MedWorm: Epilepsy

Caloric restriction alters seizure disposition and behavioral profiles in seizure-prone (fast) versus seizure-resistant (slow) rats.

Behavioral Neuroscience — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:53:41 +0100

Caloric restriction (CR), primarily known for extending life span, has proven anticonvulsant in several seizure models and antiepileptogenic in a strain of inherently seizure susceptible mice. Our animal model consisted of a seizure-prone (Fast) strain that naturally exhibits attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behaviors and a comparison seizure-resistant (Slow) strain; we evaluated CR’s effect on the typical seizure sensitivities and behavioral profiles of each strain. Fast and Slow rats were fed ad libitum or were calorically restricted to 80% of free-feeding body weight. Rats were then tested in the open field (hyperactivity), Morris water maze (learning and attention), and restraint (impulsivity) paradigms and finally kindled from the amygdala. Ultimately, CR abolish...

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De novo SCN1A mutations in Dravet syndrome and related epileptic encephalopathies are largely of paternal origin

Journal of Medical Genetics — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:17:08 +0100

Conclusions The greater frequency of paternally derived mutations in SCN1A is likely to be due to the greater chance of mutational events during the increased number of mitoses which occur during spermatogenesis compared to oogenesis, and the greater susceptibility to mutagenesis of the methylated DNA characteristic of sperm cells. (Source: Journal of Medical Genetics)

Disruption of ST5 is associated with mental retardation and multiple congenital anomalies

Journal of Medical Genetics — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:17:05 +0100

Conclusion Hence, the authors suppose that ST5 plays an important role in central nervous system development probably due to disturbance of DENN-domain-mediated vesicle formation and neurotransmitter trafficking. Thus, these findings implicate ST5 in the aetiology of mental retardation, seizures and multiple congenital anomalies. (Source: Journal of Medical Genetics)

Awake seizures after pure sleep-related epilepsy: a systematic review and implications for driving law

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:04 +0100

Who with sleep seizures is safe to drive? Driving law is controversial; ineligibility varies between individual US states and EU countries. Current UK driving law is strongly influenced by a single-centre study from 1974 where most participants were not taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, pure sleep-related epilepsy is often fully controlled on medication, and its withdrawal can provoke awake seizures. This systematic review asked, ‘What is the risk of awake seizures in pure sleep-related epilepsy?’ 9885 titles were identified; 2312 were excluded (not human or adult); 40 full texts were reviewed; six papers met our inclusion criteria; each of these six studies had a different pure sleep-related epilepsy definition. Using the largest prospective study, we were able to ca...

Individual white matter fractional anisotropy analysis on patients with MRI negative partial epilepsy

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:04 +0100

Conclusion Despite normal conventional MRI, WM integrity abnormalities in CPE patients extend far beyond the epileptogenic zone. Given that unilateral temporal lobe FA abnormalities were consistently observed ipsilateral to the seizure focus, analysis of temporal FA may provide an informative in vivo investigation into the localisation of the epileptogenic zone in MRI negative patients. (Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry)

Zambia: Epilepsy Body Calls for Relaxed Drug Licensing

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:33:51 +0100

THE International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE) has called for the relaxation of the process in which pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies obtain licences to supply some restricted but vital anti-epilepsy drugs. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

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British patients left in lurch as lifesaving medicines are sold abroad

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:58:02 +0100

Fury as 48 key medicines run out because of shameless profiteering by drug companies. Shortages are affecting patients with cancer, epilepsy, lung disease, and asthma. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Severe epilepsy as the major symptom of new mutations in the mitochondrial tRNAPhe gene

Neurology — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:00:53 +0100

Conclusions: Deleterious mutations in the mitochondrial tRNAPhe may solely manifest with epilepsy when segregating to homoplasmy. They may be overlooked in the absence of lactate accumulation and typical mosaic mitochondrial defects in muscle. (Source: Neurology)

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: Characteristic Behavioral And Movement Disorder [Images in Neurology]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:51:02 +0100

(Source: Archives of Neurology)

Phase 2 trial of talampanel, a glutamate receptor inhibitor, for adults with recurrent malignant gliomas

Cancer — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Glioma cells secrete glutamate and also express [alpha]-amino-3-hydroxy-5 methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) glutamate receptors, which contribute to the proliferation, migration, and neurotoxicity of malignant gliomas. Talampanel is an oral AMPA receptor inhibitor with excellent central nervous system penetration and good tolerability in clinical trials for epilepsy and other neurologic disorders.A phase 2 trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of talampanel in patients with recurrent malignant glioma as measured by 6-month progression-free survival (PFS6).Thirty patients (22 with glioblastomas [GBMs] and 8 with anaplastic gliomas [AGs]; 63% men) with median age of 51 years (range, 20-67 years) and a median Karnofsky performance scale of 80 were included. Patients tolerated treatme...

Cortical gamma-oscillations modulated by auditory-motor tasks-intracranial recording in patients with epilepsy

Human Brain Mapping — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Human activities often involve hand-motor responses following external auditory-verbal commands. It has been believed that hand movements are predominantly driven by the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex, whereas auditory-verbal information is processed in both superior temporal gyri. It remains unknown whether cortical activation in the superior temporal gyrus during an auditory-motor task is affected by laterality of hand-motor responses. Here, event-related [gamma]-oscillations were intracranially recorded as quantitative measures of cortical activation; we determined how cortical structures were activated by auditory-cued movement using each hand in 15 patients with focal epilepsy. Auditory-verbal stimuli elicited augmentation of [gamma]-oscillations in a posterior portion of t...

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Infantile spasms: review of the literature and personal experience

Italian Journal of Pediatrics — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This epileptic disorder has become a classic topic for neuropediatricians and the interest is documented by the large number of publications on this subject.The relative frequency among the epileptic syndromes is an another reason why not only neuropediatricians but also general pediatricians must be fully informed about diagnostic, clinical, imaging and genetic aspects.Early diagnosis is of paramount importance in order to obtain even complete results in patients with so called idiopathic situations. A number of problems are still to be solved. There is no agreement on the type and the schedule of treatment. A common denominator about this problem is not jet available even if some advances in this regard have been accomplished. Of paramount importance is an accurate clinical and laborator...

After 20 epileptic fits a day and eight brain operations, Millie gets all-clear

Scotsman.com News - Health — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A LITTLE girl who suffered from 20 epileptic fits a day, was stuck in a wheelchair, and has never been able to communicate, should now be able walk and talk, according to doct (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Epileptic seizures warning to police over tasers

Scotsman.com News - Health — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

USING a taser on someone with epilepsy could cause them to suffer a seizure, campaigners have warned. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Somatosensory-related gamma-, beta- and alpha-augmentation precedes alpha- and beta-attenuation in humans

Clinical Neurophysiology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:07:56 +0100

Conclusions: These observations support the hypothesis that somatosensory-related gamma augmentation but not alpha–beta attenuation represents the initial cortical processing for external somatosensory stimuli. Somatosensory-related alpha–beta attenuation appears to represent a temporally distinct stage of somatosensory processing.Significance: The present study has increased our understanding of event-related gamma augmentation and alpha–beta attenuation seen on electrocorticography. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Pitfalls of high-pass filtering for detecting epileptic oscillations: A technical note on “false” ripples

Clinical Neurophysiology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:07:55 +0100

Conclusions: High-pass filtering of EEG traces for detection of oscillatory activity should be performed with great care. Filtered traces should be compared to original traces for verification of presence of transients. Additional techniques such as time-frequency transforms or sparse decompositions are highly beneficial.Significance: Our study draws the attention on an issue of great importance in the marking of HFOs on EEG traces. We illustrate complementary methods that can help both researchers and clinicians. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

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Background intracranial EEG spectral changes with anti-epileptic drug taper

Clinical Neurophysiology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:07:55 +0100

Conclusions: There is a decrease in spike counts, Teager energy and power from on- to off-AEDs state during intracranial monitoring. The decrease in power is spatially widespread and broadband including power in the delta through gamma frequency bands.Significance: The decrease in cortical activity with AED taper suggests that seizure generation during intracranial monitoring may not be mediated solely by poorly regulated cortical excitation. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Photosensitive epilepsy: Spectral and coherence analyses of EEG using 14Hz intermittent photic stimulation

Clinical Neurophysiology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:07:55 +0100

Conclusions: Patients are endowed with inherited EEG hyper-synchrony as shown by the large number of coherence peaks detectable under resting conditions, whereas IPS enhances intra- and inter-hemispheric mean coherence values in the gamma band. The persistence of alpha activity peaks during IPS in most controls but not in patients suggests that the alpha generating network plays a significant role in counteracting PPR.Significance: Both gamma and alpha EEG generators are involved in the PPR generation and in the widespread synchronisation characterising the IGE-associated photosensitivity. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Interictal MEG/MSI in intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Spike yield and characterization

Clinical Neurophysiology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:07:55 +0100

Conclusions: MSI can detect medial temporal spikes. It may provide important localizing information in patients with MTLE, especially when MRI and/or ictal scalp EEG are not localizing.Significance: This study demonstrates that MSI has a good ability to detect interictal spikes from mesial temporal structures. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Prefrontal Lobe Growth in a Patient with Continuous Spike-Waves during Slow Sleep

Neuropediatrics — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:49:48 +0100

Neuropediatrics 2009; 40: 192-194DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1243224AbstractEpilepsy with continuous spike-waves during slow sleep (CSWS) is characterized by impairment of neuropsychological abilities, frequently associated with behavioral d isorders. These manifestations strongly correlate with frontal lobe dysfunctions. In the present case, an 11-year-old girl presented with progressive behavioral deteriorations after the appearance of electrical status epilepticus in sleep. The duration of CSWS period was 5 months. Serial measurements (at the appearance of the EEG pattern, and 6 months and 1, 2, 3 and 4 years thereafter) of frontal and prefrontal lobe volumes by 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging-based volumetry showed growth disturbance of prefrontal lobe volume, particularly prefrontal-...

Epilepsy in Patients with Propionic Acidemia

Neuropediatrics — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:49:48 +0100

Neuropediatrics 2009; 40: 120-125DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1243167AbstractPropionic acidemia (PA) is an autosomal recessively inherited defect of propionyl-CoA carboxylase with an incidence of approximately 1:50 000. There are few reports on the occurrence of EEG findings and development of epilepsy in patients with PA. Retrospectively, the data of 17 patients with PA from one Italian and four Austrian centers were evaluated concerning EEG findings and the development of epilepsy. Nine patients showed a disturbance of background activity, as well as epileptiform discharges. All nine patients with pathological EEG discharges developed seizures compatible with the definition of symptomatic epilepsy. Five of these nine patients showed fever induced seizures at the beginning. Two of them suffe...

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Epilepsy and Respiratory Chain Defects in Children

Neuropediatrics — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:49:48 +0100

Neuropediatrics 2009; 40: 152-152DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1243186© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Full text (Source: Neuropediatrics)

Venlafaxine and cardiovascular toxicity

BMJ Online First — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:38:57 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

A ketogenic diet does not impair rat behavior or long-term potentiation

Epilepsia — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The effect of the ketogenic diet on behavior and cognition is unclear. We addressed this issue in rats behaviorally and electrophysiologically. We fed postnatal day 21 rats a standard diet (SD), ketogenic diet (KD), or calorie-restricted diet (CR) for 2[ndash]3 weeks. CR controlled for the slower weight gain experienced by KD-fed rats. We assessed behavioral performance with a locomotor activity and a conditioned fear test. To evaluate possible parallel effects of diet on synaptic function, we examined paired-pulse modulation (PPM) and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the medial perforant path in vivo. KD-fed rats performed similarly to SD-fed rats on the behavioral tests and electrophysiologic assays. These data suggest that the KD does not alter behavioral performance or synaptic plastici...

Dimorphism of TAP-1 gene in Caucasian with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and in Tunisian with idiopathic generalized epilepsies

International Journal of Immunogenetics — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we report an association between two TAP-1 functional polymorphisms the I333V and the D637G and most common IGE in Tunisian population, but we fail to find significant results in Caucasian with JME. (Source: International Journal of Immunogenetics)

A Thallium Transport FLIPR-Based Assay for the Identification of KCC2-Positive Modulators

Journal of Biomolecular Screening — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:56:24 +0100

KCC2, potassium chloride cotransporter 2, is expressed exclusively in the CNS (on inhibitory neurons) and plays a major role in maintaining appropriately low intracellular chloride levels that ensure inhibitory actions of GABAA and glycine receptors. As such, it plays a pivotal role in inhibitory mechanisms that control neuronal excitation in the CNS. KCC2 downregulation has been implicated in various excitatory disorders, such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Positive modulators of KCC2 expression or activity may thus provide effective therapy for these disorders. However, the identification of such agents is hindered by the lack of a high-throughput screening method. Here the authors report the development of a fluorescence-based thallium (Tl+) transport assay using a Fluorometric Imagi...

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Intraoperative microrecordings in the posterior hypothalamus of anaesthetized humans with aggressive behaviour

Neurological Sciences — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:11:44 +0100

Abstract Two patients with uncontrollable aggressive behaviour underwent the placement of stimulating leads in the posterior hypothalamus (pHyp). One patient had also multifocal refractory epilepsy. Microrecordings were obtained in both patients during surgery under general anaesthesia. Firing rate, interspike intervals and oscillatory discharge patterns were analysed in 14 neurons. A mean discharge rate of 19 Hz, and oscillatory activity at 7–8 Hz were recorded in the first patient with aggressiveness and epilepsy. In the second patient the mean firing rate was 10 Hz, with evidence of both tonic and random firing patterns. Previous studies in patients with cluster headache showed that a discharge rate around 20 Hz and lack of a specific rhythmic patt...

Cryptogenic Gelastic Epilepsy Originating from the Right Temporal Lobe

Medical Principles and Practice : Last 20 articles — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Med Princ Pract 2010;19:153158 (DOI:10.1159/000273080) (Source: Medical Principles and Practice : Last 20 articles)

An Open Trial of Gabapentin in Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Using an Oral Loading Protocol

Alcohol and Alcoholism — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:43:28 +0100

Conclusion: Oral 800 mg gabapentin (loaded up to 3200 mg in the first 24 h) is helpful only in reducing less severe and less complicated acute AWS. (Source: Alcohol and Alcoholism)

Interictal cerebral blood flow abnormality in cryptogenic West syndrome

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Broad cerebral hypoperfusion with posterior predominance involving the hippocampus and lenticular nucleus implies that even cryptogenic West syndrome has a widespread cerebral dysfunction at least transiently, which would correspond to clinical manifestations of hypsarrhythmia and epileptic spasms. Hippocampal hypoperfusion suggests the dysfunction of hippocampal circuitry in the brain adrenal axis, and may contribute to subsequent cognitive impairment of cryptogenic West syndrome. (Source: Epilepsia)

Narcolepsy with cataplexy associated with holoprosencephaly misdiagnosed as epileptic drop attacks

Movement Disorders — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No abstract. (Source: Movement Disorders)

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Can BIS monitoring be used to assess the depth of propofol anesthesia in the treatment of refractory status epilepticus?

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: The cEEG can be considered as the primary monitoring technique in the assessment of the depth of anesthesia in the treatment of RSE. If cEEG is not available, the BIS monitor can be used to guide the level of anesthesia, targeting BS in patients with RSE. (Source: Epilepsia)

Ictal hypoventilation contributes to cardiac arrhythmia and SUDEP: Report on two deaths in video-EEG–monitored patients

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report two cases of SUDEP in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy undergoing video-EEG (electroencephalography) telemetry at two centers. Both had secondarily generalized convulsions. EEG, electrocardiography (ECG), and respiratory changes in these two patients are reported herein. Ictal/postictal hypoventilation may contribute to SUDEP with the resulting hypoxemia and acidosis leading to failure of recovery of cortical function and eventual cardiac failure. (Source: Epilepsia)

Characteristics of a large population of patients with refractory epilepsy attending tertiary referral centers in Italy

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The characteristics of 1,124 consecutive adults and children with refractory epilepsy attending 11 tertiary referral centers in Italy were investigated at enrollment into a prospective observational study. Among 933 adults (age 16[ndash]86 years), the most common syndromes were symptomatic (43.7%) and cryptogenic (39.0%) focal epilepsies, followed by idiopathic (8.1%) and cryptogenic/symptomatic generalized (6.2%) epilepsies. The most common syndrome among 191 children was symptomatic focal epilepsy (35.1%), followed by cryptogenic focal (18.8%), cryptogenic/symptomatic generalized (18.3%), undetermined whether focal or generalized (16.8%), and idiopathic generalized (7.3%). Primarily and secondarily generalized tonic[ndash]clonic seizures were reported in 27.8% of adults and 16.8% of chil...

Sociocultural and psychological features of perceived stigma reported by people with epilepsy in Benin

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Perceived stigma is an important issue in epilepsy in Benin. Social factors seem to be more influential than sociocultural representation of epilepsy. Insofar as research is needed in other African countries to determine the nature and relevant features of stigma to improve treatment and control. (Source: Epilepsia)

WAG/Rij rats show a reduced expression of CB1 receptors in thalamic nuclei and respond to the CB1 receptor agonist, R(+)WIN55,212-2, with a reduced incidence of spike-wave discharges

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: These data indicate that the development of absence seizures is associated with plastic modifications of CB1 receptors within the thalamic-cortical-thalamic network, and raise the interesting possibility that CB1 receptors are targeted by novel antiabsence drugs. (Source: Epilepsia)

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Impaired gist memory in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: HS has a dose effect and a probable right dominance effect on gist memory; good item memory supports gist memory performance; and a disproportionate deficit was noted in tasks with high relational demand but not in tasks with simple association. We should develop memory skills for patients with TLE by enhancing performance of gist memory related to simple association task. (Source: Epilepsia)

Altered white matter integrity in temporal lobe epilepsy: Association with cognitive and clinical profiles

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: TLE is associated with widespread disturbances in white matter tracts and these changes have important cognitive and clinical consequences. (Source: Epilepsia)

Impaired maturation of cortical GABAA receptor expression in pediatric epilepsy

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Maturation of cortical GABAA receptor subunit expression continues over the first several years of postnatal human development. Intractable focal epilepsy in children is associated with disruption of this normal developmental pattern. These findings have significant implications for the treatment of children with medications that modulate GABAA receptor function. (Source: Epilepsia)

Safety profile of oxcarbazepine: Results from a prescription-event monitoring study

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: There were no serious adverse drug reactions reported during this study. Results of the study should be taken in context with other epidemiologic studies. (Source: Epilepsia)

100 years of Epilepsia: Landmark papers and their influence in neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry

Epilepsia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

As part of the 2009 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Centenary Celebration, a special symposium was dedicated to Epilepsia (100 Years of Epilepsia: Landmark Papers and Their Influence). The Associate Editors were asked to identify a particularly salient and meaningful paper in their areas of expertise. From the content areas of neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry two very interesting papers were identified using quite different ascertainment techniques. One paper addressed the problem of psychosis in temporal lobe epilepsy, whereas the other represents the first paper to appear in Epilepsia presenting quantitative assessment of cognitive status in epilepsy. These two papers are reviewed in detail and placed in historical context. (Source: Epilepsia)

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Epilepsy Experts Focus on Treatment Gaps [Medical News & Perspectives]

JAMA — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:51:34 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Studying synapses could help halt epilepsy

Chemistry World | Latest News — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:09:26 +0100

Connections in the brain can be studied using a microfluidic platform developed by US scientist (Source: Chemistry World | Latest News)

Ginkgo herbal medicines may increase seizures in people with epilepsy

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Restrictions should be placed on the use of Ginkgo biloba -- a top-selling herbal remedy -- because of growing scientific evidence that Ginkgo may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy and could reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs, a new report concludes. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

FDA Approves Once-A-Day Lamictal(R)XR(TM) As Add-On Epilepsy Therapy For Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Lamictal®XR™ (lamotrigine) Extended-Release Tablets as once-a-day, add-on therapy for epilepsy in patients ages 13 years and older with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. This is an expanded label, as Lamictal XR is approved for partial onset seizures (with or without secondary generalization) for patients in this age group... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

FDA Approves Once-A-Day Lamictal(R)XR(TM) As Add-On Epilepsy Therapy For Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Epilepsy News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

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Herbal remedies raise risk of interaction with heart medicines

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Patients should inform doctors when they are taking 'natural' curesRelated items from OnMedicaUse of epilepsy drug in pregnancy linked to birth defectsHalf US cancer patients use complementary medicineAre herbal medicines safe?Pharmacists call for law change following prosecutionInteractions of herbal medicines, vitamins and supplements (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Personality disorders in offenders with intellectual disability: a comparison of clinical, forensic and outcome variables and implications for service provision

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Although about half of patients detained in secure units for offenders with ID have a personality disorder, there were more similarities than differences between this group and the rest. While good treatment outcomes supported the case for specialised secure treatment units for people with ID, the case for establishing a more specialised ID[ndash]personality disorder unit was less convincing. There is also a need to explore whether there are alternative diagnostic models that can delineate better the group with personality difficulties in this population. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

The sleep-wake cycle in adult rats following pilocarpine-induced temporal lobe epilepsy.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Matos G, Tsai R, Baldo MV, de Castro I, Sameshima K, Valle AC The relationship between sleep and epilepsy is both complex and clinically significant. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) influences sleep architecture, while sleep plays an important role in facilitating and/or inhibiting possible epileptic seizures. The pilocarpine experimental model reproduces several features of human temporal lobe epilepsy and is one of the most widely used models in basic research. The aim of the present study was to characterize, behaviorally and electrophysiologically, the phases of sleep-wake cycles (SWC) in male rats with pilocarpine-induced epilepsy. Epileptic rats presented spikes in all phases of the SWC as well as atypical cortical synchronization during attentive wakefulness and paradoxica...

Noninvasive testing, early surgery, and seizure freedom in tuberous sclerosis complex

Neurology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:02:05 +0100

Conclusions: Magnetic source imaging and 18fluorodeoxyglucose PET/MRI coregistration noninvasively localized the epileptogenic zones in many children with intractable epilepsy from tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), with 67% seizure free postoperatively. Seizure freedom after surgery correlated with younger age and shorter seizure duration. These findings support the concept that early epilepsy surgery is associated with seizure freedom in children with TSC and intractable epilepsy. (Source: Neurology)

Enhanced QT shortening and persistent tachycardia after generalized seizures

Neurology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:02:05 +0100

Conclusions: Our data suggest a substantial disturbance of autonomic function following secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) in patients with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. The observed alterations could potentially facilitate sudden cardiac death and might contribute to the association of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy with GTCS. (Source: Neurology)

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Ginkgo herb in seizure warning

NHS News Feed — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:53:00 +0100

Conclusion Ginkgo biloba is a controversial herbal extract and the evidence about its efficacy is contradictory. There have been a number of well-conducted systematic reviews such as two that have investigated the use of Gingko biloba after stroke and to prevent or slow cognitive impairment and dementia. Both conclude that there is no evidence of benefit with this herb. A large six-year trial in published in 2008 followed more than 3000 people and also showed gingko had no effect on new cases of dementia. The discussion about the safety of this popular remedy is equally important, particularly as in some countries ginkgo is marketed and sold as a dietary supplement and is therefore not subject to the strict quality and safety scrutiny that drugs need before they can be sold to the publ...

Treatment of epilepsy in postmenopausal women

Future Medicine: Aging Health — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:04:21 +0100

Aging Health , February 2010, Vol. 6, No. 1, Pages 87-96. (Source: Future Medicine: Aging Health)

A Clinical Guide to Epileptic Syndromes and their Treatment (Panayiotopoulos)

Springer Medicine titles — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:06:48 +0100

This new edition is indispensable reading for all those who care for patients with epileptic seizures. Building on the sell-out success of the first edition this thorough revision reflects the latest report of the ILAE classification core group and the significant progress made in the diagnosis, classification and treatment of the epilepsies.Praise for this edition "A Clinical Guide to ... (Source: Springer Medicine titles)

A Clinical Guide to Epileptic Syndromes and their Treatment(Panayiotopoulos)

Springer Medicine titles — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:06:48 +0100

(Source: Springer Medicine titles)

Government Cracks Down On Drug Marketing

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Recent crackdown on pharmaceutical companies suggests that drug marketing remains an issue with federal authorities. The Wall Street Journal reports: "Novartis AG's agreement to settle criminal allegations involving marketing of an epilepsy drug is the latest in a string of cases showing that improper marketing practices are still a problem years after the U.S. government started cracking down on them. Pfizer Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Government Cracks Down On Drug Marketing

Epilepsy News From Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Radiation Therapy Harms the Brain, Causing Memory and Attention Problems

NaturalNews.com — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Radiation therapy for the treatment of brain tumors may lead to cognitive decline later in life, according to a study conducted by researchers from VU University Medical Centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and published in The Lancet Neurology.Scientists have known for some time that radiation therapy can damage healthy brain tissue, but prior research found no immediate negative effects from the treatment. In the new study, researchers conducted brain function tests on 65 patients who had undergone treatment for low-grade glioma 12 years previously.Low-grade glioma is one of the most common forms of brain tumor. It is non-carcinogenic, and can often be removed with surgery. However, many doctors use radiotherapy following surgery.The researchers found that a full 53 percent of...

Open surgical reconstruction of the internal carotid artery aneurysm at the base of the skull

Journal of Vascular Surgery — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Venous graft bypass from the cervical-to-petrous ICA can be performed safely with such an approach and produces durable satisfactory results. (Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery)

State dependent properties of epileptic brain networks: Comparative graph–theoretical analyses of simultaneously recorded EEG and MEG

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Despite the locality of the investigated processes epileptic brain networks differ in their global characteristics from non-epileptic brain networks. Further methodological developments are necessary to improve the characterization of disturbed and normal functional networks.Significance: An increased regularity and a diminished modulation capability appear characteristic of epileptic brain networks. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Image-Guided Intraoperative Cortical Deformation Recovery Using Game Theory: Application to Neocortical Epilepsy Surgery

IEE Transactions on Medical Imaging — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

During neurosurgery, nonrigid brain deformation prevents preoperatively-acquired images from accurately depicting the intraoperative brain. Stereo vision systems can be used to track intraoperative cortical surface deformation and update preoperative brain images in conjunction with a biomechanical model. However, these stereo systems are often plagued with calibration error, which can corrupt the deformation estimation. In order to decouple the effects of camera calibration from the surface deformation estimation, a framework that can solve for disparate and often competing variables is needed. Game theory, which was developed to handle decision making in this type of competitive environment, has been applied to various fields from economics to biology. In this paper, game theory is appli...

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Trileptal

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Recently a lot of people have been searching the internet for information about Trileptal, which is an anticonvulsant drug (that is, it helps control seizures in conditions such as epilepsy) used as a mood stabilizer in treating bipolar disorder. The search popularity may be because Trileptal is weight-neutral, unlike some other drugs in its class. Trileptal has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of bipolar disorder, but it has been prescribed off-label for years for this use. Read the Trileptal Drug Profile for information about this drug, including major side effects and risks during pregnancy. ~Marcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn more or join the conversation! NEWSLETTER | FORUM | BIO &...

Management of antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication in pregnancy: recommendations for antenatal care.

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Galbally M, Snellen M, Walker S, Permezel M The aim of the present study was to develop recommendations for antenatal care and monitoring for women with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia who are on lithium carbonate, antipsychotic or anti-epileptic medication during pregnancy. A literature search and review of original research, published reviews and guidelines was undertaken for mood stabilizers and antipsychotics in pregnancy and for the management of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in pregnancy. This information was summarized, condensed and then reviewed by representatives of psychiatry, pharmacy, paediatrics and obstetrics to produce an information booklet and subsequently monitoring recommendations and tables. A model of antenatal monitoring and care for women with s...

The First Korean Case of KCNQ2 Mutation in a Family with Benign Familial Neonatal Convulsions.

J Korean Med Sci — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this report, we describe a family with BFNC due to a KCNQ2 mutation, the first such family to be described in the Korean population. The diagnosis of BFNC can be made based on clinical suspicion and careful history taking with special emphasis on the familial nature of the disorder. KCNQ2 mutations may be associated with BFNC in a number of different races, as has been reported in other ethnic groups. PMID: 20119593 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J Korean Med Sci)

Long-term outcomes of children treated with the ketogenic diet in the past

Epilepsia — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: This is the first study to report on the long-term effects of the ketogenic diet after discontinuation. The majority of subjects are currently doing well with regard to health and seizure control. (Source: Epilepsia)

Impact of severe epilepsy on development: Recovery potential after successful early epilepsy surgery

Epilepsia — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Cessation of epileptic activity after early surgery can be followed by substantial cognitive gains, but not in all children. In the short term, lack of catch-up may be explained by loss of retained function in the removed epileptogenic area; in the longer term, by decreased intellectual potential of genetic origin, irreversible epileptic damage to neural networks supporting cognitive functions, or reorganization plasticity after early focal lesions. Cognitive recovery has to be considered as a "bonus," which can be predicted in some specific circumstances. (Source: Epilepsia)

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Surgical management of World Health Organization Grade II gliomas in eloquent areas: the necessity of preserving a margin around functional structures.

Neurosurgical Focus — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This no-margin technique, based on the subpial dissection, and the repetition of both cortical and subcortical stimulation to preserve eloquent cortex as well as the white matter tracts (U-fibers, projection pathways, and long-distance connectivity) allow optimization of the extent of resection while preserving the quality of life (despite transitory impairment) thanks to mechanisms of brain plasticity. PMID: 20121443 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Neurosurgical Focus)

Regulation of GABAA Receptor Subunit Expression by Pharmacological Agents.

Pharmacological Reviews — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Uusi-Oukari M The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor system, the main fast-acting inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the brain, is the pharmacological target for many drugs used clinically to treat, for example, anxiety disorders and epilepsy, and to induce and maintain sedation, sleep, and anesthesia. These drugs facilitate the function of pentameric GABA(A) receptors that exhibit widespread expression in all brain regions and large structural and pharmacological heterogeneity as a result of composition from a repertoire of 19 subunit variants. One of the main problems in clinical use of GABA(A) receptor agonists is the development of tolerance. Most drugs, in long-term use and during withdrawal, have been associated with important modulations of the receptor s...

Magnetoencephalography and its role in evaluation for epilepsy surgery.

Hong Kong Med J — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We present a patient with magnetic resonance imaging-negative, non-lesional, neocortical epilepsy. Magnetoencephalography was used for re-evaluation of the epileptogenic zone and this enabled subsequent surgical removal of the epileptic focus. The role of magnetoencephalography in epilepsy surgery is discussed in this report. PMID: 20124573 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Hong Kong Med J)

Visually induced motion sickness, visual stress and photosensitive epileptic seizures: What do they have in common? - Preface to the special issue.

Applied Ergonomics — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: So RH, Ujike H PMID: 20129600 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied Ergonomics)

Identification of Malaria Retinopathy Improves the Specificity of the Clinical Diagnosis of Cerebral Malaria: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Birbeck GL, Beare N, Lewallen S, Glover SJ, Molyneux ME, Kaplan PW, Taylor TE The diagnosis of cerebral malaria (CM) is difficult to confirm in endemic regions with limited neurodiagnostics. Accurate diagnoses are critical for trials and outcomes studies. Findings from an autopsy-based study suggest that identifying malaria retinopathy in children satisfying the standard clinical case definition of CM improves our ability to accurately diagnose CM in vivo. In a post hoc analysis of a prospective exposure-control study to evaluate CM as a risk factor for epilepsy, we stratified children meeting the standard case definition by their retinopathy status (presence versus absence) and compared these groups for pre-existing risk factors for epilepsy. We also compared them to the conc...

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Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Gets New Definition

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

BOSTON — A new consensus definition of drug-resistant epilepsy promises to improve patient care and facilitate clinical research, according to the chair of a task force appointed by the International League Against Epilepsy Commission on Therapeutic Strategies. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

Online Tool Guides Surgical Referral in Epilepsy

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Major Finding: Based on a decision-support tool, nearly 21% of 2,646 clinical scenarios created from different combinations of patient-level factors were considered appropriate for evaluation for epilepsy surgery; 17% were considered uncertain for appropriateness. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

Delays in Surgical Referrals for Epilepsy Remain Problematic

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Major Findings: After evidence-based recommendations were published, no significant trends were found suggesting earlier referral for epilepsy surgery evaluation. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

Epilepsy Linked to Comorbidities Related to Central Nervous System

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

BOSTON — Certain central nervous system-related comorbidities occur more often among people with self-reported epilepsy than in the general population, according to a large survey of U.S. households. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

[Anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis : An interdisciplinary clinical picture.]

Der Nervenarzt — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Prüß H, Dalmau J, Arolt V, Wandinger KP Anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis is a severe and considerably underdiagnosed form of encephalitis with characteristic clinical features including psychiatric symptoms, decreased levels of consciousness, hypoventilation, epileptic seizures, autonomic dysfunction and dyskinesias. Most patients are primarily seen by psychiatrists, often on the assumption of a drug-induced psychosis. Anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis had initially been described in young women with ovarian teratoma, but is also common in women without tumour, in men and in children. The diagnosis is based on the characteristic clinical picture, supporting findings of brain MRI, electroencephalogram and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the presence of highly specific aut...

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Magnetic resonance imaging deformation-based segmentation of the hippocampus in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis and temporal lobe epilepsy

Journal of Digital Imaging — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:17:44 +0100

Abstract We compared manual and automated segmentations of the hippocampus in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis. This comparison showed good precision of the deformation-based automated segmentations. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Posters and DemonstrationsDOI 10.1007/BF03167670Authors Robert E. Hogan, Saint Louis University Department of Neurology 3635 Vista Ave 63110 St Louis MOKevin E. Mark, Saint Louis University Department of Neurology 3635 Vista Ave 63110 St Louis MOIndrajit Choudhuri, Saint Louis University Department of Neurology 3635 Vista Ave 63110 St Louis MOLei Wang, Saint Louis University Department of Neurology 3635 Vista Ave 63110 St Louis MOSarang Joshi, Saint Louis University Department of Neurology 3635 Vista Ave 63110 St Louis MOMichael I....

Shape analysis of hippocampal surface structure in patients with unilateral mesial temporal sclerosis

Journal of Digital Imaging — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:17:38 +0100

Abstract Structural hippocampal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-based analysis is helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of mesial temporal epileptic seizures. Computational anatomic techniques provide a framework for objective assessment of three-dimensional hippocampal structure. We applied a previously validated technique of deformation-based hippocampal segmentations in 20 subjects with documented unilateral mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and temporal lobe epilepsy. Using composite images, we then measured shape differences between the epileptogenic, smaller hippocampus, and contralateral hippocampus. Final shape differences were projected on the contralateral “normal” side. We calculated results for the left MTS group (10 patients) and right MTS group (10 patient...

Unmasking false epilepsy: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Cardiology Journal — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:48:05 +0100

Authors: Rodríguez CR, Mejias J, Hidalgo JA PMID: 20104466 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cardiology Journal)

Ginkgo: Risk of seizures in epileptics

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:46:36 +0100

BONN, Germany, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- An herbal remedy may raise the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy, German researchers warn. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

[Which factors have an impact on levetiracetam serum concentrations? : An analysis in 163 patients with epilepsy.]

Der Nervenarzt — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bauer J, Pfeiffer C, Burr W We evaluated factors possibly influencing serum concentrations of levetiracetam (LEV-SC). The study included 163 patients with epilepsy (91 men, 72 women; mean age 39.6 years). The duration of treatment on first analysis was 226 days; the mean daily dose amounted to 2,434 mg. In each patient between one and seven measurements were carried out (mean 2.2). LEV-SC significantly depended on daily dosage and the interval between the time the medication was taken and the time of blood extraction. A marked drop in LEV-SC was observed 4-5 h following ingestion. Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine and clobazam reduced LEV-SC, whereas valproate elevated LEV-SC significantly. When assessing evaluation of compliance these factors have to be taken into consideration wh...

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FDA Approves Once-A-Day Lamictal(R)XR(TM) as Add-On Epilepsy Therapy for Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

HSMN NewsFeed — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:38:03 +0100

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 29 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Lamictal (lamotrigine) Extended-Release Tablets as once-a-day, add-on therapy for epilepsy in pat... Biopharmaceuticals, Neurology, FDAGlaxoSmithKline, Lamictal, Lamictal XR, lamotrigine, epilepsy (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

Comorbidity between headache and epilepsy in a pediatric headache center

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:16:46 +0100

Abstract The purpose of this study was to analyse the comorbidity between headache and epilepsy in a large series of children with headache (1,795). Fifty-six cases (3.1%) suffered from idiopathic headache and idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy or unprovoked seizures. There was a strong association between migraine and epilepsy: in migraineurs (46/56) the risk of epilepsy was 3.2 times higher when compared with tension-type headache, without significant difference between migraine with and without aura (P = 0.89); children with epilepsy had a 4.5-fold increased risk of developing migraine than tension-type headache. In cases with comorbidity, focal epilepsies prevailed (43/56, 76.8%). Migraineurs affected by focal epilepsies (36/56) had a three times higher risk ...

Non-invasive Testing, Earlier Surgery Can Stop Seizures In Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Epilepsy News From Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

When medication fails to control seizures in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems and frequently causes epilepsy, surgery to remove part of the brain is often necessary. But pre-surgical testing, which involves the implanting of electrodes into a child's head, can lead to longer hospital stays and greater risks from surgery... (Source: Epilepsy News From Medical News Today)

Non-invasive Testing, Earlier Surgery Can Stop Seizures In Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Ginkgo Herbal Medicines May Increase Seizures In People With Epilepsy

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Restrictions should be placed on the use of Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) - a top-selling herbal remedy - because of growing scientific evidence that Ginkgo may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy and could reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs, a new report concludes. The article appears in ACS' monthly Journal of Natural Products. It also suggests that Ginkgo may have harmful effects in other people after eating raw or roasted Ginkgo seed or drinking tea prepared from Ginkgo leaves... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Ginkgo Herbal Medicines May Increase Seizures In People With Epilepsy

Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Restrictions should be placed on the use of Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) - a top-selling herbal remedy - because of growing scientific evidence that Ginkgo may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy and could reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs, a new report concludes. The article appears in ACS' monthly Journal of Natural Products... (Source: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today)

Drug Marketing Remains an Issue

WSJ.com: Health — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:41:28 +0100

Novartis's agreement to settle criminal allegations involving its U.S. subsidary's marketing of an epilepsy drug is the latest in a string of cases showing that improper drug-marketing practices are still a big problem. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

Herbal remedy' s epilepsy warning

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:23:59 +0100

People with epilepsy using a popular herbal remedy should be warned that it may increase the risk of seizures, say researchers (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Herbal remedy's epilepsy warning

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:23:59 +0100

People with epilepsy using a popular herbal remedy should be warned that it may increase the risk of seizures, say researchers (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

FDA Extends PDUFA Action Date For STEDESA™ New Drug Application

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Sepracor Inc. announced that it has received notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the agency now anticipates completing its review of the STEDESA™ (eslicarbazepine acetate) New Drug Application (NDA) on April 30, 2010, which is a three-month extension to the original Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date of January 30, 2010. In November 2009, at the request of the FDA, Sepracor submitted additional information about STEDESA to the agency... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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FDA Extends PDUFA Action Date For STEDESA™ New Drug Application

Epilepsy News From Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Brain responses to success and failure: Direct recordings from human cerebral cortex

Human Brain Mapping — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Evaluating the outcome of our own actions is a fundamental process by which we adapt our behavior in our interaction with the external world. fMRI and electrophysiological studies in monkeys have found feedback-specific responses in several brain regions, unveiling facets of a large-scale network predominantly distributed in the frontal lobes. However, a consensus has yet to be reached regarding the exact contribution of each region. The present study benefited from intracerebral EEG recordings in epileptic patients to record directly the neural activity in each of those frontal structures in response to positive and negative feedback. Both types of feedback induced a sequence of high-frequency responses (>40 Hz) in a widespread network involving medial frontal cortex, dorsolateral prefron...

Non-invasive testing, earlier surgery can stop seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:30:00 +0100

This study was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health. The authors have no financial ties to disclose. Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, one of the highest-rated children’s hospitals in California, is a vital component of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the third best hospital in nation and best in the Western United States. Mattel Children’s Hospital offers a full spectrum of primary and specialized medical care for infants, children and adolescents. The hospital’s mission is to provide state‑of-the-art treatment for children in a compassionate atmosphere, as well as to improve the understanding and treatment of pediatric dis...

Novartis Case Underscores That Drug-Marketing Practices Still a Problem in U.S.

WSJ.com: Health — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:54:44 +0100

FDA delays ruling on Sepracor epilepsy drug

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:16:05 +0100

Sepracor, Inc. has received word that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has put off making an approval decision on its epilepsy drug target, Stedesa. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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UCLA researchers image earliest signs of Alzheimer's, before symptoms appear

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:00:00 +0100

In this study, they tracked atrophy from the CA1 as it spread to the subiculum, which matched disease progression from the MCI state to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. They split the MCI subjects into those who had no noticeable hippocampal atrophy other then what is expected from normal aging alone, and those who had atrophy greater than expected for normal aging. Three years later, the researchers followed up and compared the MCI group with no visual change to the one with premature change. They found 10 to 30 percent greater atrophy in the CA1 and subiculum of those MCI patients with premature atrophy who were later diagnosed with Alzheimer's. "In looking at the longitudinal changes, we could see there was definitive evidence of a progression from...

Non-invasive testing, earlier surgery can stop seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(University of California - Los Angeles) A study by researchers with UCLA's Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program has found that an alternative, non-invasive approach to pre-surgical testing, along with earlier consideration for surgery, is associated with the best seizure-free surgical outcome in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

A review and applications of monthly circadian rhythms

Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

For many decades in learning disability and mental health services people's mood, neurological and mental state and resultant behaviour has been linked, anecdotally, to the phases of the moon. Despite many papers, books and papers available on circadian rhythms (the 24-h 'body clock'), little has been written on the effects that longer time cycles (infradian rhythms) may have on neurological conditions such as epilepsy and mental states and behaviour. The nature of infradian rhythms and possible links to lunar phases were investigated, using the incidence of epileptic seizure rates over 4 years and the incidence of a decline in mood and other mental states as case studies. It was shown that there were no proven links between epilepsy, mood, mental state, people's behaviour and the phases o...

Lacosamide as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures: A randomized controlled trial

Epilepsia — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Adjunctive treatment with lacosamide 400 and 600 mg/day reduced seizure frequency for patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures. Lacosamide 400 mg/day provided a good balance of efficacy and tolerability; lacosamide 600 mg/day may provide additional benefit for some patients as suggested by secondary efficacy analyses, including response in patients with secondarily generalized tonic[ndash]clonic seizures. (Source: Epilepsia)

Increased excitability and metabolism in pilocarpine induced epileptic rats: Effect of Bacopa monnieri.

Fitoterapia — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mathew J, Paul J, Nandu MS, Paulose CS We have evaluated the acetylcholine esterase and malate dehydrogenase activity in the muscle, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, insulin and T3 content in the serum of epileptic rats. Acetylcholine esterase and Malate dehydrogenase activity increased in the muscle and decreased in the heart of the epileptic rats compared to control. Insulin and T3 content were increased significantly in the serum of the epileptic rats. Our results suggest that repetitive seizures resulted in increased metabolism and excitability in epileptic rats. Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A treatment prevents the occurrence of seizures there by reducing the impairment on peripheral nervous system. PMID: 20117182 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Fitoterapia)

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[Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.]

Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Leren IS, Haugaa KH, Edvardsen T, Anfinsen OG, Kongsgård E, Berge KE, Leren TP, Amlie JP Background. CPVT (catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) is a condition characterized by syncopes and cardiac arrest that was first described in 1975. CPVT has later been classified as a genetic disease with a great risk for life-threatening arrhythmias that are mainly caused by mutations in the ryanodine receptor 2 gene. Starting with a case report, we present an overview of CPVT. Material and methods. The literature reviewed was identified through a non-systematic search in PubMed. Results. Diagnosing CPVT may be difficult, as resting ECG is normal and the syncopes may be misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Information about syncopes related to physical or emotional stress and...

Intracranial Multimodal Monitoring for Acute Brain Injury: A Single Institution Review of Current Practices

Neurocritical Care — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:00:09 +0100

Conclusions Collaboration among institutions is necessary to establish practice guidelines for the choice and placement of multimodal monitors. Further advancement in device technology is needed to improve insertion techniques, inter-device compatibility, and device durability. Multimodality data needs to be analyzed to determine the preferable device location. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s12028-010-9330-9Authors R. Morgan Stuart, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Department of Neurological Surgery New York NY 10032 USAMichael Schmidt, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Division of Critical Care Neurology, Department of Neurology 177 Fort Washington Avenue; Milstein 8 Center room 300 New Yor...

Immediate-release versus controlled-release carbamazepine in the treatment of epilepsy

Neurological Conditions Specialist Library — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:26:34 +0100

Cochrane systematic review. Authors' conclusions: At present, data from trials do not confirm or refute an advantage for CR CBZ over IR CBZ for seizure frequency or adverse events in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy. For trials involving epilepsy patients already prescribed IR CBZ, no conclusions can be drawn concerning superiority of CR CBZ with respect to seizure frequency. There is a trend for CR CBZ to be associated with fewer adverse events when compared to IR CBZ. A change to CR CBZ may therefore be a worthwhile strategy in patients with acceptable seizure control on IR CBZ but experiencing unacceptable adverse events. The included trials were of small size, poor methodological quality and possessed a high risk of bias, limiting the validity of this conclusion. Randomised ...

Federal Register: The Neurological Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting

Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

On March 12, 2010, the committee will discuss, make recommendations, and vote on a premarket approval application for the Deep Brain Stimulation System for Epilepsy sponsored by Medtronic, Inc. (Source: Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew)

Ginkgo herbal medicines may increase seizures in people with epilepsy

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Chemical Society) Restrictions should be placed on the use of Ginkgo biloba -- a top-selling herbal remedy -- because of growing scientific evidence that Ginkgo may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy and could reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs, a new report concludes. The article appears in ACS' monthly Journal of Natural Products. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Tracking epilepsy with an electronic diary

Acta Paediatrica — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Acta Paediatrica)

Levetiracetam attenuates hippocampal expression of synaptic plasticity-related immediate early and late response genes in amygdala-kindled rats

BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study provides mRNA expression data that suggest that levetiracetam attenuates expression of genes known to regulate synaptic remodelling. In the kindled rat, levetiracetam does so by shortening the AD duration thereby reducing the seizure-induced changes in mRNA expression in the hippocampus. (Source: BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles)

Survey results of Internet and computer usage in veterans with epilepsy.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pramuka M, Hendrickson R, Van Cott AC After our study of a self-management intervention for epilepsy [1], we gathered data on Internet use and computer availability to assess the feasibility of computer-based interventions in a veteran population. Veterans were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire that gathered information regarding seizures/epilepsy in addition to demographic data, Internet use, computer availability, and interest in distance education regarding epilepsy. Three hundred twenty-four VA neurology clinic patients completed the survey. One hundred twenty-six self-reported a medical diagnosis of epilepsy and constituted the epilepsy/seizure group. For this group of veterans, the need for remote/distance-based interventions was validated given the majority o...

Nucleus accumbens mu opioid receptors mediate immediate postictal decrease in locomotion after an amygdaloid kindled seizure in rats.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ma J, Boyce R, Leung LS Postictal movement dysfunction is a common symptom in patients with epilepsy. We investigated the involvement of opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) in amygdaloid kindling-induced postictal decrease in locomotion (PDL) in rats. Seizures were induced by daily electrical stimulation of the basolateral amygdala until four consecutive stage 5 seizures were elicited. Locomotion was quantified before and after infusion of an opioid receptor antagonist or saline into the NAC. Whereas PDL was induced after a stage 5 seizure in saline-infused rats, pre-infusion of the mu opioid receptor antagonist H-D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH(2) (CTAP, 5mug/1 muL/side) into the NAC prevented PDL. Pre-infusion of delta (naltrindole, 30mug/1 muL/side), kapp...

Self-perceptions of social function 2years after pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hum KM, Smith ML, Lach L, Elliott IM The present qualitative study explored how participants perceive their quality of life within the social domain 2years following epilepsy surgery. Semistructured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 27 participants (11-21years old), 2years following epilepsy surgery. Thirteen of the 27 participants were seizure free. Data were transcribed and coded inductively to allow for the identification of salient themes. Many of the seizure-free participants reported greater independence following surgery. However, most participants, irrespective of seizure status, continued to report some problems with peer relations and isolation. These findings suggest that self-perceived improvements in social function among seizure-free participants may req...

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CSI: Epilepsy.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sirven JI PMID: 20116336 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

Experts Describe "Spectrum" of Epilepsy [Medical News & Perspectives]

JAMA — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:07:43 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Novartis Says U.S. Unit to Pay Fine Over Marketing of Epilepsy Drug

WSJ.com: Health — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:53:58 +0100

Novartis said its U.S. subsidiary struck a plea agreement with U.S. investigators to resolve criminal allegations regarding the company's promotion of the epilepsy drug Trileptal, and has agreed to pay a $185 million fine. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

Constipation in people with learning disability

BMJ Online First — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:25:46 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

Immediate-release versus controlled-release carbamazepine in the treatment of epilepsy

NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews Background Epilepsy is defined as the tendency to spontaneous, excessive neuronal discharge, manifesting as seizures. It is a common disorder with an incidence of 50 per 100,000 per year and a prevalence of 0.5% to 1% (Hauser 1993) in the developed world. Carbamazepine is a commonly used antiepileptic drug that is associated with a number of troublesome adverse events including dizziness, double vision and unsteadiness. These often occur during peaks in plasma concentration. The occurrence of such adverse events may limit the daily dose that can be tolerated and reduce the chances of seizure control for patients requiring higher doses (Vojvodic 2002). A controlled-release formulation of carbamazepine delivers the same do...

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Antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after stroke

NeLM - Drug Class Focused Reviews — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Drug Class Focused Reviews Background Seizures after stroke are an important clinical problem, and they may be associated with poor outcome. The effects of antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after stroke remain unclear. Objectives We aimed to assess the effects of antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after stroke. Search strategy We searched the Specialised Registers of the Cochrane Epilepsy Group and the Cochrane Stroke Group (2 July 2009), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2009), and MEDLINE (1950 to June, week 4, 2009). We also checked the reference lists of articles retrieved from these search...

Sleep habits and disturbances in Malaysian children with epilepsy

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Co-sleeping was highly prevalent in children with epilepsy, who also had more sleep disturbances (especially problems with initiating and maintaining sleep and sleep[ndash]wake transition disorders) than their siblings. Epilepsy severity contributed to the sleep disturbances. Evaluation of sleep problems should form part of the comprehensive care of children with severe epilepsy. (Source: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health)

Present and future of simultaneous EEG-fMRI.

Magma — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rosenkranz K, Lemieux L The brain's activity can be measured in numerous complementary ways, including electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The simultaneous acquisition of EEG and fMRI was originally developed to make the localization of the generators of often subtle pathological activity commonly observed in EEG recordings of patients with epilepsy more sensitive and spatially accurate by mapping their hemodynamic correlates. Now, the value of the information provided by simultaneous EEG-fMRI is being evaluated in a clinical context, while in parallel, more sophisticated data analysis techniques, e.g. with electrical source imaging or dynamic causal modeling, have begun to be applied to increase the technique's sensitivity and allow ...

Sociodemographic differences in antiepileptic drug prescriptions to adult epilepsy patients

Neurology — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:04:05 +0100

Conclusions: This nationwide cross-sectional study of epilepsy patients indicates that sociodemographic characteristics are important for access to neurologists and prescriptions of individual antiepileptic drugs. Prospective studies using patient-related outcomes are needed to analyze the consequences of these differences. (Source: Neurology)

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a progressive neurologic disorder: time means neurons!

Neurology — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:04:05 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

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Present and future of simultaneous EEG-fMRI

Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:59:15 +0100

Abstract The brain’s activity can be measured in numerous complementary ways, including electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The simultaneous acquisition of EEG and fMRI was originally developed to make the localization of the generators of often subtle pathological activity commonly observed in EEG recordings of patients with epilepsy more sensitive and spatially accurate by mapping their hemodynamic correlates. Now, the value of the information provided by simultaneous EEG-fMRI is being evaluated in a clinical context, while in parallel, more sophisticated data analysis techniques, e.g. with electrical source imaging or dynamic causal modeling, have begun to be applied to increase the technique’s sensitivity and allow the stu...

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Animal-to-Man Prediction of Therapeutic Dose in a Model of Epilepsy

Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Animal-to-man extrapolation and therapeutic dose prediction are illustrated with two molecules designed to treat epilepsy. Synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) is the primary molecular target for their anticonvulsive effect, but additional mechanisms may also contribute. Brivaracetam (BRV), currently in phase 3 of clinical development, was used as the benchmark compound. A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was built in NONMEM, relating the brain tissue concentrations of BRV in mice and the proportion of animals protected against convulsions in the pharmacological model of audiogenic seizures. Brain concentrations were linked with ex vivo binding to predict brain SV2A occupancy. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was developed for predicting BRV concentrations in huma...

Pregabalin in partial seizures: a pragmatic 21-week, open-label study (PREPS)

European Journal of Neurology — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This open-label study of pregabalin demonstrated efficacy that was consistent with that observed in previous controlled epilepsy trials. Pregabalin was well tolerated. The AE profile was also consistent with that reported in previous trials. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

The clinical utility of MRI in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders of unknown origin

European Journal of Neurology — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Neuroimaging of the brain in a tertiary care center for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders of unknown origin is useful, especially in case of neurological symptoms/signs. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

Disparities in hospital outcomes for injured people with epilepsy/seizures. - Bowman SM, Aitken ME, Sharp GB.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:35:28 +0100

Controlling for injury and patient characteristics, one would expect comparable in-hospital outcomes for injured patients with and without epilepsy. The historical stigma associated with epilepsy is well-documented, yet potential disparities in injury c... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Disparities in injury death location for people with epilepsy/seizures. - Bowman SM, Aitken ME, Sharp GB.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:35:28 +0100

OBJECTIVE: Wide variation has been reported in the proportion of injury deaths occurring during the prehospital phase. Potential disparities in where injured people with epilepsy and seizure disorders die have not been examined. We compared location of ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Tetranectin is a potential biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients with epilepsy.

International Journal of Clinical Chemistry — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: CSF-TN and serum-TN are potential biomarkers in epilepsy and drug-refractory epilepsy and would be useful for diagnosis. PMID: 20102706 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Clinical Chemistry)

Childhood Epilepsy: 'I didn't want Anna to feel like a victim'

Telegraph Health — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:07:09 +0100

Caroline Muir is the author of a fun diary that helps her daughter - and thousands of others - cope with epilepsy. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Vagal nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsies in different age, aetiology and duration

Child's Nervous System — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:00:04 +0100

Conclusions The best responder could be a young lesional epileptic patient; after 3 years of follow-up, the percentage of responders is still in progress. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00381-009-1069-2Authors Gabriella Colicchio, Catholic University Neurosurgery Largo Agostino Gemelli 1 00168 Rome ItalyDomenico Policicchio, Catholic University Neurosurgery Largo Agostino Gemelli 1 00168 Rome ItalyGiulia Barbati, University of Padova Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health Padova ItalyElisabetta Cesaroni, Children’s Hospital ‘G. Salesi’ Department of Pediatric Neurology Ancona ItalyFilomena Fuggetta, Catholic University Neurosurgery Largo Agostino Gemelli 1 00168 Rome ItalyMario Meglio, Catholic University Neur...

Horizon Scanning: European filing for anticonvulsant carisbamate (Comfyde®) withdrawn by company

NeLM - News — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: PharmaTimes Area: News PharmaTimes reports that Johnson & Johnson has withdrawn a European filing for its investigational epilepsy drug carbisamate (Comfyde®). The filing was for the adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in patients aged 16 or older. According to PharmaTimes, the company has said that the decision to withdraw the application was based on the feedback from the European Medicines Agency's (EMEA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). The CHMP advised that it was unlikely to reach a favourable opinion "without additional efficacy data, which at this time cannot be provided". (Source: NeLM - News)

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Periictal heart rate variability analysis suggests long-term postictal autonomic disturbance in epilepsy

European Journal of Neurology — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: One of the possible pathomechanisms of sudden death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a postictal dysregulation of autonomic nervous system. We performed a heart rate variability (HRV) analysis of the periictal state to analyze whether a cardiac autonomic disturbance exists after an epileptic seizure.Methods: We included 31 periictal video[ndash]EEG[ndash]ECG recordings of 31 patients with epilepsy who had consecutively undergone pre-surgical evaluation. Nine generalized tonic-clonic (GTCS), 15 complex partial, and seven simple motor seizures were included. HRV was evaluated by analyzing 5-min-long ECG epochs, sampling from baseline, direct preictal, early-postictal ( (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

Postictal blood-brain barrier breakdown on contrast-enhanced MRI.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alvarez V, Maeder P, Rossetti AO PMID: 20097615 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

Therapy of infantile spasms: New opportunities and emerging challenges.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mikati MA, Cornett KM PMID: 20097137 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

Reduced NREM sleep instability in benign childhood epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes.

Clinical Neurophysiology — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Sleep architecture is not importantly affected in BERS but CAP analysis reveals a decrease of NREM instability, mainly in sleep stage 2. Since there is a spindle-related spike activation in BERS, we speculate that the decrease of CAP and of EEG slow oscillations and arousals might be linked with the inhibitory action of spindling activity and spikes on arousals. SIGNIFICANCE: CAP analysis discloses sleep structure abnormalities in children with BERS not shown by the classical sleep scoring. Spike activity and CAP A1 subtypes seem to be mutually exclusive probably because centro-temporal spikes disturb the physiological synchronization mechanisms needed for the generation of slow-wave components of CAP. PMID: 20097604 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Ne...

Surgery for perirolandic epilepsy: Epileptogenic cortex resection guided by chronic intracranial electroencephalography and electric cortical stimulation mapping

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:36:24 +0100

Conclusion: After accurate presurgical evaluation using invasive recordings and functional brain mapping, epileptogenic cortical resection can give excellent results and few deficits in patients with perirolandic epilepsy. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

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Predictive factors for outcome of invasive video-EEG monitoring and subsequent resective surgery in patients with refractory epilepsy

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:36:24 +0100

Abstract: Objective: This is a descriptive study of patients who underwent invasive video-EEG monitoring (IVEM) at Ghent University Hospital. The aim of the study is to identify predictive factors for outcome of IVEM and resective surgery (RS). These factors may optimize the patient flow following the non-invasive presurgical evaluation towards IVEM and RS or other treatments.Patients and methods: Over the past 16 years, 68/710 refractory epilepsy patients included in the presurgical evaluation protocol (M/F 41/27, mean age 33 years) underwent IVEM at Ghent University Hospital. Patient features and follow-up data were collected from the patients’ medical files and the electronic patient database at the neurology and neurosurgery department. Predictive factors for IVEM outcome were identi...

Epilepsy and Temporal Lobectomy Surgery

Disabled World — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:16:33 +0100

The number of people who take medications to control seizures in the world is large, with many people benefiting from the medications available for seizure control. There are times when anti-seizure medications either do not work as well as they should, or at all where control over seizures related to epilepsy are concerned. (Source: Disabled World)

Genetic testing in the epilepsies—Report of the ILAE Genetics Commission

Epilepsia — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this report, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Genetics Commission discusses essential issues to be considered with regard to clinical genetic testing in the epilepsies. Genetic research on the epilepsies has led to the identification of more than 20 genes with a major effect on susceptibility to idiopathic epilepsies. The most important potential clinical application of these discoveries is genetic testing: the use of genetic information, either to clarify the diagnosis in people already known or suspected to have epilepsy (diagnostic testing), or to predict onset of epilepsy in people at risk because of a family history (predictive testing). Although genetic testing has many potential benefits, it also has potential harms, and assessment of these potential benefits and ...

Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Channels and their Partners as Drug Targets.

Biochemical Pharmacology — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mackrill JJ Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are high conductance intracellular cation channels that release calcium ions from stores such as the endoplasmic reticulum and sarcoplasmic reticulum. Although RyRs are expressed in many cell types, their roles have only been extensively characterised in tissues in which they are abundant: RyR1 is essential for excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle; whereas RyR2 is required for the analogous signal transduction pathway in heart. Defects in RyR1 cause malignant hyperthermia and a spectrum of myopathies in skeletal muscle; whereas RyR2 dysregulation can result in fatal cardiac arrhythmias and is involved in heart failure. Altered RyR gating has been implicated in a range of other diseases, including epilepsy, neurodegeneration,...

Ordinal pattern based similarity analysis for EEG recordings.

Clinical Neurophysiology — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that dissimilarity measures between EEG segments during the same brain state were significant smaller that those during different states. This suggested that the dissimilarity measure, based on the ordinal patterns in the time series, could be used to detect changes in the dynamics of EEG data. Moreover, our results suggested that ordinal patterns in the EEG might be a potential characteristic of brain dynamics. SIGNIFICANCE: This dissimilarity measure is a promising method to reveal dynamic changes in EEG, for example as occur in the transition of epileptic seizures. This method is simple and fast, so might be applied in designing an automated closed-loop seizure prevention system for absence epilepsy. PMID: 20097130 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] ...

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High-Fat Diet Ends Epileptic Seizures For Boy

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:03:17 +0100

Epilepsy medication proved fruitless for 4-year-old Max Irvine, who was enduring more than 100 seizures a day. Then Mayo Clinic Pediatric Neurologist Elaine Wirrell proposed Max begin the Ketogenic Diet, which is very low in carbohydrates and super high in fats. Now, Max does not take any epilepsy medications and is seizure-free. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)

Epileptic Disorders

Springer Medicine titles — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:37:23 +0100

publishes articles concerned with the clinical manifestations of epilepsy, but with all aspects of the diagnosis, natural history and management of seizure disorders including neurophysiological, imaging and other ancillary techniques.A major feature of the journal is the video-sequences available on a DVD supplement included with each issue of the journal.The online ... (Source: Springer Medicine titles)

Cyberonics' VNS Therapy(TM) System Receives Regulatory Approval in Japan

HSMN NewsFeed — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:20:51 +0100

HOUSTON, Jan. 19 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Cyberonics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CYBX) today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has granted the company final regulatory approval to market and sell its VNS Therapy System for the epilep... Devices, Neurology, RegulatoryCyberonics, VNS Therapy, epilepsy (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

New help for teachers on dealing with epilepsy in the classroom

Scotsman.com News - Health — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

"PEOPLE see you differently," says 15-year-old Beth Mackie. "The teachers who were there when it happened said it was really scary and they didn't know what to (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Recognition of child abuse in the epilepsy monitoring unit.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tran L, Goyal M Despite being underreported and underrecognized, child maltreatment is one of the most common causes of childhood morbidity and mortality. The epilepsy monitoring unit is especially amenable for identification of those at risk because it involves direct observation of behavior for days at a time. Although nonepileptic events may suggest psychosocial etiologies, we describe a case where the diagnosis of child maltreatment was made when no habitual events were recorded in the epilepsy monitoring unit. PMID: 20096639 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

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A comparison of anastrozole and testosterone versus placebo and testosterone for treatment of sexual dysfunction in men with epilepsy and hypogonadism.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Herzog AG, Farina EL, Drislane FW, Schomer DL, Smithson SD, Fowler KM, Dworetzky BA, Bromfield EB Hyposexuality is commonly associated with low bioavailable testosterone (BAT) and relative estradiol elevation in men with epilepsy. This prospective, randomized, double-blind trial compared the effects of depotestosterone+the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole (T-A) versus depotestosterone+placebo (T-P) on sexual function, hormone levels, mood, and seizure frequency in men with epilepsy. Forty men with focal epilepsy, hyposexuality, and hypogonadism were randomized 1:1 to two groups (T-A or T-P) for a 3-month treatment trial of depotestosterone+either anastrozole or matching placebo. Outcomes included both efficacy and safety measures. Normalization of sexual function (S-score) occu...

Speech and oral motor profile after childhood hemispherectomy.

Brain and Language — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe the speech profiles of hemispherectomized participants characterizing their intelligibility, articulation, phonological speech errors, dysarthric features, and execution and sequencing of orofacial speech and non-speech movements. Thirteen participants who had undergone hemispherectomy (six left, seven right; nine with congenital, four with acquired hemiplegia; operated between four months and 13years) were investigated. Results showed that all participants were intelligible but showed a mild dysarthric profile characterized by neuromuscular asymmetry and reduced quality and coordination of movements, features that are characteristic of adult-onset unilateral upper motor neuron dysarthria, flaccid-ataxic variant. In addition, one left and four right hemispherectomy cases presen...

Abnormal TDP-43 expression is identified in the neocortex in cases of dementia pugilistica, but is mainly confined to the limbic system when identified in high and moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease

Neuropathology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The transactive response (TAR) DNA binding protein TDP-43 has been discovered to be a major ubiquitinated protein in frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated tau-negative inclusions (FTLD-U), which consequently has been renamed FTLD-TDP. However, TDP-43 has since been detected in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) but is often confined to the limbic region rather than the more widespread pattern seen in FTLD-TDP. Previous work has suggested some relationship between hippocampal sclerosis and TDP-43 expression. A number of AD cases of both moderate and high stage were examined to determine whether the pattern of TDP-43 immunohistochemical expression differed and whether any relationship to hippocampal sclerosis could be detected. Case...

Cynomorium songaricum Extracts Functionally Modulate Transporters of gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Monoamine.

Neurochemical Research — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhao G, Wang J, Qin GW, Guo LH Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (SY) is a central nervous system-oriented herb material that has actions of anti-dementia, anti-epilepsy, and anti-stress. It is unclear whether SY would be biologically active in functionally regulating neurotransmitter transporters. Here, we assessed these potential actions using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter (GAT-1), dopamine transporter (DAT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), or serotonin transporter (SERT) (i.e. G1, D8, N1, or S6 cells, respectively). It was shown that SY extracts, such as SYw, SYa, SYp, SYc, SYe, and SYb (SY water, ethanol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butyl alcohol extract, respectively) increased dopamine/norepinephrine (...