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Epilepsy

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 26, 2024·4 min read

Key Brain Protein Reveals New Insights for Treating Neurological Disorders

A novel study uncovers how the protein Gephyrin aids in synapse formation, providing new insights into brain connectivity. The findings could help develop treatments for disorders like autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to confirm Gephyrin's role in autonomous synapse development. This breakthrough enhances understanding of synaptic mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 24, 2024·5 min read

First Child Brain Implant for Epilepsy Appears Successful

A groundbreaking implantable device has significantly reduced the frequency and severity of seizures in children with severe epilepsy, according to a new UK clinical trial. The rechargeable device, attached to the skull, delivers constant electrical stimulation to the brain, allowing patients like Oran to experience dramatic improvements in quality of life. This trial, known as the CADET pilot, is the first to measure this treatment for pediatric epilepsy and shows promise for broader applications. Further research will expand to more patients, aiming for a new standard in epilepsy treatment.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 26, 2024·7 min read

SCN2A Gene Variants Dictate Neurological Disorder Severity

A new study reveals how genetic variants in the SCN2A gene influence the severity and type of neurological impairments, including epilepsy and autism. This study analyzed the function of sodium channels affected by SCN2A mutations, revealing a spectrum of effects from hyperactivity to inactivity.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 3, 2023·5 min read

Amygdala’s Role in Epilepsy Sudden Death

The study elucidates how seizures originating in specific amygdala subregions might suppress both breathing and the crucial alarm signal of "air hunger," potentially through novel connections to the brainstem, which regulates responses to blood CO2 alterations. With a sharper focus on these amygdala-brainstem links, researchers forge a vital pathway toward demystifying SUDEP, revealing robust avenues for future exploration, preventive measures, and targeted treatments.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 2, 2023·5 min read

How Live Viola Music Calms Epilepsy Patients

Patients undergoing testing for epilepsy often experience significant distress when their medication is reduced to provoke seizures. However, a recent study reveals that listening to live improvisatory viola music helps these patients achieve a meditative state, as shown by EEG measurements.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 26, 2023·5 min read

Pioneering Stem Cell Therapy Offers New Hope for Epilepsy Treatment

Researchers embarked on a groundbreaking clinical trial involving the injection of regenerative cells into the brain to treat epileptic seizures. This experimental therapy, called NRTX-1001, has the potential to offer drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy patients a non-destructive cure for their seizures.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 3, 2023·7 min read

Hidden Brain Circuit Linking Lesion Locations to Epilepsy

Researchers discovered a shared brain circuit that may link diverse lesion locations that cause epilepsy. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,500 patients with brain lesions, utilized a technique called lesion network mapping.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 13, 2023·4 min read

Epilepsy Could Become Easier to Pinpoint With Blood Test

Higher levels of immune proteins are present in the blood both before and after an epileptic seizure. Researchers say the biomarkers can be identified via a simple blood test.

This shows a woman listening to music on headphones

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 6, 2023·3 min read

The Mozart Effect Myth: Listening to Music Does Not Help Against Epilepsy

Researchers say there is no reliable scientific evidence to support the claim that listening to Mozart's Sonata KV448 can provide relief from symptoms of epilepsy as previously claimed.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 1, 2023·4 min read

Seizures Can Be Predicted More Than 30 Minutes Before Onset in Patients With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Using EEG technology, researchers were able to detect pathological brain activity associated with seizures up to thirty minutes before a seizure occurred in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The ability to detect seizure activity early could allow for the modulation of affected brain regions as a therapeutic option.

This shows the outline of a head and brain

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·February 28, 2023·4 min read

Social Deficits and Seizures in Autism Type Tied to Overexcited Brain Circuits

A genetic subtype of ASD and schizophrenia have a duplicate gene that triggers overactivity in neural circuits, leading to social deficits and seizures. When researchers reduced the level of the PRRT2 gene in mouse models of 16p11.2 duplication syndrome, social behaviors were restored and seizure activity decreased.