MedWorm: Epilepsy

The Brown University Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology Update — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:27 +0100

Risperidone Reduces Acute Manic Symptoms in Bipolar I YouthAripiprazole Study Indicates Promise for Atypicals in Treating Autism SymptomsCommentary by Lead Author Magali Haas, M.D., Ph.D.Weight Gain With Antipsychotics in Treatment-Naïve YouthQuetiapine vs. Risperidone in PsychosisMisuse of ADHD Drugs by College StudentsAdjunctive Lithium for Clozapine-Induced NeutropeniaAntiepileptic Drug Treatment and SchizophreniaTopiramate for Treating Tourette SyndromeLamotrigine-Induced Mania in an Epileptic Child With AutismNew ApprovalUpdated List of Authorized GenericsSafe Drug Disposal (Source: The Brown University Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology Update)

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Development: Initiation of a new connection

Nature Reviews Neuroscience — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:26:26 +0100

Nature Reviews Neuroscience 10, 833 (2009). doi:10.1038/nrn2769 Author: Claudia Wiedemann The molecular mechanisms that regulate synapse formation are not well understood. Eroglu et al. show that thrombospondin (TSP) binding to the neuronal α2δ-1 receptor initiates the formation of new synapses in vitro and in vivo and that the anti-epileptic and analgesic drug (Source: Nature Reviews Neuroscience)

Analysis of Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Children of Taiwan

Pediatric Neurology — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:37:09 +0100

Convulsive status epilepticus is a medical emergency with significantly associated mortality and morbidity. The demographic data and outcomes of convulsive status epilepticus in children were collected for descriptive analysis. We retrospectively reviewed cases of convulsive status epilepticus in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Chang Gung Children's Hospital between 1999 and 2006. We enrolled 141 patients with 198 episodes of convulsive status epilepticus, aged 2 months to 18 years: 24.8% of first episodes developed convulsive status epilepticus, with a duration of over 60 minutes. First episodes of convulsive status epilepticus were most often evidenced in febrile status during acute central nerve system infections (48.2%), and in nonfebrile status during acute noncentral nerve syste...

Childhood Absence Epilepsy in Patients With Benign Focal Epileptiform Discharges

Pediatric Neurology — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:37:09 +0100

Few reports are available of ictal recordings in patients with benign focal epileptiform discharges. The study objective was to estimate the frequency of such recordings and to describe their clinical and electrophysiologic presentation. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing routine electroencephalography (EEG) with video during a 10-year period. Among 214 patients with benign focal epileptiform discharges, 5 patients were identified with recorded EEG seizures (2.3%). Epilepsy syndromes included one case of benign focal epilepsy of childhood, three cases of childhood absence epilepsy, and in one case the patient presented with both. Only 1 of the 214 patients (0.4%) had a seizure characteristic of benign focal epilepsy of childhood. A literature review reveal...

Metabolic Alterations During Valproic Acid Treatment: A Prospective Study

Pediatric Neurology — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:37:09 +0100

We prospectively examined the effects of valproic acid on the endocrine system and metabolic variables in epileptic children. Patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy were included in the study. Laboratory and clinical variables were assessed before and after 6 and 12 months of treatment. In total, 30 patients (mean age, 8.6 ± 4.4 years S.D.) were investigated. Body mass index and body mass index standard deviation scores of patients increased significantly during treatment. Although there was no statistical significance regarding fasting glucose, serum insulin, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and the insulin resistance index, a statistically significant increase in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels had occurred after 12 months of ...

Age-Dependent Spike Localization in Various Epileptic Syndromes

Pediatric Neurology — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:37:09 +0100

The electroencephalograms from 276 patients with localization-related epilepsy were analyzed to compare the distribution of spike foci in different age groups. Patients were divided into five groups according to spike location in the frontal, central, temporal, occipital, or multiple cortical regions. The age of peak incidence was earliest in patients with occipital foci, followed by those with central foci and then those with frontal foci. A bimodal age distribution of patients with temporal foci was observed. Symptomatic patients frequently exhibited multiple and frontal foci, and a large number of idiopathic patients had central, temporal, and occipital foci. Multiple foci were detected in 27.5% of idiopathic patients. Age-related spike localization was uniformly observed, regardless of...

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Novel heteroplasmic mutation in the anticodon stem of mitochondrial tRNALys associated with dystonia and stroke-like episodes

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion [ndash] The novel A8332G heteroplasmic mutation is most likely a new cause of dystonia and stroke-like episodes due to mitochondrial encephalopathy. The synergistic effect of the G8697A, A11812G and T10463C single nucleotide polymorphisms may modify the phenotype. (Source: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica)

Paper round: Friday

OnMedica Latest News — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Stem cell therapy for eyes, epilepsy as an art form, and moreRelated items from OnMedicaSwine flu prompts warning over critical care beds shortagesNICE draft guidance rejects use of cancer liver drugDaily alcohol consumption can lower heart diseaseGPs fail to consider their own end-of-life careNew osteoporosis risk scores highly effective (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Women With Multiple Sclerosis or Epilepsy Have Safe Pregnancies

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:27:49 +0100

New national data suggest that the 2 most common neurologic disorders affecting women of childbearing age are not stopping families, and the obstetric outcomes are good. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Epilepsy unit sales boost Cyberonics’ second quarter

bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:12:23 +0100

Cyberonics Inc. has posted record sales for its fiscal second quarter. (CYBX) (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines)

Epilepsy unit sales boost Cyberonics’ second quarter

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:12:23 +0100

Cyberonics Inc. has posted record sales for its fiscal second quarter. (CYBX) (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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Increased Risk Of Seizures Faced By Current Cigarette Smokers

Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

A recent study determined there is a significant risk of seizure for individuals who currently smoke cigarettes. Boston-based researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School also found that long-term, moderate intake of caffeine or alcohol does not increase the chance of having a seizure or developing epilepsy. (Source: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs News From Medical News Today)

Increased Risk Of Seizures Faced By Current Cigarette Smokers

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Smoking and seizure

Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:04:43 +0100

A recent study determined there is a significant risk of seizure for individuals who currently smoke cigarettes. Boston-based scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School also observed that long-term, moderate intake of caffeine or alcohol does not increase the chance of having a seizure or developing epilepsy. This is the first prospective study to examine the potential risks linked to cigarette smoking, caffeine intake, and alcohol consumption as they independently relate to epilepsy. Full findings of this study are currently available online and will appear in the February 2010 issue of Epilepsia, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the International League Against Epilepsy........ (Source: Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert)

Smoking Linked to Higher Seizure Risk in Women

Modern Medicine — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Women who smoke have a higher risk of seizure, while past smokers have a modestly increased risk of epilepsy, according to a study published in Epilepsia. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Smokers More Likely To Suffer Seizures

WDSU.com - Health — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:24:50 +0100

People who smoke cigarettes put themselves at a higher risk of seizures and epilepsy, according to a new study. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

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Explanation For Rapid Maturation Of Neurons At Birth Found By Duke Researchers

Neurology / Neuroscience News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

At the moment a newborn switches from amniotic fluid to breathing air, another profound shift occurs: nerve cells in the brain convert from hyperexcitability to a calm frame against which outside signals can be detected. "Fetal neurons need hyperexcitability for proper development, because they are moving to the right places (in the brain) and forming the right connections," said Wolfgang Liedtke, M.D., Ph.D. (Source: Neurology / Neuroscience News From Medical News Today)

Explanation For Rapid Maturation Of Neurons At Birth Found By Duke Researchers

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Neuronal Glutamate and GABA(A) Receptor Function in Health and Disease.

Biochemical Society Transactions — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:01:06 +0100

Authors: Moult PR Glutamate and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) are the predominant excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the mammalian CNS (central nervous system) respectively, and as such have undergone intense investigation. Given their predominance, it is no wonder that the reciprocal receptors for these neurotransmitters have attracted so much attention as potential targets for the promotion of health and the treatment of disease. Indeed, dysfunction of these receptors underlies a number of well-characterized neuropathological conditions such as anxiety, epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. Although intrinsically linked, the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems have, by and large, been investigated independently, with researchers falling into the 'excitatory' or 'inhib...

Rapid dendritic and axonal responses to neuronal insults.

Biochemical Society Transactions — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:29 +0100

Authors: Mizielinska SM, Greenwood SM, Tummala H, Connolly CN Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system playing critical roles in basal synaptic transmission and mechanisms of learning and memory. Under normal conditions, glutamate is sequestered within synaptic vesicles (~100 mM) with extracellular glutamate concentrations being limited (<1 muM), via retrieval by plasma-membrane transporters on neuronal and glial cells. In the case of central nervous system trauma, stroke, epilepsy, and in certain neurodegenerative diseases, increased concentrations of extracellular glutamate (by vesicular release, cell lysis and/or decreased glutamate transporter uptake/reversal) stimulate the overactivation of local ionotropic glutamate receptors t...

Potential role for ligand-gated ion channels after seizure-induced neurogenesis.

Biochemical Society Transactions — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:09 +0100

Authors: Swijsen A, Hoogland G, Rigo JM Epileptic seizures result in an increased generation of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of the adult mammalian hippocampus. The role of these seizure-induced newborn neurons in the process of epileptogenesis remains largely unknown. Recent work, however, suggests an aberrant incorporation of newborn cells into the existing hippocampal network in such a way that they promote hippocampal hyperexcitability. In the present review, we discuss current knowledge about the possible role of seizure-induced newly generated neurons and the putative involvement of ligand-gated ion channels in the process of epileptogenesis. PMID: 19909289 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biochemical Society Transactions)

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Current cigarette smokers at increased risk of seizures

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Wiley-Blackwell) A recent study determined there is a significant risk of seizure for individuals who currently smoke cigarettes. This is the first prospective study to examine the potential risks associated with cigarette smoking, caffeine intake, and alcohol consumption as they independently relate to epilepsy. Full findings of this study are currently available online and will appear in the February 2010 issue of Epilepsia, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the International League Against Epilepsy. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Current cigarette smokers at increased risk of seizures

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

A recent study determined there is a significant risk of seizure for individuals who currently smoke cigarettes. This is the first prospective study to examine the potential risks associated with cigarette smoking, caffeine intake, and alcohol consumption as they independently relate to epilepsy. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Sub-Saharan Africa News in brief: 4–18 November 2009

SciDev.Net — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:43:27 +0100

New programme to bolster Africa agriculture, malaria control method overlooked, traditional healers have key role in epilepsy, and more. (Source: SciDev.Net)

Functional cortical deafferentation from the subcortical structures in a patient with early myoclonic encephalopathy: A functional neuroimaging study

Epilepsia — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We, for the first time, used functional neuroimaging analyses for a girl with early myoclonic encephalopathy (EME). The interictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and [18F]-fluoro-d-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) at 1 month of age showed hypoperfusion and hypometabolism of bilateral basal ganglia, thalami, and the right parietooccipital cerebral cortices, showing that there is profound dysfunction of the basal ganglia and thalamus as well as cerebral cortex. On the other hand, subtraction ictal SPECT of tonic spasms clearly showed hyperperfusion of the bilateral basal ganglia, thalami, brainstem, and deep cortical layer of bilateral frontoparietal cortices. The present study suggests that functional deafferentation of the cortex from subcortical stru...

CSF phospho-tau is independent of age, cognitive status and gender of neurological patients

Journal of Neurology — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:45:43 +0100

Abstract CSF phospho-tau (p-tau181) levels have shown good diagnostic utility in differential diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Unlike total-tau (t-tau), age related changes of this promising biomarker are sparsely studied. The aim of the study was to determine whether p-tau181 is dependent on age, cognitive status or gender in patients with different neurological diseases who underwent diagnostic lumbar puncture and who had no clinical evidence of neurodegenerative diseases. CSF levels of p-tau181 and total-tau (t-tau) of 46 neurologic patients (age range 22–89 years; 22 male, 24 female) were analyzed. Clinical diagnoses were cerebral ischaemia (n = 6), multiple sclerosis (n = 13), epileptic seizures (n = 3), polyneuropathy (n&nbs...

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Antiepileptic Drug Curbs Cocaine Use

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:08:04 +0100

Vigabatrin, an epilepsy treatment, could break the vicious cycle of drug addiction and incarceration. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

WATCH: Diagnosing Epilepsy

ABC News: Health — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:10:31 +0100

Spotting the subtle signs of the disorder. Epilepsy - Health - Conditions and Diseases - Neurological Disorders - Organizations (Source: ABC News: Health)

Dravet syndrome and deep brain stimulation: Seizure control after 10 years of treatment

Epilepsia — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Dravet syndrome is a genetically determined severe epilepsy associated with cognitive decline and ataxia. The many types of seizures seen in these patients are typically pharmacoresistant. Here we describe two adults with Dravet syndrome who were treated with thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) and followed for 10 years. One patient with partial onset seizures received DBS at age 19 and showed a marked improvement in seizure control after DBS insertion and stimulation. The other patient with generalized onset seizures received DBS at age 34 and did not show any immediate benefit. No side effects or changes in cognition were observed in either of the patients. This is the first report of (short- and) long-term results in Dravet patients treated with thalamic DBS. We speculate that the res...

Prospects for Clinical Applications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Real-Time EEG in Epilepsy.

Brain Topography — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rotenberg A Recent advances in methods for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) enable its coupling to real-time EEG (TMS-EEG). Although TMS-EEG is applied largely in neurophysiology research, there are prospects for its use in clinical TMS practice, particularly in epilepsy where EEG is already in wide use, and where TMS is emerging as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. In diagnostic applications, TMS-EEG may provide a useful measure of cortical excitability at baseline or after antiepileptic treatment. For therapeutic purposes, TMS-EEG may be of use in selection of appropriate TMS strength outside of the motor cortex where the threshold for cortical activation is more apparent with the aid of EEG. In other realistic clinical applications, TMS-EEG may be of use in real-tim...

One son’s story: Getting to know my father thanks to advances in epilepsy medication

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:11:21 +0100

Steve Coldwell and his father, Stephen, in 1974 When I think of my father’s epilepsy, I always go back to a seizure he had during one of my Boy Scout camping trips. It wasn’t the first time I saw my dad have an epileptic seizure, but it was the first time I was the only member of our family around to deal with it. We were playing softball and he was at bat. After a pitch or two went past him, he simply let the bat fall to the ground and sat down on home plate. I immediately knew he was having a seizure, so I helped him up, walked him off the field and talked to him until he came back around. When my mother heard about it later, she was upset, asking why I hadn’t called her after it happened. I told her there was no point. It wasn’t like I had never seen my father have a seizure; t...

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Epilepsy in women

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:34 +0100

(Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry)

Darier Disease - Facts and Information

Disabled World — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:47:15 +0100

Occasionally, people who have Darier disease also experience a form of neurological disorder, such as epilepsy, depression, or a mild intellectual disability. Learning and behavioral difficulties have also been reported among persons with Darier disease. (Source: Disabled World)

On the discrimination of patho-physiological states in epilepsy by means of dynamical measures

Computers in Biology and Medicine — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:28:44 +0100

Abstract: In the present paper a number of techniques were applied to determine the effects of epileptic seizure on spontaneous ongoing EEG. The idea is that seizure represents transitions of an epileptic brain from its normal (chaotic) state to an abnormal (more ordered) state. Some nonlinear measures including correlation dimension, maximum Lyapunov exponent and wavelet entropy and a graphical tool, named recurrence plot, as well as a novel technique that collects some statistics of the state space organization were used to characterize interictal, preictal and ictal states and derivate a phase transition. The novelty of this work includes of introducing new types of indicators base upon some nonlinear features besides of proposing a new feature of point distribution in phase space. Our ...

Influence of sympathetic autonomic arousal on tics: Implications for a therapeutic behavioral intervention for Tourette syndrome

Journal of Psychosomatic Research — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:19:38 +0100

Conclusion: These findings indicate that the conjunction of focused attention to task and reduced peripheral sympathetic tone inhibits tic expression and suggests a potential therapeutic role of biofeedback relaxation training for tic management in patients with TS. (Source: Journal of Psychosomatic Research)

National Expressions of Courage Art Contest Unveils Stories of Inspiration(Nov 16, 2009)

Johnson and Johnson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:06:22 +0100

Raritan, NJ (November 16, 2009 - Epilepsy and seizures affect nearly 3 million Americans of all ages and in 70 percent of new cases, no cause is apparent. Those who live daily with the condition have no way of knowing when the next seizure will occur, how long it will last or where they will be, often experiencing a roller coaster of emotions as they cope with the condition. The wonder behind the diagnosis, the perseverance in managing it, and the support received through family and friends are some examples of the stories told through artwork in the 2009 Expressions of Courage® art contest, a national art competition inviting people with epilepsy to submit creative artwork conveying their feelings of living with epilepsy..... (Source: Johnson and Johnson)

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Carbamazepine: Exacerbation of idiopathic generalised epilepsy: case report

Reactions — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:06:44 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Epilepsy with dual pathology: Surgical treatment of cortical dysplasia accompanied by hippocampal sclerosis

Epilepsia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We show that patients with complete resection of epileptogenic area, the presence of dysmorphic neurons or balloon cells on histopathology, or resection of hippocampus have a higher chance of a favorable surgical outcome. We believe that this observation is useful in planning of surgical procedures and predicting the prognoses of individual patients with FCD patients accompanied by HS. (Source: Epilepsia)

Potential of wind turbines to elicit seizures under various meteorological conditions

Epilepsia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Purpose: To determine the potential risk of epileptic seizures from wind turbine shadow flicker under various meteorologic conditions.Methods: We extend a previous model to include attenuation of sunlight by the atmosphere using the libradtran radiative transfer code.Results: Under conditions in which observers look toward the horizon with their eyes open we find that there is risk when the observer is closer than 1.2 times the total turbine height when on land, and 2.8 times the total turbine height in marine environments, the risk limited by the size of the image of the sun's disc on the retina. When looking at the ground, where the shadow of the blade is cast, observers are at risk only when at a distance (Source: Epilepsia)

Meta-analysis of the association between cysticercosis and epilepsy in Africa

Epilepsia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: The variability of the association found between the studies could be due to differences in study design or in pathogenesis of cysticercosis. Further studies should overcome identified problems by following some guidelines to improve epidemiologic and clinical assessment of the association. Better understanding of the relation between cysticercosis and epilepsy is a key issue in improving prevention of epilepsy in Africa. (Source: Epilepsia)

Comparison of the antiepileptogenic effects of an early long-term treatment with ethosuximide or levetiracetam in a genetic animal model of absence epilepsy

Epilepsia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: These findings suggest that absence epilepsy in this strain of rats very likely follows an epileptogenic process during life and that early therapeutic intervention is possible, thereby opening a new area of research for absence epilepsy and AED treatment strategies. (Source: Epilepsia)

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Transient shivering during Wada test provides insight into human thermoregulation

Epilepsia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Transient shivering during the Wada test is common. A transient but selective functional lesion of the anterior hypothalamus produced by the effects of sodium amobarbital may result in disinhibition of the posterior hypothalamus and other brainstem thermoregulatory centers, thereby inducing transient shivering. (Source: Epilepsia)

Idiopathic generalized epilepsies: a follow-up study in a single-center

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions [ndash] Most of patients with IGEs can be successfully treated with monotherapy. Refractory seizures in some patients may be because of avoidable factors, especially in young women. (Source: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica)

Call for Entries: Submit Your Short Video to the Neuro Film Festival

ScanGrants feed — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

One in six Americans is affected by a brain disorder such as Alzheimer's disease, migraine, autism, MS, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, ALS, stroke, and more. Make a film telling us your story, or the story of a loved one, affected by a brain disorder. Help us make the case for why more brain research is needed to find cures. Win Up to $1,500 in Prizes Eligible entries could win up to $1,500 in prizes. You don't have to be an expert filmmaker to share your story. Learn more about contest rules and guidelines and judging criteria. DEADLINE: February 16, 2010 Contest Prizes Three prizes are offered for different audience types and achievement levels. Anyone participating in the contest is eligible for the $1,000 Filmmaker Prize or the $500 Storyteller Prize. All entries are automatical...

Characterization of double ring chromosome 4 mosaicism associated with bilateral hip dislocation, cortical dysgenesis, and epilepsy

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We present the clinical and molecular findings in a Turkish child with a de novo mosaic ring derived from chromosome 4 with multiple cell-lines; the karyotype was 46,XY,r(4)[83]/45,XY, -4[6]/47,XY,r(4),+r(4)[5]/48,XY,r(4),+r(4),+dic r(4)[1]/46,XY[5]. The patient is a 20-month-old male who was the first pregnancy of nonconsanguineous parents. The baby was delivered at term with a birth weight of 1,700 g ( (Source: American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A)

Diffusion tensor tractography detection of functional pathway for the spread of epileptiform activity between temporal lobe and Rolandic region

Child's Nervous System — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:54:27 +0100

Conclusion We have found aberrant tractography pathway traversing through the external capsule, connecting two distant foci of epileptiform activity. Chronic interictal epileptogenic discharge could play a causal role in the de novo organization of these tracts. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00381-009-1017-1Authors Ratan D. Bhardwaj, The Hospital for Sick Children Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery Suite 2608—12 Yonge Street Toronto ON Canada M5E 1Z9Sina Zarei Mahmoodabadi, The Hospital for Sick Children Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology Toronto ON CanadaHiroshi Otsubo, The Hospital for Sick Children Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics Toronto ON CanadaO. Carter Snead, The Hospital for Sick ...

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Improvement of Clinical Language Localization with an Overt Semantic and Syntactic Language Functional MR Imaging Paradigm [FUNCTIONAL]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:02:24 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: We developed a clinical language fMRI design that integrates various relevant aspects of everyday language demands and provides robust localization of core language areas. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

[18F] Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron-Emission Tomography and MR Imaging Coregistration for Presurgical Evaluation of Medically Refractory Epilepsy [REVIEW ARTICLES]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:02:23 +0100

SUMMARY: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population of the world. Approximately one third of patients with epilepsy remain refractory to medical therapy. For these patients, surgery is a curative option. In order for surgery to be considered, precise localization of the structural abnormality is needed. When MR imaging findings are normal, more sensitive techniques such as positron-emission tomography (PET) can help find the abnormality. Combining MR imaging and PET information increases the sensitivity of the presurgical evaluation. In this review, we discuss the clinical applications of coregistration of [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET with MR imaging for medically refractory epilepsy. Because FDG-PET/MR imaging coregistration has been a routine compon...

[Frontal syndrome resulting from an intracerebral amyloidoma.]

Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:34:03 +0100

Authors: Van Roy J, de Bie J A 51-year-old woman suffering an epileptic seizure came to the emergency unit. A ct scan showed a mass lesion in the right frontal lobe. The psychiatric examination indicated a frontal syndrome with severe cognitive impairment. A stereotactical biopsy was carried out. Histopathology produced an unusual diagnosis, namely an intracerebral amyloidoma. By reviewing the literature on intracerebral amyloidoma we were able to compare the psychiatric symptoms of published cases with those of this case. PMID: 19904710 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie)

Status epilepticus affects the gigantocellular network of the pontine reticular formation

BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We argue that the observed slow oscillation corresponds to the late periodic epileptiform discharge phase of status epilepticus, and that the PRF may be involved in the progression of status epilepticus. (Source: BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles)

[An epileptic pruritus.]

Presse Medicale — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Facione J, Andriamanantena D, Cinquetti G, Banal F, Salles Y, Graffin B PMID: 19914794 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Presse Medicale)

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[Epilepsy and driving : Background, new German guidelines and comments.]

Der Nervenarzt — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bauer J, Neumann M The German guidelines for driving licenses concerning people with epilepsy or those who experienced single epileptic seizures have been revised. In cases of epilepsy a seizure-free period of 12 months is required for group 1 drivers (e.g. passenger cars). A seizure-free period of 5 years without antiepileptic drugs is mandatory for group 2 drivers (e.g. trucks) with epilepsy. A seizure-free interval of 3 months (group 1) or 6 months (group 2) is required after a single epileptic seizure caused by a plausible provocative factor. The guidelines stress that people who experienced a seizure induced by sleep deprivation may have a genetic disposition to generalized seizures. In such patients a complete electroencephalographic work-up is necessary before conclusio...

The epileptic seizure and the mystery of death in Christian painting.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article, originating from a case report, shows how some Christian painting alludes to renaissance after a seizure and to the parallelism between the patient with epilepsy and the destiny of Christ. Special attention is paid to Raphael's, in this respect particularly complex work, The Transfiguration. PMID: 19914875 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

Who Can We Trust?

Psychology Today Sex Center — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:23:21 +0100

Neurontin might not be a drug for sexual problems, but this week's controversy surrounding it speaks volumes for the concerns I have about a number of the drug studies that I read in medical journals. These are journals I should be able to trust, but trust does not always run deep when so much of a journal's revenue comes from the big glossy ads that the drug companies place in them.It's also difficult to feel trust when so many of the "unbiased" journal studies list authors who are employees of the drug companies. But even before the studies had to list the ringers from big pharm, I would often scratch my head thinking "Why did the authors ignore this?" or "Why did they create their own instrument to measure the results when others already exist?" I have often wondered if they didn't hire...

Reports on Pfizer drug studies misleading: review

CBC | Health — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:57:59 +0100

Analysis of a dozen published studies testing possible new uses for a Pfizer Inc. epilepsy drug found that reporting of the results was often misleading, indicating the medicine worked better than internal company documents showed. (Source: CBC | Health)

A rising tide of calcium channels in acquired epilepsy

Future Neurology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:30:04 +0100

Future Neurology , November 2009, Vol. 4, No. 6, Pages 679-682. (Source: Future Neurology)

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Original article Usefulness of silicone elastomer drains in endoscopic treatment of arachnoid cysts – preliminary report

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:07:08 +0100

Conclusions: Regarding safety, replicability, efficacy and low complication rate, use of a silicone elastomer catheter is a promising solution in the endoscopic treatment of selected patients with AC. (Source: Articles of Videosurgery and Other Miniinvasive Techniques - TERMEDIA publishing house)

Uganda: What Country Needs to Know About Epilepsy

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:01:51 +0100

LAST week as I travelled in a taxi, a child who was crossing, suddenly fell in the middle of the road in a fit. It took about three minutes before he regained consciousness. This child must have been epileptic. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Report: Trial Results For Pfizer Drug Skewed

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A cohort study of the prevalence of sleep problems in adults with intellectual disabilities

Journal of Sleep Research — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to determine the prevalence and associations of sleep problems in the adult population with ID. The 4-week period prevalence of sleep problems was determined in a cross-sectional study of all adults with ID in a defined geographical area. Sleep problems were identified using the Psychiatric Assessment Scale for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (PAS-ADD) checklist and categorized as initial insomnia, early morning wakening and broken sleep. A fourth, composite, variable of significant sleep problem was also derived. Of the 1023 adults with ID who participated, 9.2% had experienced a significant sleep problem, during the 1-month period. Individuals with a significant sleep problem are more likely to have mental ill-health [odds ratio (OR) = 5.53, 95% confidence interval...

Gene Expression Analysis of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Cortical Tubers Reveals Increased Expression of Adhesion and Inflammatory Factors

Brain Pathology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Cortical tubers in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex are associated with disabling neurological manifestations, including intractable epilepsy. While these malformations are believed to result from the effects of TSC1 or TSC2 gene mutations, the molecular mechanisms leading to tuber formation, as well as the onset of seizures, remain largely unknown. We used the Affymetrix Gene Chip platform to provide the first genome-wide investigation of gene expression in surgically resected tubers, compared with histological normal perituberal tissue from the same patients or autopsy control tissue. We identified 2501 differentially expressed genes in cortical tubers compared with autopsy controls. Expression of genes associated with cell adhesion, for example, VCAM1, integrins and CD44, or wit...

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Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance and impulsivity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy: Suicidal risk and suicide attempts.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Executive performance has a major impact on suicide risk and suicide attempts in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. PMID: 19914140 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

Review: Reports on Pfizer drug studies misleading

USATODAY.com Health — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:12:35 +0100

Analysis of a dozen published studies testing possible new uses for a Pfizer Inc. epilepsy drug found that reporting of the results ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Report shows Pfizer's hand in Neurontin studies

Reuters: Health — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:19:25 +0100

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A study of internal company documents suggests Pfizer Inc altered or omitted unfavorable study findings to expand its epilepsy drug Neurontin's market, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday, offering a look at how drugmakers influence scientific research. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Trial Data on Anti-Seizure Drug Might Have Been Manipulated

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:00:00 +0100

Study found outcome measures differed between company documents, published reports Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Epilepsy, Seizures, Understanding Medical Research (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Central neurological complications in critically ill patients with malignancies

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:19:20 +0100

Conclusion In cancer patients, central neurological events are mainly related to malignant brain infiltration and drug-related toxicity. Despite advanced severity, a standardized intensive management strategy yields a 55% hospital survival rate. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory OriginalDOI 10.1007/s00134-009-1709-8Authors Stéphane Legriel, Hôpital Saint-Louis Medical Intensive Care Unit, AP-HP 75010 Paris FranceHélène Marijon, Hôpital Saint-Louis Medical Intensive Care Unit, AP-HP 75010 Paris FranceMichael Darmon, Hôpital Saint-Louis Medical Intensive Care Unit, AP-HP 75010 Paris FranceVirginie Lemiale, Hôpital Saint-Louis Medical Intensive Care Unit, AP-HP 75010 Paris FranceJean-Pierre Bedos, Hôpital Saint-Louis Medical Intensive Care Unit, AP-HP 75010 Par...

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Narcolepsy presenting as refractory epilepsy

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:13:52 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Scientific Letters to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s12098-009-0211-1Authors Anup Kumar Singh, Government Medical College & Hospital Department of Pulmonary Medicine Chandigarh IndiaAbhijeet Saha, Government Medical College & Hospital Department of Pediatrics Chandigarh IndiaNaveen Dutt, Government Medical College & Hospital Department of Pulmonary Medicine Chandigarh IndiaP. R. Mohapatra, Government Medical College & Hospital Department of Pulmonary Medicine Chandigarh IndiaA. K. Janmeja, Government Medical College & Hospital Department of Pulmonary Medicine Chandigarh IndiaAnuradha Bansal, Government Medical College & Hospital Department of Pediatrics Chandigarh India Journal Indian Journal of PediatricsOnline ISSN 0973-7693Print ISSN 0019-5456 ...

Neurologists Receive New Patient Education Resources from Vivacare for Epilepsy Awareness Month

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:13:24 +0100

Vivacare.com provides leading neurologists with new in-depth patient education tools for their epilepsy patients in honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month. (PRWeb Nov 11, 2009) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/epilepsy_education/vivacare_neurologists/prweb3181604.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

NeuroTherapeutics Pharma Receives Investment From The Epilepsy Therapy Project

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Analysis finds reports on Pfizer epilepsy drug studies misleading; drugmaker disputes review

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Analysis of a dozen studies testing possible new uses for a Pfizer Inc. epilepsy drug found the published results were often fudged, indicating the medicine worked better than internal company documents showed. According to the report, when a company-... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

NeuroTherapeutics Pharma Receives Investment From The Epilepsy Therapy Project

Epilepsy News From Medical News Today — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

NeuroTherapeutics Pharma, Inc., or NTP, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced that it received a $100,000 investment from the Epilepsy Therapy Project. The Epilepsy Therapy Project invests in promising research efforts in order to help make new therapies a reality for patients, and the investment in NTP is one of the largest made in its history. (Source: Epilepsy News From Medical News Today)

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Ikano Therapeutics Receives Orphan Drug Designation For Epilepsy Drug

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Ikano Therapeutics Receives Orphan Drug Designation For Epilepsy Drug

Epilepsy News From Medical News Today — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Ikano Therapeutics, Inc. (ITI) announced that it has received Orphan Drug designation for midazolam in the acute treatment of certain forms of epileptic seizure known as cluster seizures or alternatively, as acute repetitive seizures. ITI has a nasally administered form of midazolam called ITI-111 in late stage clinical development that is aimed at the treatment of these specific seizure types in an outpatient setting where other routes of administration can be difficult or inappropriate. (Source: Epilepsy News From Medical News Today)

Three-dimensional relationships between perisynaptic astroglia and human hippocampal synapses

Glia — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Perisynaptic astroglia are critical for normal synaptic development and function. Little is known, however, about perisynaptic astroglia in the human hippocampus. When mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is refractory to medication, surgical removal is required for seizure quiescence. To investigate perisynaptic astroglia in human hippocampus, we recovered slices for several hours in vitro from three surgical specimens and then quickly fixed them to achieve high-quality ultrastructure. Histological samples from each case were found to have mesial temporal sclerosis with Blumcke Type 1a (mild, moderate) or 1b (severe) pathology. Quantitative analysis through serial section transmission electron microscopy in CA1 stratum radiatum revealed more synapses in the mild (10/10 [mu]m3) than the mo...

Placebo Effect in Canine Epilepsy Trials

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The placebo effect is a well-recognized phenomenon in human medicine; in contrast, little information exists on the effect of placebo administration in veterinary patients. Nonpharmacologic therapeutic effects play a role in response rates identified in canine epilepsy trials. Thirty-four dogs with epilepsy. Meta-analysis of the 3 known prospective, placebo-controlled canine epilepsy trials. The number of seizures per week was compiled for each dog throughout their participation in the trial. Log-linear models were developed to evaluate seizure frequency during treatment and placebo relative to baseline. Twenty-two of 28 (79%) dogs in the study that received placebo demonstrated a decrease in seizure frequency compared with baseline, and 8 (29%) could be considered responders, with a 50% o...

A cohort study of the prevalence of sleep problems in adults with intellectual disabilities.

Journal of Sleep Research — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

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Knowledge of, perception of, and attitudes toward epilepsy of schoolchildren in Ankara and the effect of an educational program.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bozkaya IO, Arhan E, Serdaroglu A, Soysal AS, Ozkan S, Gucuyener K Epilepsy is one of the most common serious chronic brain disorders of childhood and carries a strong social stigma. It has been generally accepted that educational programs can be beneficial in reducing the stigma of a number of chronic diseases such as epilepsy. In this article, we describe the first Turkish survey of primary school students' knowledge of and attitudes toward epilepsy and the effect of an epilepsy education program on the understanding of epilepsy in schoolchildren attending three different upper-middle schools in the city of Ankara. The epilepsy education program was found to be associated with a significant increase in knowledge of and positive attitudes toward epilepsy. In addition, student...

Are psychiatric disorders independent risk factors for new-onset epilepsy in older individuals?

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We examined data from a sample of older veterans (>65years) receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration during fiscal year 2000. We compared individuals with new-onset epilepsy and individuals without epilepsy to examine the extent to which psychiatric disorders were associated with new-onset epilepsy; this analysis controlled for demographic and premorbid neurological risk factors previously associated with new-onset epilepsy. Premorbid psychiatric conditions occurred at higher rates in the epilepsy versus nonepilepsy groups, foremost including depression (17% vs 12%), anxiety (12% vs 8%), psychosis (12% vs 5%), and substance abuse (8% vs 4%). However, in the final model, only psychosis (OR=1.4, CI 1.2-1.6) was significantly associated with epilepsy when controlling for neur...

Fixation-off sensitivity with atypical presentation: Clinical and video/EEG documentation.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Saadeldin IY A 9-year 2-month-old Saudi boy of normal intelligence was brought to a pediatric neurology clinic because of episodes of abnormal behavior associated with disorientation and confusion and postictal amnesia. Video/EEG evaluation unexpectedly documented the presence of fixation-off sensitivity. PMID: 19913461 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

Is Postoperative CT Scanning Predictive of Subdural Electrode Placement Complications in Pediatric Epileptic Patients?

Pediatric Neurosurgery — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Pediatr Neurosurg 2009;45:345-349 (DOI:10.1159/000257522) (Source: Pediatric Neurosurgery)

New Study Challenges Established Ideas About Long And Short Term Memory

Epilepsy News From Medical News Today — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0100

Researchers in the UK are challenging the long-established idea that our brains use different mechanisms for making long and short term memories: they suggest that while some mechanisms are separate, other mechanisms are shared. (Source: Epilepsy News From Medical News Today)

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Heterogeneous seizure manifestations in Hypomelanosis of Ito: report of four new cases and review of the literature

Neurological Sciences — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:08:58 +0100

We report on four new HI patients presenting with heterogeneous seizure manifestations and we review the literature concerning epileptic seizures in HI. At one extreme, there are patients with generalized seizures well controlled by drug treatment, whereas at the opposite there are patients with severe, often pharmacoresistant, focal seizures. The genetic substrate for HI syndrome is not homogenous and only partially understood. Further researches are required to shed light on the pathogenesis of HI phenotypes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0160-5Authors Komi Assogba, Centre Saint-Paul, Hôpital Henri Gastaut Marseille FranceEdoardo Ferlazzo, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo” Messina ItalyPasquale Striano, University of Genoa Mu...

Comparison of temporal lobectomies of children and adults with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy

Child's Nervous System — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:54:58 +0100

Conclusion Patients undergoing TL during childhood compared to during adulthood had distinctively different interictal EEG, resectional extents, and pathologic findings. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00381-009-1015-3Authors Yun Jin Lee, Yonsei University Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic, Severance Children’s Hospital, Brain Research Institute, College of Medicine Seoul Republic of KoreaHoon-Chul Kang, Yonsei University Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic, Severance Children’s Hospital, Brain Research Institute, College of Medicine Seoul Republic of KoreaSun Joon Bae, Yonsei University Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Severance Hospital, College of Medicine Seoul Republic of KoreaHeu...

Electrophysiological actions of zonisamide on striatal neurons: selective neuroprotection against complex I mitochondrial dysfunction.

Experimental Neurology — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Costa C, Tozzi A, Luchetti E, Siliquini S, Belcastro V, Tantucci M, Picconi B, Ientile R, Calabresi P, Pisani F Since the anti-epileptic drug Zonisamide (ZNS) seems to exert beneficial effects in Parkinson's (PD) disease, we have investigated the electrophysiological effects of ZNS in a rat corticostriatal slice preparation. ZNS affected neither the resting membrane potential nor the input resistance of the putative striatal spiny neurons. In contrast, this drug depressed in a dose-dependent manner the current-evoked repetitive firing discharge with a EC(50) value of 16.38 muM. ZNS also reduced the amplitude of glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) with a EC(50) value of 32.5 muM. Reduced activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, particularly complex ...

Knowledge of epilepsy in the general population based on two French cities: Implications for stigma.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study yielded encouraging results. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and gain a better understanding of the contribution of French public knowledge to the causative factors generating stigma in France. PMID: 19910262 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

Patient beliefs about epilepsy and brain surgery in a multicultural urban population.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Prus N, Grant AC We assessed beliefs about epilepsy and brain surgery and the use of alternative epilepsy treatments in a culturally diverse population of people with epilepsy (PWE). Data were obtained from a structured questionnaire administered to 109 PWE treated at a single epilepsy center. Patients were born in 17 countries on five continents. Most patients identified culturally with the Caribbean (41%), United States (39%), or Latin America (9%). Sixty-nine percent of patients endorsed at least one of five stigma-related questions, and 77% used at least one alternative epilepsy treatment. Brain surgery was rated as having a mean dangerousness of 8.3 (on a scale of 1 to 10) among the 94 patients with no history of neurosurgery. In addition, 51% of these patients would not ...

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Effect of general anesthesia in patients with epilepsy: A population-based study.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Benish SM, Cascino GD, Warner ME, Worrell GA, Wass CT General anesthesia may be required for particular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in patients with seizure disorders. There is concern regarding the safety of anesthetic drugs in these individuals because of the reported proconvulsant effect of selected medications. Potentially, general anesthesia may be associated with perioperative seizures or increased adverse effects in people with epilepsy. The rationale for the present study was to evaluate the outcome of general anesthesia in a population-based cohort with seizure disorders undergoing interventions that were unlikely to alter the seizure tendency, for example, magnetic resonance imaging study. Seizures were observed in only 6 of 297 (2%) anesthetic procedures, ...

The operational model of a network for managing patients with convulsive epilepsy in rural West China.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This pragmatic procedure suggests that the network could be suitable for managing convulsive epilepsy in resource-poor regions. Such a network could depend on existing primary health services to ensure its sustainability. PMID: 19910259 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

Partial seizures are associated with early increases in signal complexity.

Clinical Neurophysiology — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Partial onset seizures are associated with early increases in signal complexity as measured by GAD. This increase is independent of the location of the seizure focus. SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the often predominant rhythmic activity that characterizes onset and early evolution of epileptic seizures, partial seizure onset is associated with an early increase in complexity. These changes are common to partial seizures originating from different brain regions, indicating a similar seizure dynamic. PMID: 19910249 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Pearls & Oy-sters: Soft-tissue necrosis as a result of intravenous leakage of phenytoin

Neurology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:01:48 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

CONGENITAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY WITH DEFECTIVE {alpha}-DYSTROGLYCAN, CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA, AND EPILEPSY

Neurology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:01:48 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

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Childhood Chorea With Cerebral Hypotrophy: A Treatable GLUT1 Energy Failure Syndrome [Observation]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:51:42 +0100

Conclusions To date, glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome includes several epileptic and movement disorder phenotypes caused by the clinical expressivity of the prominent cortical, basal ganglia, and cerebellar abnormalities found in the disease, but hypomorphic or novel variants are probably yet to be discovered. (Source: Archives of Neurology)

The Value of Specifying Brand-name Antiepileptic Drugs [Controversies in Neurology]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:51:42 +0100

(Source: Archives of Neurology)

Generic Anticonvulsant Use in Children: Do We Have Evidence to Recommend Brand Formulations? [Controversies in Neurology]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:51:42 +0100

(Source: Archives of Neurology)

The Cost of Gullibility [Controversies in Neurology]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:51:42 +0100

(Source: Archives of Neurology)

Health minister to consult nurses on epilepsy care

Nursing Times Breaking News — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:01:00 +0100

Health minister Ann Keen has pledged to meet with epilepsy specialist nurses in an effort to improve services for patients with the condition. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

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Video-Brain Bucket for Epilepsy

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

More than 3 million people in the United States have epilepsy. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Effects of auricular electrical stimulation on vagal activity in healthy men: Evidence from a three-armed randomized trial

Clinical Science — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The activity of the vagus nerve is negatively associated with risk factors such as stress and smoking, morbidity, and mortality. In contrast it is also a target of therapeutic intervention. Vagus nerve stimulation is used in depression and epilepsy. Due to its high invasivity and exclusive application to therapy-resistant patients, there is interest in less invasive methods affecting the vagus nerve. Several studies examining acupuncture report beneficial effects on vagal activity. However, findings are inconsistent and applied methods are heterogeneous resulting in difficulties in interpretation. The purpose of the present study was evaluation of the effects of acupuncture on vagal activity in a three-armed randomized trial while controlling several disturbing factors. Fourteen healthy me...

Vomiting due to intravenous levetiracetam in a case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Belcastro V, Mattucci E, Rossi A, Calabresi P, Tambasco N PMID: 19906565 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

Forebrain Neurogenesis after Focal Ischemic and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Neurobiology of Disease — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kernie SG, Parent JM Neural stem cells persist in the adult mammalian forebrain and are a potential source of neurons for repair after brain injury. The two main areas of persistent neurogenesis, the subventricular zone (SVZ)-olfactory bulb pathway and hippocampal dentate gyrus, are stimulated by brain insults such as stroke or trauma. Here we focus on the effects of focal cerebral ischemia on SVZ neural progenitor cells in experimental stroke, and the influence of mechanical injury on adult hippocampal neurogenesis in models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Stroke potently stimulates forebrain SVZ cell proliferation and neurogenesis. SVZ neuroblasts are induced to migrate to the injured striatum, and to a lesser extent to the peri-infarct cortex. Controversy exists as to the ...

Developmental delay could stem from nicotinic receptor deletion

Baylor College of Medicine News — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The loss of a gene through deletion of genetic material on chromosome 15 is associated with significant abnormalities in learning and behavior, said a consortium of researchers led by Baylor College of Medicine in a report that appears online today in the journal Nature Genetics . "This research goes about 95 percent of the way to pinning these problems in a specific group of individuals to this gene," said Dr. Arthur L. Beaudet , chair of molecular and human genetics at BCM. He believes that the deletion will be identified in other people with behavioral problems as well as schizophrenia, developmental delay and epilepsy. The gene's role in schizophrenia has been under study for some time. Rare defect Previously, a larger deletion containing more genes had been reported in peopl...

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Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blinded Comparative Trial of Intravenous Levetiracetam Versus Phenytoin for Seizure Prophylaxis

Neurocritical Care — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:37:00 +0100

Conclusions This study of LEV versus PHT for seizure prevention in the NSICU showed improved long-term outcomes of LEV-treated patients vis-à-vis PHT-treated patients. LEV appears to be an alternative to PHT for seizure prophylaxis in this setting. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s12028-009-9304-yAuthors Jerzy P. Szaflarski, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center Department of Neurology 260 Stetson Street, Rm. 2350 Cincinnati OH 45267-0525 USAKiranpal S. Sangha, The University Hospital Department of Pharmacy Services Cincinnati OH USAChristopher J. Lindsell, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center Department of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati OH USALori A. Shutter, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center Departme...

Substrate deprivation therapy in juvenile Sandhoff disease

Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:34:22 +0100

Summary Substrate deprivation therapy has been successfully applied in a number of lysosomal storage diseases, such as Gaucher disease. So far only limited experience is available in Sandhoff disease. We initiated substrate deprivation therapy in one male patient, who initially presented at the age of 3.5 years with epilepsy and regression in motor skills and speech development. Juvenile Sandhoff disease was diagnosed on the basis of a decreased hexosaminidase activity in leukocytes and a homozygous HEXB gene mutation. After the epilepsy was controlled, the clinical course remained stable for years, defined by a mild proximal myopathy and stable mental retardation. At 14 years of age the patient experienced a second episode with progressively worsening general condition wit...

The circadian rhythm and its interaction with human epilepsy: A review of literature

Sleep Medicine Reviews — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:10:23 +0100

Summary: Knowledge on the interaction between circadian rhythm and human epilepsy is relatively poor, although if it exists, this interaction may be of value for better knowledge of pathophysiology and for timing of diagnostic procedures and therapy. It appears that human seizure occurrence may have 24-h rhythmicity, depending on the origin. These findings are endorsed by animal studies. Rats placed in constant darkness showed spontaneous limbic seizures occurring in an endogenously mediated circadian pattern. More studies are available on the influence of epilepsy on circadian rhythms. Significant differences in chronotypes between patients with different epilepsy syndromes have been found and numerous studies have described influences of epilepsy and seizures on sleep. In contrast, knowl...

Incidence and risk factors for seizures after heart transplantation

Journal of Neurology — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:34:02 +0100

We examined the incidence of seizures from a population of adult patients who had received heart transplants over a period of 3 years. Brain MRI and clinical data were analysed to identify the risk factors for the seizures. Eight of the 166 post-transplant patients presented seizures (4.8%). The first seizures occurred with a mean of 30 days after the transplantation. For seven patients, the mean delay was 8 days, and for one, it was longer, 172 days. The analysis of brain MRI showed two main epileptogenic factors in the early post-transplant seizures: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) due to cyclosporine treatment (n = 4) and cortical ischemic stroke (n = 5). In two patients, we identified multiple epileptogenic factors, inclu...

Comorbidity between epilepsy and depression: role of hippocampal interleukin-1beta.

Neurobiology of Disease — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We examined whether pharmacological blockade of hippocampal interleukin-1 receptor exerts antidepressant effects in an animal model of comorbidity between TLE and depression, which developed in Wistar rats following pilocarpine status epilepticus (SE). In post-SE animals, depression-like state was characterized by behavioral equivalents of anhedonia and despair; dysregulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis; compromised raphe-hippocampal serotonergic transmission. Two-week long bilateral intrahippocampal infusion of human recombinant Interleukin-1 Receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) improved all of the examined depressive impairments, without modifying spontaneous seizure frequency and without affecting normal parameters in naïve rats. These findings implicate hippocampal IL...

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Antiepileptic drug retigabine filed for approval in EU and US

NeLM - News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: PharmaTimes Area: News GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International have filed their investigational treatment retigabine for marketing approval in the EU and the US, as adjunctive therapy to treat adult epilepsy patients with partial-onset seizures. Retigabine is neuronal potassium channel opener. (Source: NeLM - News)

Recurrent Seizures Related to Motor Cortex Stimulator Programming

Neuromodulation — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Despite the overall safety of MCS for the treatment of chronic pain, seizures during and after programming are a serious risk that should be anticipated. In this group of patients, seizures were associated only with stimulus rates between 70 and 90 Hz. No patient developed chronic epilepsy from the stimulation. (Source: Neuromodulation)

Update on autism: A review of 1300 reports published in 2008.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hughes JR This publication, by reviewing 1300 studies published on autism in 2008, represents an update on this topic. Results include possible parental influences, maternal conditions, and studies on genes and chromosomes. Possible etiological factors involve the "extreme male brain," defects in the mirror neuron system, vaccines, underconnectivity, disorders of central coherence, and many other more specific etiologies. Assessments or tests for autism are also reviewed. Characteristics of autistic individuals include repetitive behavior, language disorders, sleep disturbances, social problems, joint attention disorders, seizures, allergic reactions, and various behavioral changes. Cognitive changes involve IQ, reasoning, and verbal and language disorders. The savant syndrome...

Brooklyn girl winds up in hospital after being injected with H1N1 swine flu vaccine without parental permission

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) A six-year-old Brooklyn girl, Nikiyah Torres-Pierre, was hospitalized recently after being injected with the swine flu vaccine. The vaccination was conducted entirely without her parents' permission in an incident school nurses are calling "a mistake."Mother Naomi Troy told the NY Daily News, "I was outraged." After receiving the swine flu injection, her daughter complained she was itching and her stomach was hurting. That's when school officials called an ambulance that rushed Nikiyah to the hospital.Nikiyah is epileptic and takes prescription medication to treat the condition. Her mother was concerned about the possible side effects of combining a swine flu vaccine shot with epilepsy drugs and was waiting to hear back from her doctor before giving the school permission to v...

Definition of drug resistant epilepsy: Consensus proposal by the ad hoc Task Force of the ILAE Commission on Therapeutic Strategies

Epilepsia — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

To improve patient care and facilitate clinical research, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) appointed a Task Force to formulate a consensus definition of drug resistant epilepsy. The overall framework of the definition has two "hierarchical" levels: Level 1 provides a general scheme to categorize response to each therapeutic intervention, including a minimum dataset of knowledge about the intervention that would be needed; Level 2 provides a core definition of drug resistant epilepsy using a set of essential criteria based on the categorization of response (from Level 1) to trials of antiepileptic drugs. It is proposed as a testable hypothesis that drug resistant epilepsy is defined as failure of adequate trials of two tolerated, appropriately chosen and used antiepileptic d...

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Alzheimer’s Disease and Neuronal Network Activity

NeuroMolecular Medicine — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:07:15 +0100

Abstract The amyloid β-peptide theory of Alzheimer’s Disease has helped to advance our understanding of the disease tremendously. A new area of research focuses on the changes in neuronal network activity that take place and may contribute to the clinical and pathological picture of Alzheimer’s Disease. An apparent symptom of altered neuronal network activity in Alzheimer’s Disease is an increased frequency in epileptic seizures that is observed both in human patients and in mouse models of Alzheimer’s Disease. A root cause for altered network activity may be amyloid β itself by its ability to alter synaptic (glutamatergic) transmission and to impair the induction of long-term potentiation. It is on this aspect of Alzheimer’s Disease research that the current i...

Micrographia and hypophonia in anorexia nervosa

International Journal of Eating Disorders — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Micrographia is a condition, in which the sufferers write with small handwriting. Hypophonia is described as low volume speech. Both conditions have been described in neurological conditions, such as lesions in the deep white matter of the brain, Parkinson's disease etc., In this case report, we are presenting a 22-years-old female patient with anorexia nervosa who suffered from both these conditions. The patient also suffered from epilepsy. The onset of these symptoms, progress, and current status provides scope for discussing both the possible biological and psychodynamic etiology for these symptoms in this young woman. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: International Journal of Eating Disorders)

Ictal affective symptoms in temporal lobe epilepsy are related to gender and age

Epilepsia — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Patient-reported and video-recorded negative[mdash]but not positive[mdash]affective signs are related to each other. Video-recorded negative AAs occur more often in women and young patients. (Source: Epilepsia)

Topiramate overdose: A case report of a patient with extremely high topiramate serum concentrations and nonconvulsive status epilepticus

Epilepsia — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 21-year-old man with idiopathic generalized epilepsy who ingested about 8,000 mg of topiramate (TPM) in a suicide attempt. On admission to the hospital he had a nonconvulsive status epilepticus and received 4 mg lorazepam i.v. He recovered rapidly despite an initial TPM concentration of 144.6 [mu]g/ml. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient who survived such a high TPM concentration. The case indicates that nonconvulsive status epilepticus could be a manifestation of TPM intoxication. (Source: Epilepsia)

Basal hypercortisolism and trauma in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

Epilepsia — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: This is the first study showing that basal hypercortisolism in patients with PNES is independent of the acute occurrence of seizures. In addition, basal hypercortisolism was more pronounced in traumatized patients with PNES as compared to nontraumatized patients with PNES. These findings suggest that HPA-axis activity provides a significant neurobiologic marker for PNES. (Source: Epilepsia)

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Using the Internet to recruit patients for epilepsy trials: Results of a New Zealand pilot study

Epilepsia — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: We have demonstrated that patients can be recruited for trials and randomized from routine clinics via the Internet. Trials could compare AEDs or look at other aspects of epilepsy management. An international pilot study is planned. Neurologists are invited to enroll patients with epilepsy, who would be suitable for randomized controlled trials, into a Web-based register. (Source: Epilepsia)

Profiles of psychosocial outcome after epilepsy surgery: The role of personality

Epilepsia — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Psychosocial outcome after epilepsy surgery appears intrinsically linked to a change in self and a transition from chronically sick to well. The development of personality traits and self-identity in the context of habitual seizures can impact psychosocial outcome and the extent of self-change reported after surgery, and paradoxically, can concur more beneficial effects. (Source: Epilepsia)

Psychiatric comorbidity and suicidal behavior in epilepsy: A community-based case–control study

Epilepsia — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings call attention to psychiatric comorbidity and suicidal behavior associated with epilepsy. Suicide risk assessment, mental evaluation, and treatment may improve quality of life in epilepsy and ultimately prevent suicide. (Source: Epilepsia)

Levetiracetam inhibits glutamate transmission through presynaptic P/Q-type calcium channels on the granule cells of the dentate gyrus

British Journal of Pharmacology — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and implications: These results suggest that levetiracetam modulated the presynaptic P/Q-type voltage-dependent calcium channel to reduce glutamate release and inhibited the amplitude of EPSC in DG. This effect is most likely to contribute to the anti-epileptic action of levetiracetam in patients. (Source: British Journal of Pharmacology)

A prospective study of cognitive fluency and originality in children exposed in utero to carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or valproate monotherapy.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Children prenatally exposed to valproate demonstrate impaired fluency and originality compared with children exposed to lamotrigine and carbamazepine. PMID: 19892603 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

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Cognitive Impairments at Onset of Epilepsy

AAP Grand Rounds — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:01:24 +0100

(Source: AAP Grand Rounds)

Retigabine Regulatory Update

GSK news — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (VRX) announced today that, on 30 October, they filed a New Drug Application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), for retigabine, used as adjunctive therapy to treat adult epilepsy patients with partial-onset seizures (Source: GSK news)

Tapeworm link with epilepsy 'far higher' than thought

SciDev.Net — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:34:58 +0100

Pork tapeworm is responsible for almost a third of epileptic fits, researchers say. (Source: SciDev.Net)

What Evaluation is Appropriate for Complex Febrile Seizures?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:23:48 +0100

Discussion Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizures in children. They affect about 2-5% of all children. Febrile seizures are characterized into two groups: simple febrile seizures and complex febrile seizures. Basically, if the child does not meet the criteria for a simple febrile seizure it is called a complex febrile seizure. The main characteristics are outlined below: Simple Febrile Seizure Complex Febrile Seizure Age 6-60 months < 6 months or > 60 months Duration < 15 minutes > 15 minutes Type Generalized Focal seizures tonic-clonic Tonic and/or clonic Partial seizure with/without generalization Head or eye deviation to one side Unilateral transient paralysis after seizure Loss of musc...

Involuntary Emotional Expression Disorder

Psych Central — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:59:53 +0100

, or IEED, is a condition in which a person experiences uncontrollable episodes of emotional expression. That is, they have episodes of crying, laughter, or anger that are not in line with their present mood. The condition is also known as labile affect, pseudobulbar affect, emotional lability, and pathological laughing and crying. It can have a severe impact on the lives of both patients and caregivers, as symptoms may leave sufferers feeling guilty, awkward, embarrassed and reluctant to take part in social interaction. IEED is seen most often following brain injury or in people with dementia, motor neuron disease, and multiple sclerosis. It can appear at any stage of the associated diseases. Its prevalence was estimated in 2007 by Walter Bradley, MD, of Miami University. His team survey...

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This week on Thrive: Oct. 26 – 30

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:28 +0100

Here’s a look at what Thrive was up to last week. Frances Jensen, MD, senior associate in Neurology, was featured in a piece on 60 Minutes about the prevalence of epilepsy and the importance of funding research that can lead to its cure. It’s clearer than ever before: American children are suffering from a Vitamin D deficiency. A novel surgery saves one baby’s vision. The HealthMap team gives our weekly H1N1 update. Children’s doctors talk about how easily H1N1 spreads and Dr. Sanjay Gupta visits Children’s. Our Mediatrician tackles “s. lists” and a Children’s expert offers parents a guide to a healthful Halloween. Related posts:This week on Thrive: Oct. 5 – 9This week on Thrive: Oct. 19 – 23This week on Thrive: Oct. 12 – 16 (Source: Thrive, Children's H...

Pre-existing Health Conditions and Repeat Traumatic Brain Injury

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Pre-existing epilepsy/seizure disorder predisposes to repeat TBI. Appropriate management of seizure control may be an important strategy to allay the occurrence of repeat TBI. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Epilepsy, mental health, adults with learning disability – reviewing the evidence

Psychiatry — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Epilepsy, the experience of learning disability and the experience of mental health problems frequently occur in the same individual and can cause severe disadvantage, distress and vulnerability to the individual, together with a burden of care on families or carers. The challenges posed to clinicians include unpicking the complexities involved in understanding symptoms and presentations as well as the very limited evidence-based guiding management strategies. While evidence for service provision, care giving, and specific treatments is very limited, there are some themes that emerge from a review of the literature. The evidence that does exist indicates that the combination of these experiences is common, and attention must be paid to individual circumstances if one is to effect...

Assessment in primary care

Psychiatry — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: For many people with learning disabilities, the presence of ill health may impair their ability to achieve the best possible quality of life. The attainment of a good standard of health (at least as good as the rest of the population) is a reasonable goal. Primary care teams are central to the provision of good-quality healthcare. This provision is based on an ability to assess, investigate and manage a range of common and complex conditions, which requires an awareness of the specific needs of this population. The expected health needs of people with learning disabilities in the community and how best to identify and address these needs are described here. These needs include improved access to health promotion, identification of common but unidentified illness and the common co...

Editorial Board

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Epilepsy Research)

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Ischaemic stroke in adults and epilepsy

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Stroke is an important cause of symptomatic epilepsy especially in the elderly. Seizures in the setting of stroke will furthermore worsen the prognosis of stroke. Studies show that the frequency of seizures in stroke ranges between 2.3% and 14%. Typically early seizures are defined as those that occur within 14 days of the stroke, and later seizures those that occur after this period. A number of risk factors have been identified like cortical involvement, size of the infarct and stroke severity. Status epilepticus can be a presenting symptom of acute stroke and can lead to increased mortality. Early seizures are risks for recurrent seizures though not for the development of epilepsy but late seizures do carry a higher risk. There are no clear cut guidelines for the treatment of s...

Movement induces suppression of interictal spikes in sensorimotor neocortical epilepsy

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Epileptic activities are known to be modulated by cortical excitability, which is altered with normal brain functioning such as movement. However, the relationship between the epileptic activity and movement has not been well studied. Here, we investigated movement-induced modulation of interictal spikes to reveal the relationship between epileptic activity and the movement-induced modulation of cortical activity. Two patients (three cases) with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) of the pre- and/or post-central gyrus performed voluntary movements of their hands or mouths. During the movement, the interictal spikes of the sensorimotor cortex, which were measured by electrocorticograms (ECoG), were significantly reduced. This reduction strongly correlated with the event-related desynchr...

Intracranial EEG power and metabolism in human epilepsy

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: EEG power and high frequency activity in the seizure onset zone has been increasingly considered for its relationship with seizures in animal and human studies of epilepsy. We examine the relationship between quantitative EEG measures and metabolic imaging in epilepsy patients undergoing intracranial EEG (icEEG) analysis for seizure localization. Patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and neocortical epilepsy (NE) were studied. Metabolic imaging was performed with MR spectroscopic imaging using N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and creatine (Cr). All data were acquired from the mesial temporal lobe such that a direct comparison of the same anatomical regions between the two groups could be performed. While no difference was seen in the total power recorded from the mesial tempo...

CDKL5 and ARX mutations are not responsible for early onset severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Background: Severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI) or Dravet syndrome (DS) is a distinctive epilepsy syndrome often associated with de novo mutations in the SCN1A gene. However, 25–30% patients with SMEI/DS are negative for SCN1A mutation screening, suggesting that other molecular mechanisms may account for these disorders. Given the overlapping and heterogeneous clinical features of CDKL5- and ARX-related epilepsies and SMEI/DS, we postulated that CDKL5 mutations in females and ARX mutations gene in males may be associated with early onset seizures forms of SMEI/DS.Methods: Twenty-eight patients with early onset SMEI/DS before 6 months negative for SCN1A mutational screening were selected and screened for mutations in the ARX gene in males (n=14) or the CDKL5 gene in femal...

Antiepileptic drugs in epilepsy and other disorders—A population-based study of prescriptions

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Purpose: The aim of the study was to quantify the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in epilepsy and other indications in a nation-wide population using a prescription database.Materials and methods: Prescription data of AEDs were collected from the Norwegian Prescription Database for the period 2004–2007, including 5.1 million prescriptions from 144,653 patients, all having at least one prescribed and dispensed AED. Diagnosis-related reimbursement codes were used as indicators for clinical use.Results: Of the AEDs used, 71% was in epilepsy, 15% in psychiatry, 13% in neuropathic pain, and (Source: Epilepsy Research)

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Lack of laterality in the effects of right and left amygdala kindling on weight gain in female rats

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Amygdala kindling increases weight gain and serum leptin levels in rats, but in the present study no laterality effects were seen. (Source: Epilepsy Research)

Hemispherectomy-associated complications from the Kids’ Inpatient Database

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In-hospital mortality of HS is low, and blood transfusion was performed in over one third of patients. There appear to be several risk factors that can predict the likelihood of transfusion and may warrant close observation before hemispherectomy. (Source: Epilepsy Research)

Is asymmetric dimethylarginine responsible for the vascular events in patients under antiepileptic drug treatment?

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion our data suggest that elevated ADMA levels may be responsible for the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with epilepsy under AED therapy. (Source: Epilepsy Research)

Concordance of survey and billing data in a study of outpatient healthcare cost and utilization among epilepsy patients

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: We assessed the concordance between healthcare utilization and cost measured with patient survey and billing data among 226 epilepsy patients in a large multi-specialty group practice. Does survey information on utilization combined with prices, provide a cost of care that is approximately equal to the cost of care derived from billing data, utilizing the same price structure? Do measures of cost from survey and billing data yield the same correlates of cost among epilepsy patients? If so, survey data may be utilized to estimate correlates and cost of epilepsy care in cases where complete billing information is not available.For five of eight outpatient services, the concordance coefficients exceeded the practical cut-off value for clinical studies, suggesting substantial agreemen...

Regional expression of Fos-like immunoreactivity following seizures in Noda epileptic rat (NER)

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Noda epileptic rat (NER) is a genetic rat model of epilepsy that exhibit spontaneous generalized tonic–clonic (GTC) seizures with paroxysmal discharges. We analyzed the regional expression of Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) following GTC seizures in NER to clarify the brain regions involved in the seizure generation. GTC seizures in NER elicited a marked increase in Fos expression in the piriform cortex, perirhinal–entorhinal cortex, insular cortex and other cortices including the motor cortex. In the limbic regions, Fos-IR was highest in the amygdalar nuclei (e.g., basomedial amygdaloid nucleus), followed by the cingulate cortex and hippocampus (i.e., dentate gyrus and CA3). As compared to the above forebrain regions, NER either with or without GTC seizures exhibited only ...

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Quantitative brain surface mapping of an electrophysiologic/metabolic mismatch in human neocortical epilepsy

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: The spatial relationship between an intracranial EEG-defined epileptic focus and cortical hypometabolism on glucose PET has not been precisely described. In order to quantitatively evaluate the hypothesis that ictal seizure onset and/or rapid seizure propagation, detected by subdural EEG monitoring, commonly involves normometabolic cortex adjacent to hypometabolic cortical regions, we applied a novel, landmark-constrained conformal mapping approach in 14 children with refractory neocortical epilepsy. The 3D brain surface was parcellated into finite cortical elements (FCEs), and hypometabolism was defined using lobe- and side-specific asymmetry indices derived from normal adult controls. The severity and location of hypometabolic areas vs. ictal intracranial EEG abnormalities were ...

Giant subcortical heterotopia involving the temporo-parieto-occipital region: A challenging cause of drug-resistant epilepsy

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: The clinical, radiological, neurophysiological and neuropsychological findings of three patients with giant subcortical heterotopia are reported.All patients experienced psychomotor and behaviour improvement after surgery. Two subjects are seizure-free after complete excision of the heterotopia; the third patient significantly improved following subtotal removal (Engel's class II).Patients affected by giant subcortical heterotopias can have a favourable prognosis after the surgical removal of the malformation, even following long-lasting epilepsy. (Source: Epilepsy Research)

Supplementary implantation of intracranial electrodes in the evaluation for epilepsy surgery

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The addition of supplementary electrodes to an ongoing invasive electrode investigation can be a useful means of clarifying a patient's suitability for a resective surgical procedure. While the surgical outcomes may not be as favorable as in patients in whom the investigations are simpler, a proportion of these patients do benefit from the eventual resective procedure. In cases where the supplementary electrodes lead to the conclusion that surgery is not indicated, these patients can be satisfied that the surgical option has been explored to the fullest extent possible. (Source: Epilepsy Research)

Abnormal parieto-motor connectivity in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Epilepsy Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Abnormal connectivity might be involved in the pathophysiology of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). We used twin-coil Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation protocol to investigate connectivity between posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and motor cortex (M1) in TSC patients. In comparison with healthy subjects and TSC patients treated with antiepileptic drugs, non-medicated TSC patients exhibited abnormal excitability of PPC–M1 connection. Such altered connectivity might play a role in TSC epileptic phenotype. (Source: Epilepsy Research)

Sodium valproate and the fetus: a case study and review of the literature.

Neonatal Network — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We present a case that illustrates the need for better education of mothers taking valproate and the medical staff prescribing it. PMID: 19892633 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Neonatal Network)

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Abnormal auditory cortex with giant N100m signal in patients with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy

Clinical Neurophysiology — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Unilateral cortical abnormality exists in some of the patients in ADLTE. Patients with abnormally large N100m had seizures apparently provoked by auditory stimuli, suggesting that the appearance of significantly large N100m is associated with the epileptogenicity. Based on the detailed examination using MRI and FDG-PET for two of the patients, the authors hypothesize hyperexcitability caused by the decreased inhibitory functions, larger number of synchronously activated neurons, or the elongation of neuronal firing in the pathological temporal cortex in ADLTE.Significance: The present study revealed clear abnormalities in the auditory cortex that have not been well detected by conventional EEG in patients with ADLTE. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

MEG’s ability to localise accurately weak transient neural sources

Clinical Neurophysiology — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: MEG can detect and localise weak transient activations and the human HFO with an accuracy of a few mm at cortical and subcortical regions even when a small number of trials are used.Significance: Localizing HFO to specific anatomical structures has high clinical utility, for example in epilepsy, where discrete HFO appears to be generated just before focal epileptic activity. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Oxcarbazepine: Lack of efficacy in epilepsy: case report

Reactions — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:02:00 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Margiad Evans (1909-1958): A history of epilepsy in a creative writer.

Epilepsy and Behaviour — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Larner AJ The author Margiad Evans (1909-1958), a celebrated Anglo-Welsh writer of the 1930s and 1940s, developed epilepsy in 1950, and subsequently wrote accounts of her experiences of seizures, their diagnosis, and their management. These documents are among the first patient accounts of epilepsy, and remain of value today, not least because they prefigure ongoing problems in epilepsy management such as pregnancy and the adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs. They also give some insights into the consequences of epilepsy for a creative writer. PMID: 19884046 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)

MedWorm: Epilepsy

Table of Contents

Development: Initiation of a new connection

Analysis of Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Children of Taiwan

Childhood Absence Epilepsy in Patients With Benign Focal Epileptiform Discharges

Metabolic Alterations During Valproic Acid Treatment: A Prospective Study

Age-Dependent Spike Localization in Various Epileptic Syndromes

Novel heteroplasmic mutation in the anticodon stem of mitochondrial tRNALys associated with dystonia and stroke-like episodes

Paper round: Friday

Women With Multiple Sclerosis or Epilepsy Have Safe Pregnancies

Epilepsy unit sales boost Cyberonics’ second quarter

Epilepsy unit sales boost Cyberonics’ second quarter

Increased Risk Of Seizures Faced By Current Cigarette Smokers

Increased Risk Of Seizures Faced By Current Cigarette Smokers

Smoking and seizure

Smoking Linked to Higher Seizure Risk in Women

Smokers More Likely To Suffer Seizures

Explanation For Rapid Maturation Of Neurons At Birth Found By Duke Researchers

Explanation For Rapid Maturation Of Neurons At Birth Found By Duke Researchers

Neuronal Glutamate and GABA(A) Receptor Function in Health and Disease.

Rapid dendritic and axonal responses to neuronal insults.

Potential role for ligand-gated ion channels after seizure-induced neurogenesis.

Current cigarette smokers at increased risk of seizures

Current cigarette smokers at increased risk of seizures

Sub-Saharan Africa News in brief: 4–18 November 2009

Functional cortical deafferentation from the subcortical structures in a patient with early myoclonic encephalopathy: A functional neuroimaging study

CSF phospho-tau is independent of age, cognitive status and gender of neurological patients

Antiepileptic Drug Curbs Cocaine Use

WATCH: Diagnosing Epilepsy

Dravet syndrome and deep brain stimulation: Seizure control after 10 years of treatment

Prospects for Clinical Applications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Real-Time EEG in Epilepsy.

One son’s story: Getting to know my father thanks to advances in epilepsy medication

Epilepsy in women

Darier Disease - Facts and Information

On the discrimination of patho-physiological states in epilepsy by means of dynamical measures

Influence of sympathetic autonomic arousal on tics: Implications for a therapeutic behavioral intervention for Tourette syndrome

National Expressions of Courage Art Contest Unveils Stories of Inspiration(Nov 16, 2009)

Carbamazepine: Exacerbation of idiopathic generalised epilepsy: case report

Epilepsy with dual pathology: Surgical treatment of cortical dysplasia accompanied by hippocampal sclerosis

Potential of wind turbines to elicit seizures under various meteorological conditions

Meta-analysis of the association between cysticercosis and epilepsy in Africa

Comparison of the antiepileptogenic effects of an early long-term treatment with ethosuximide or levetiracetam in a genetic animal model of absence epilepsy

Transient shivering during Wada test provides insight into human thermoregulation

Idiopathic generalized epilepsies: a follow-up study in a single-center

Call for Entries: Submit Your Short Video to the Neuro Film Festival

Characterization of double ring chromosome 4 mosaicism associated with bilateral hip dislocation, cortical dysgenesis, and epilepsy

Diffusion tensor tractography detection of functional pathway for the spread of epileptiform activity between temporal lobe and Rolandic region

Improvement of Clinical Language Localization with an Overt Semantic and Syntactic Language Functional MR Imaging Paradigm [FUNCTIONAL]

[18F] Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron-Emission Tomography and MR Imaging Coregistration for Presurgical Evaluation of Medically Refractory Epilepsy [REVIEW ARTICLES]

[Frontal syndrome resulting from an intracerebral amyloidoma.]

Status epilepticus affects the gigantocellular network of the pontine reticular formation

[An epileptic pruritus.]

[Epilepsy and driving : Background, new German guidelines and comments.]

The epileptic seizure and the mystery of death in Christian painting.

Who Can We Trust?

Reports on Pfizer drug studies misleading: review

A rising tide of calcium channels in acquired epilepsy

Original article Usefulness of silicone elastomer drains in endoscopic treatment of arachnoid cysts – preliminary report

Uganda: What Country Needs to Know About Epilepsy

Report: Trial Results For Pfizer Drug Skewed

A cohort study of the prevalence of sleep problems in adults with intellectual disabilities

Gene Expression Analysis of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Cortical Tubers Reveals Increased Expression of Adhesion and Inflammatory Factors

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance and impulsivity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy: Suicidal risk and suicide attempts.

Review: Reports on Pfizer drug studies misleading

Report shows Pfizer's hand in Neurontin studies

Trial Data on Anti-Seizure Drug Might Have Been Manipulated

Central neurological complications in critically ill patients with malignancies

Narcolepsy presenting as refractory epilepsy

Neurologists Receive New Patient Education Resources from Vivacare for Epilepsy Awareness Month

NeuroTherapeutics Pharma Receives Investment From The Epilepsy Therapy Project

Analysis finds reports on Pfizer epilepsy drug studies misleading; drugmaker disputes review

NeuroTherapeutics Pharma Receives Investment From The Epilepsy Therapy Project

Ikano Therapeutics Receives Orphan Drug Designation For Epilepsy Drug

Ikano Therapeutics Receives Orphan Drug Designation For Epilepsy Drug

Three-dimensional relationships between perisynaptic astroglia and human hippocampal synapses

Placebo Effect in Canine Epilepsy Trials

A cohort study of the prevalence of sleep problems in adults with intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge of, perception of, and attitudes toward epilepsy of schoolchildren in Ankara and the effect of an educational program.

Are psychiatric disorders independent risk factors for new-onset epilepsy in older individuals?

Fixation-off sensitivity with atypical presentation: Clinical and video/EEG documentation.