What is a Wada Test? CHLA’s Dr. Sucheta Joshi Tells Parents What to Expect

For children who are undergoing evaluation for surgery to treat epilepsy at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Wada test, also known as the intracarotid amobarbital procedure, can be an important step in the process. During this test, doctors put certain areas of the brain to sleep to help pinpoint which areas correspond to the patient’s language and memory.

The epileptic heart: Seizures, epilepsy, and cardiac risk factors

Studies suggest that compared with the general population, people with chronic epilepsy have three times the risk of sudden cardiac death. Researchers have introduced the concept of the “epileptic heart” as “a heart and coronary vasculature damaged by chronic epilepsy… leading to electrical and mechanical dysfunction.”

The bumpy road from pediatric to adult epilepsy care: Dr. Danielle Andrade

The shift from pediatric to adult epilepsy care can be complex. A recent survey of young people with epilepsy found that 25% still saw pediatric neurologists for their epilepsy care. Only 4% said they received clear instructions during the transition process.

Two-stage computer algorithm will detect epilepsy with high precision

Scientists elaborated algorithm that much better detects epilepsy on EEG recordings, than other automated methods. To achieve this, authors combined two approaches to analysis of signals of brain activity – classifier, that doesn’t require education, and trainable neural network. The project will enable to automate analysis of EEG and so simplify the process of detecting of epilepsy. Results of the research, supported by the grant of Presidential program of Russian Scientific Foundation, are published in the magazine IEEE Access.

Investigating pediatric epilepsy in Nigeria: Dr. Edwin Trevathan

In northern Nigeria, more people need epilepsy treatment than traditional medical care can support. Dr. Edwin Trevathan discusses projects aimed at identifying children with undiagnosed epilepsy and improving access to care, as well as research to better understand the risks and prognosis of pediatric status epilepticus.

Consensus recommendations for epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (Jeavons syndrome): Dr. Kelsey Smith

A recent publication outlines consensus recommendations on several aspects of managing epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia, also known as Jeavons syndrome. What are the most effective first-line medications? Are there non-pharmacologic treatment options? Can people with this type of epilepsy drive safely? Dr. Alina Ivaniuk talks to the paper’s first author, Dr. Kelsey Smith.

Patterns of Intelligence

The coordinated activity of brain cells, like birds flying in formation, helps us behave intelligently in new situations, according to a study led by Cedars-Sinai investigators.

Outcomes in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: Managing more than seizures – Dr. Scott Demarest

Besides seizures, people with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies can experience a wide variety of symptoms, including sleep problems, vision problems, and behavioral issues. Dr. Scott Demarest discusses how neurologists may be able to address some of these issues, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life.

Éduquer les non-spécialistes au Mexique : un nouveau cours universitaire offre une expérience hybride

En raison du manque relatif de neurologues, la plupart des prestataires de soins de santé primaires en Amérique latine sont chargés de fournir des soins aux personnes atteintes d’épilepsie. Néanmoins, comme la plupart des professionnels de la santé primaires dans le monde, ces professionnels n’ont pas une formation suffisante pour gérer l’épilepsie. Un nouveau cursus universitaire vise à résoudre ce problème en formant les prestataires de soins de santé par le biais d’un programme structuré.

Investigación y financiación de la epilepsia en países de bajos recursos: cuestiones éticas y pasos hacia la equidad

Menos del 10% de la financiación de la investigación sobre la epilepsia se destina a la salud en los países de menores recursos, a pesar de que el 80% de las personas con epilepsia viven en estos países. La promoción de la investigación mundial sobre la epilepsia y la mejora de las vías de financiación tienen el potencial de aumentar la capacidad de investigación de los países de ingresos bajos y medianos y promover la equidad en la investigación de la epilepsia en todo el mundo.

MSU research: Patients value extended medical interventions – like EEG tests – beyond their clinical us

Electroencephalograms, or EEGs, are tests used to visualize brain activity and diagnose seizures in patients with epilepsy. Research from Michigan State University shows that while practitioners value EEGs for the information they provide, patients value EEGs in ways that far outweigh the test’s clinical utility to practitioners.

Superar las barreras quirúrgicas en áreas de bajos recursos

Hasta la mitad de las personas con epilepsia resistente a los medicamentos (ERD) pueden beneficiarse de la cirugía. Sin embargo, en muchas regiones de bajos recursos, el establecimiento de un programa quirúrgico requiere enfrentar múltiples desafíos.

Breakthrough UC San Diego Brain Recording Device Receives FDA Approval for a Clinical Trial

The Federal Drug Administration approved a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of an electronic grid that records brain activity during surgery, developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego.

Changing epilepsy care through entrepreneurship: Dr. Mark Cook

Dr. Cook realized, when his father was diagnosed with epilepsy, that a system to identify and predict seizures could improve care and change people’s lives. In this episode, Dr. Cook talks about entrepreneurship in epilepsy and advancing the field through innovation.

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.