Anticonvulsant News and Research

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Low-carbohydrate diet effective in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Dietary modification can be an effective adjunct to drugs in people with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, according to a study reported in Epilepsy and Behavior.

3 Jan 2013

Many physicians misinformed about initial diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy

A survey of healthcare providers concerning the initial diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy has found significant misinformation held among physicians who see children who have seizures. Many physicians surveyed are misinformed about what constitutes intractable epilepsy, when to refer their pediatric patients for surgical evaluation, and what types of seizures may be amenable to surgical intervention.

4 Dec 2012

Antidepressants in normal dosage may positively impact mood and seizure frequency

Epilepsy and depression are common co-morbidities. Concern for the potential of certain antidepressants to induce seizures has led to under-treating depression and anxiety disorders in epilepsy patients. Research presented today at the 66th American Epilepsy Society meeting suggests that antidepressants in normal dosage may have a positive impact on both mood and seizure frequency.

4 Dec 2012

New laser surgical technique appears to be safe and effective in treating epilepsy

A developing new laser surgical technique for epilepsy appears to be safe and effective and reduces hospital stays to one or two days, according to two research reports presented today during the American Epilepsy Society 66th Annual Meting at the San Diego Convention Center.

3 Dec 2012

Anesthetics can help reduce risk of cardiac surgery drug-associated seizures

Two drugs commonly given during cardiac surgery can lead to convulsive seizures, but anesthetics can help cut the risk, according to new research from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

27 Nov 2012

Recurrent glioblastoma: consider after effects before choosing palliative surgery

Before suggesting surgery as palliative therapy for patients with recurrent glioblastoma, physicians should consider the impact of morbidities on quality of life, suggest researchers from Italy.

20 Sep 2012

Orexigen Therapeutics reports net loss of $16.7 million for second quarter 2012

Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of obesity, today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2012.

7 Aug 2012

ScinoPharm to offer commercial manufacturing of topiramate API for VIVUS' Qsymia

ScinoPharm announced today that its Tainan, Taiwan Facility will provide commercial manufacturing of topiramate active pharmaceutical ingredient ("API") for VIVUS' Qsymia, a new drug for the treatment of obesity approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration on July 17, 2012.

19 Jul 2012

New melatonin analogues more efficient in inhibiting NOS activity in Parkinson's disease

University of Granada researchers have tested melatonin analogues in rats as it inhibits the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which is involved in the development of conditions as inflammatory bowel disease, septic shock or rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in neurodegenerative conditions as Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

22 Jun 2012

New analogues effective in inhibiting NOS activity in Parkinson models

14 Jun 2012

UCLA research projects aim to improve lives of children with serious illnesses

New hope for deadly pediatric brain tumors; opening the door to improved diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in children; and advanced genetic testing to better understand the causes of autism and cancer in kids. These research projects are currently underway at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA under the umbrella of the UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute (CDI), and aim to dramatically improve the lives of children with serious illnesses.

31 May 2012

UCSF scientists aim to use embryonic stem cells for treatment of neuropathic pain

Chronic pain, by definition, is difficult to manage, but a new study by UCSF scientists shows how a cell therapy might one day be used not only to quell some common types of persistent and difficult-to-treat pain, but also to cure the conditions that give rise to them.

25 May 2012

Gabapentin drug helps people to quit cannabis

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have found clinical evidence that the drug gabapentin, currently on the market to treat neuropathic pain and epilepsy, helps people to quit smoking marijuana.

24 Apr 2012

Study shows underutilization of epilepsy surgery

Ten years ago, a landmark clinical trial in Canada demonstrated the unequivocal effectiveness of brain surgeries for treating uncontrolled epilepsy, but since then the procedure has not been widely adopted-in fact, it is dramatically underutilized according to a new study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

24 Apr 2012

State capitols: Social issues a hot topic; Iowa short on time for state budget; Kansas advances drug bills

Legislatures in Iowa and Kansas consider bills on health care, while Stateline looks at the social issues debates going on in many state capitols around the nation.

3 Apr 2012

SK Biopharmaceuticals' YKP3089 receives Korea Drug Development Fund

South Korean pharmaceutical company SK Biopharmaceuticals announced that the lead drug, YKP3089, from its drug development program for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, has been awarded funding from the Korea Drug Development Fund to support clinical development for the next three years.

3 Mar 2012

Substituting antiepileptic drugs may lead to increase in risk of epilepsy

The substitution of brand-name antiepileptic drugs with cheaper generic equivalents has been an ongoing point of contention among doctors, federal officials and people with epilepsy.

18 Feb 2012

Midazolam autoinjector pen more effective in treating status epilepticus

Results have just been released from an NIH study conducted at multiple sites, including the University of Kentucky, indicating that an autoinjector pen is a faster and possibly more effective way for emergency medical personnel to treat serious seizures.

17 Feb 2012

Intramuscular midazolam effective in treating status epilepticus

Drug delivery directly into muscle using an autoinjector is faster and may be more effective in stopping prolonged seizures, according to a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and conducted by a Wayne State University School of Medicine researcher.

17 Feb 2012

Epilepsy community concerned over AHRQ's AED drug comparison study

Leading representatives of the American Epilepsy Society, American Academy of Neurology, and the Epilepsy Foundation today reported they have grave concerns about the implications and potential misuse of the anticonvulsant (AED) drug comparisons study recently released by the U.S. Agency for Health Research and Quality.

17 Feb 2012