A Flexible Microdisplay Can Monitor and Visualize Brain Activity in Real-time During Brain Surgery

A thin film that combines an electrode grid and LEDs can both track and produce a visual representation of the brain’s activity in real-time during surgery–a huge improvement over the current state of the art.

Educating non-specialists in Mexico: New university course offers hybrid experience

The involvement of primary healthcare providers in epilepsy care can translate to early intervention, education about the condition, and coordination of care. However, many primary healthcare providers do not have sufficient training to care for people with epilepsy, leading to gaps in diagnosis and treatment.

Educando a no especialistas en México: Nuevo curso universitario ofrece experiencia híbrida

Un nuevo curso acreditado sobre epilepsia está educando a una variedad de profesionales de la salud a través de un modelo híbrido. Impartido en español, el curso está atrayendo a médicos de atención primaria, neurólogos, neuropsicólogos y antropólogos.

Après une chirurgie de l’épilepsie : gérer les attentes et les soins

Avant la chirurgie, les personnes atteintes d’épilepsie subissent une longue évaluation et des tests approfondis. Mais après une opération chirurgicale, certains professionnels et défenseurs affirment que les gens sont injustement laissés seuls pour gérer le traitement et les soins, sans beaucoup d’aide ou de conseils.

JMIR Neurotechnology Invites Submissions on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

JMIR Publications is pleased to announce a new theme issue in JMIR Neurotechnology exploring brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that represent the transformative convergence of neuroscience, engineering, and technology.

UTHealth Houston named first-ever SCN2A Multidisciplinary Center by FamilieSCN2A Foundation

In recognition of its expertise in treating SCN2A-related neurological disorders, UTHealth Houston has been designated as the first SCN2A Multidisciplinary Center by the FamilieSCN2A Foundation, the largest global advocacy organization for the group of disorders.

“Talking about things that no one else will talk about”: Torie Robinson, host of Epilepsy Sparks Insights

Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 10, Torie Robinson uses her podcast to share knowledge with people with epilepsy, their families, and the public. Her episode topics range from the biochemistry of epilepsy to gastrointestinal issues and much, much more.

Comment les médecins peuvent-ils encourager les personnes atteintes d’épilepsie à pratiquer une activité physique ?

Des études suggèrent que faire de l’exercice améliore la condition physique, l’humeur, la pensée et la mémoire, ainsi que la qualité de vie globale des personnes atteintes d’épilepsie – autant d’avantages qui s’appliquent également aux personnes non épileptiques.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, seizures, and epilepsy: Dr. Brin Freund

Sixty percent of patients with dementia on autopsy studies have cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) pathology. This episode discusses the relationship between CAA and epilepsy through the lens of a recent publication. Dr. Alina Ivaniuk talks with Dr. Brin Freund.

These Screen-printed, Flexible Sensors Allow Earbuds to Record Brain Activity and Exercise Levels

Earbuds can be turned into a tool to record the electrical activity of the brain and levels of lactate in the body with two flexible sensors screen-printed onto a flexible surface.

35th International Epilepsy Congress presents latest in epilepsy research and professional opportunities

The 35th International Epilepsy Congress (IEC) will take place September 2 – 6, 2023, in Dublin, Ireland. Registrants will hear from the best in global epileptology during teaching courses, symposia, and lectures hosted by the ILAE and IBE.

Caring for someone with functional seizures: Shannon Guinard’s story

Functional seizures resemble epileptic seizures but are not prompted by any electrical activity in the brain. People with functional seizures live with stigma, stress, and emotional and financial burden — and so do their care partners. Joy Mazur spoke with Shannon Guinard about the challenges and stigmas that face care partners of people with functional seizures.

Alcohol Use, Even at Low Levels, Increases Risk of Developing Disease

Even low levels of alcohol use can increase the likelihood of developing diseases like cancer and heart disease. A systematic review of studies of the relationship between alcohol use and risk of disease published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research found that disease risk increases as alcohol use increases and high levels of alcohol use have clear detrimental health effects. While lower-level alcohol use can be protective against certain diseases, it can have significant adverse health effects for many other diseases. The authors urge greater awareness that any level of alcohol use can increase a person’s risk of developing serious, even fatal, diseases.

Africa’s plans for improving epilepsy care: Action Amos

ILAE spoke with Action Amos about plans and strategies for improving epilepsy care across Africa. Leveraged by the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (IGAP), four “trendsetter” countries are taking a variety of approaches to engage governments and ensure the participation of people with epilepsy in all of their initiatives.

Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Live Longer After Cranial Surgery

Survival rate beyond 10 years in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) was highest after cranial epilepsy surgery and lowest when treated only with antiseizure medications, according to a study published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health. This large, retrospective study was the first to compare long-term survival in children with DRE among cohorts treated with medications only, vagus nerve stimulation plus medications, and cranial epilepsy surgery plus medications. Results show that risk of early death was reduced by over 80 percent after surgery and by 40 percent after vagus nerve stimulation, compared to medication-only treatment.

Deep-brain stimulation during sleep strengthens memory

This study provides provides the first physiological evidence from inside the human brain supporting the dominant scientific theory on how the brain consolidates memory during sleep. Further, deep-brain stimulation during a critical time in the sleep cycle appeared to improve memory consolidation.

Soutenir les personnes atteintes d’épilepsie aves des outils pour réduire la stigmatisation

La stigmatisation affecte tous les aspects des soins de l’épilepsie, du diagnostic au traitement en passant par la législation et aux allocations budgétaires. Elle affecte la vie des personnes atteintes d’épilepsie lorsqu’elles n’ont pas un accès égal à l’éducation, à l’emploi et aux mêmes droits sociaux.

Tiempo, educación, persistencia para reducir la brecha en el tratamiento de la epilepsia: la historia de China

El Plan de Acción Mundial Intersectorial sobre Epilepsia y Otros Trastornos Neurológicos (IGAP) tiene como objetivo reducir las brechas de diagnóstico y tratamiento de la epilepsia en todo el mundo para 2031. Muchas personas en la comunidad de la epilepsia se preguntan: “¿Cómo hacemos mejorar el acceso a la atención?”

Empowering people with epilepsy to lead the way in reducing stigma

Stigma affects all aspects of epilepsy care. It affects the lives of people with epilepsy when they are not given equal access to education, employment, and social opportunities. In a US study, one-third of respondents identified stigma—not seizures—as the most difficult part of living with epilepsy.

Moving epilepsy care closer to home: Dr. Gagandeep Singh and Dr. Meenakshi Sharma

Can bringing epilepsy care to people’s homes improve outcomes? ILAE spoke with two researchers who conducted a randomized trial of home-based care versus clinic-based care in northern India. Those receiving the home-based care, delivered by community health workers, had better outcomes.

SMU Biosciences professor receives NIH grant for research on epilepsy

An estimated 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making them 16 times more likely to die suddenly compared to the general population. SMU biology researcher Edward Glasscock has received a 5-year, $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health for a study that he hopes will lead to the identification of biomarkers to help identify people at risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, known as SUDEP.

For People with Epilepsy, Neighborhood May Be Tied to Memory, Mental Health

People with epilepsy living in disadvantaged neighborhoods—areas with higher poverty levels and fewer educational and employment opportunities— may be more likely to have memory, thinking, and mental health problems compared to people with epilepsy living in neighborhoods with fewer disadvantages, according to new research published in the April 19, 2023, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study does not prove that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods causes memory and mental health problems. It only shows an association.

Comment les soins de santé primaires peuvent-ils aider à combler les lacunes dans le traitement de l’épilepsie? Un voyage à travers l’Andhra Pradesh, Inde

Le rôle des soins de santé primaires dans l’identification, le diagnostic et le traitement des personnes atteintes d’épilepsie est de plus en plus important. Cependant, les attitudes sociétales et la stigmatisation entourant l’épilepsie peuvent constituer des obstacles majeurs à l’amélioration des soins.

UCSF Neurologist Recognized for Innovative Epilepsy Research

Jon Kleen, MD, PhD, UC San Francisco neurologist, epileptologist and neuroscientist, has been chosen by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) to receive its 2023 Dreifuss-Penry Epilepsy Award. He is being honored for his outstanding contributions in clinical research and leadership in the treatment of epilepsy.