeful the compound could be administered after acute status epilepticus to reduce damage to the brain.

Cats and humans suffer from similar forms of epilepsy

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:03:03 EST

Epilepsy affects the very core of our being, our brain. Epileptic attacks can lead to seizures throughout the body or in parts of it. Clouding of consciousness or memory lapses are also possible. The causes are still only partially understood but in some cases brain tumors, infections, inflammations of the brain or metabolic diseases have been implicated.

Parasites and poor antenatal care are main causes of epilepsy in Africa

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:46:46 EST

The largest study of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa to date reveals that programs to control parasitic diseases and access to better antenatal care could substantially reduce the prevalence of the disease in this region.

Exposure to antiepileptic drug in womb linked to autism risk

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:46:46 EST

Children whose mothers take the antiepileptic drug sodium valproate while pregnant are at significantly increased risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, suggests a small study.

Neuroscientists create fiber-optic method of arresting epileptic seizures

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:36:36 EST

Neuroscientists have developed a way to stop epileptic seizures with fiber-optic light signals, heralding a novel opportunity to treat the most severe manifestations of the brain disorder.

Cancer-causing virus found in brain shows potential connection to epilepsy

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:35:35 EST

Researchers have evidence linking HPV16, the most common cause of cervical cancer, to a form of epilepsy. They've shown that HPV16 may be present in the human brain, and when they added a viral protein to the brains of fetal mice, the mice demonstrated the same developmental problems in the cerebral cortex associated with this type of epilepsy.

Less tau reduces seizures and sudden death in severe epilepsy

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:14:14 EST

Deleting or reducing expression of a gene that carries the code for tau, a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease, can prevent seizures in a severe type of epilepsy linked to sudden death, said researchers.

Social stigma of migraine headaches: Worse than epilepsy

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:46:46 EST

A neurologist shows that patients with migraine (a combination of severe headache, nausea, light sensitivity, and other factors) suffer social stigma from their disease similar to the stigma experienced by patients with epilepsy.

Promising new finding for therapies to treat persistent seizures in epileptic patients

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:14:14 EST

In a promising finding for epileptic patients suffering from persistent seizures known as status epilepticus, researchers say that new medication could help halt these devastating seizures.

New culprit for epileptic seizures: Some seizures arise in glial cells

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:17:17 EST

A new study suggests that some seizures may originate in non-neuronal cells known as glia, which were long believed to play a mere supporting role in brain function.

Genetic link between epilepsy and migraine

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:23:23 EST

New research reveals a shared genetic susceptibility to epilepsy and migraine. Findings indicate that having a strong family history of seizure disorders increases the chance of having migraine with aura (MA).

Brake on nerve cell activity after seizures discovered; Gene expression initiates protective electrical response

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:33:33 EST

Selected genes get switched on during and after a seizure, sending signals to reduce uncontrolled firing of nerve cells. A medication that amplifies this response could prevent recurrent seizures and onset of epilepsy.

Long-terms benefits follow brain surgery for certain forms of epilepsy

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:14:14 EST

Brain surgery for certain difficult forms of epilepsy often reduces or eliminates seizures for more than 15 years after the procedure, according to new research by neurologists.

Promising clinical trial to reduce the severity of autistic disorders

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:08:08 EST

Researchers in France recently published the results of a double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the usefulness of a diuretic in the treatment of autism. Sixty children between three and 11 years old with autism or Asperger's syndrome were treated for three months either with a diuretic to reduce their intracellular chloride levels or with a placebo.

Fasting may benefit patients with epilepsy

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:31:31 EST

Children with persistent and drug-resistant seizures treated with the high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet may get an added therapeutic benefit from periodic fasting, according to a small study.

Significant changes in anti-epilepsy treatment options for infants

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:58:58 EST

A pilot study to determine the best hormonal treatment for infantile spasms (IS) that may lead to changes in prescribing practices for hormone therapy is being presented for the first time at the American Epilepsy Society's 66th Annual Meeting in San Diego California.

First long-term follow-up study of its kind suggests not all prolonged seizures have a poor outcome

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:58:58 EST

In the first study of its kind, researchers from five institutions from the UK and U.S. collaborating to determine the long-term outcomes of children with epilepsy found that outcomes varied despite similar short-term morbidity among the originally surveyed children when they were followed up within 10 years post-occurrence.

Imaging study identifies relationship between stress and seizures

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:14:14 EST

Many epilepsy patients believe that stress is a factor in their seizure control, while many other epilepsy patients do not have this perception. To better understand the potential role of stress among these patients, researchers conducted a functional neuroimaging study of patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy under imposed psychosocial stress.

Do antidepressants improve mood and/or lessen seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy?

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:14:14 EST

Epilepsy and depression are common co-morbidities. Concern for the potential of certain antidepressants to induce seizures has led to under-treating depression and anxiety disorders in epilepsy patients. Research suggests that antidepressants in normal dosage may have a positive impact on both mood and seizure frequency.

Surprising results from study of non-epileptic seizures

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:16:16 EST

A neurologist is reporting surprising results of a study of patients who experience both epileptic and non-epileptic seizures.

From rats to people: Gaming platform used to compare memory impairments of rodents and humans with epilepsy

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:16:16 EST

A behavioral test widely used on rodents to study spatial learning and memory, the Morris water maze (MWM), was recreated using software developed to create custom video game environments. By creating a virtual reality analogue for humans, it was possible to obtain a direct comparison between the results of studies on a rodent model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), whose spatial memory performance was found to be severely impaired, and patients with TLE.

Brain cooling to treat epilepsy moves closer to human application

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 11:36:36 EST

Neuroscientists have reported that chronic focal brain cooling suppresses seizures during wakefulness and achieves the effect without significantly affecting brain function. Their research, and that of others in the field, provides critical evidence that this approach to seizure control has reached a stage where testing in humans will soon be possible.

Laser surgery for epilepsy less invasive, more precise in early reports

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 11:36:36 EST

A developing new laser surgical technique for epilepsy appears to be safe and effective and reduces hospital stays to one or two days, according to two new research reports. Both studies were conducted on pediatric patients with refractory focal seizures. Investigators reported the laser technique which requires only a small scalp incision and twist drill hole in the skull to be more precise and with fewer complications than conventional resective surgery. The laser system is already FDA cleared for neurosurgery.

Insects beware: The sea anemone is coming

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:18:18 EST

Insects are becoming resistant to insecticides, presenting a growing need to develop novel ways of pest control. New research shows that the sea anemone's venom harbors toxins that could pose a new generation of environmentally friendly insecticides, which avoid insect resistance. These toxins disable ion channels that mediate pain and inflammation, and could also spur drug development aimed at pain, cardiac disorders, epilepsy and seizure disorders, and immunological diseases.

Seizures linked to surgery drugs can be prevented by anesthetics, experts say

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:13:13 EST

Two drugs commonly given during cardiac surgery can lead to convulsive seizures, but anesthetics can help cut the risk, according to new research.

Discovery offers new treatment for epilepsy

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 19:33:33 EST

New drugs derived from components of a specific diet used by children with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy could offer a new treatment.

Engineering a photo-switch for nerve cells in the eye and brain

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:29:29 EST

Chemists and vision scientists have designed a light-sensitive molecule that can stimulate a neural response in cells of the retina and brain -- a possible first step to overcoming degenerative eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, or to quieting epileptic seizures.

Making memories: Exploring the anatomy of recollection

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:17:17 EST

With the help of data collected from intracranial electrodes implanted on epilepsy patients, researchers are getting a rare look inside the brain in hopes of discovering the exact pattern of activity that produces a memory.

MRI and EEG could identify children at risk for epilepsy after febrile seizures

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:15:15 EST

Seizures during childhood fever are usually benign, but when prolonged, they can foreshadow an increased risk of epilepsy later in life. Now a new study suggests that brain imaging and recordings of brain activity could help identify the children at highest risk. The study reveals that within days of a prolonged fever-related seizure, some children have signs of acute brain injury, abnormal brain anatomy, altered brain activity, or a combination.

New fruit fly model of epilepsy reveals mechanisms behind fever-induced seizures

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:18:18 EDT

Researchers have created a new fruit fly model of inherited epilepsy that's providing insights into the mechanisms underlying temperature-dependent seizures while establishing a platform from which to develop therapies for these disorders.

Transplantation of embryonic neurons raises hope for treating brain diseases

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:21:21 EDT

The unexpected survival of embryonic neurons transplanted into the brains of newborn mice in a series of experiments raises hope for the possibility of using neuronal transplantation to treat diseases like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, Huntington's, Parkinson's and schizophrenia.

New studies could result in better treatments for epilepsy, behavioral disorders

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:21:21 EDT

Three studies could result in new types of treatment for the disease and, as a bonus, for behavioral disorders as well.

Engineered flies spill secret of seizures

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:16:16 EDT

Scientists have observed the neurological mechanism behind temperature-dependent -- febrile -- seizures by genetically engineering fruit flies to harbor a mutation analogous to one that causes epileptic seizures in people. In addition to contributing the insight on epilepsy, their new study also highlights the first use of genetic engineering to swap a human genetic disease mutation into a directly analogous gene in a fly.

A novel function for p27 protein in the control of interneuron migration in the developing cerebral cortex

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:34:34 EDT

These results by GIGA-Neurosciences researchers (University of Liège, Belgium) increase our understanding of the mechanisms that drive neuronal migration in the cerebral cortex. Disruption of neuronal migration is associated with various neurological disorders characterized by mental retardation, epilepsy, learning disabilities, or autism.

Study points to potential for improvement in the care, quality of life of epilepsy patients

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:54:54 EDT

Routine screening for psychiatric, cognitive and social problems could enhance the quality of care and quality of life for children and adults with epilepsy, according to a new study.

Burden of epilepsy in developing world described

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 20:54:54 EDT

The burden of epilepsy in poorer parts of the world could be readily alleviated by reducing the preventable causes and improving access to treatment, according to a review article.

Scientists show biological mechanism can trigger epileptic seizures

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:53:53 EDT

Scientists have discovered the first direct evidence that a biological mechanism long suspected in epilepsy is capable of triggering the brain seizures – opening the door for studies to seek improved treatments or even preventative therapies. The researchers report that molecular disruptions in small neurons called granule cells – located in the dentate gyrus region of the brain – caused brain seizures in mice similar to those seen in human temporal lobe epilepsy.

Nutritional supplement offers promise in treatment of unique form of autism

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:11:11 EDT

An international team of researchers has identified a form of autism with epilepsy that may potentially be treatable with a common nutritional supplement.

Mathematics or memory? Study charts collision course in brain

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 15:40:40 EDT

You already know it's hard to balance your checkbook while simultaneously reflecting on your past. Now, researchers -- having done the equivalent of wire-tapping a hard-to-reach region of the brain -- can tell us how this impasse arises.

New non-invasive method for diagnosing epilepsy

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 13:03:03 EDT

Biomedical engineers have outlined how a new type of non-invasive brain scan taken immediately after a seizure gives additional insight into possible causes and treatments for epilepsy patients. The new findings could specifically benefit millions of people who are unable to control their epilepsy with medication.