Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a group of disorders marked by problems in the normal functioning of the brain. These problems can produce seizures, unusual body movements, a loss of consciousness or changes in consciousness, as well as mental problems or problems with the senses.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition that has been known to mankind since ancient times. It affects the brain to cause repeated convulsions or seizures - also called fits in common parlance. The word “epilepsy” comes from the Greek and means to be taken, seized or attacked.

Epilepsy Classification

Epilepsy Epidemiology

Epilepsy Pathophysiology

Epilepsy Seizure Types

Epilepsy Syndromes

Epilepsy Treatment

Epilepsy Legal Implications

Epilepsy in Children

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

Catamenial Epilepsy

Catamenial Epilepsy Diagnosis and Treatment

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Can Stem Cells be Used to Treat Epilepsy?

Breath Analysis in Epilepsy Treatment Monitoring

Latest Epilepsy News and Research

Depression, constipation, and UTIs may be early signs of multiple sclerosis

In some diseases, the underlying processes can start years before a diagnosis is made. A new study finds that people who later develop multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to have conditions like depression, constipation and urinary tract infections five years before their MS diagnosis than people who do not develop MS.

5 Dec 2023

Can ketogenic diet offer an effective alternative to antiseizure medication in infants with drug-resistant epilepsy?

The effectiveness of ketogenic diets in lowering seizure frequency among newborns.

5 Dec 2023

Lightweight helmet with tiny sensors records magnetic fields generated by brain activity

A man walking around a room wearing a helmet that records his brain function would have seemed like science fiction five years ago.

4 Dec 2023

Epilepsy study uncovers 'wake slow waves' link to brain balance and cognition

The association between local wake slow waves (LoWS) and cognitive processing.

4 Dec 2023

Navigating STXBP1-related disorders: Unraveling clinical and developmental outcomes

Researchers examined the combined patient-years of seizure and developmental histories in individuals with disorders related to the STXBP1 gene.

4 Dec 2023

MHRA's new measures aim to reduce valproate use and protect patients from harm

Other effective medicines are available for epilepsy and bipolar disorder and valproate should only be used if these don’t work or aren’t suitable for an individual patient.

4 Dec 2023

Texas Children's Hospital delivers first-ever gene therapy for Rett syndrome

Texas Children's Hospital, an internationally-recognized, top-ranked children's hospital and pediatric research center affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine, is the first to deliver a novel gene therapy to treat Rett syndrome in pediatric patients.

1 Dec 2023

Scientists uncover dopamine's role in learning from rewards and punishments

What happens in the human brain when we learn from positive and negative experiences? To help answer that question and better understand decision-making and human behavior, scientists are studying dopamine.

1 Dec 2023

CureSHANK to award $250,000 for stimulating research on SHANK3-related epilepsy

CureSHANK will award a total of $250,000 aimed at stimulating research on SHANK3-related epilepsy, prevalent in PMS patients.

30 Nov 2023

Slow brain waves during wakefulness may protect against epilepsy

Slow waves that usually only occur in the brain during sleep are also present during wakefulness in people with epilepsy and may protect against increased brain excitability associated with the condition, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL.

30 Nov 2023

Study finds top three classes of medications more effective than ibuprofen for treating migraine attacks

For many people with migraine, it can be difficult to find a treatment that is effective and reliable, and information on how medications compare to one another is lacking.

29 Nov 2023

Exploring the life expectancy of autistic individuals in the U.K.

Researchers estimate the life expectancy of autistic people living in the United Kingdom.

29 Nov 2023

Genetic mutation in OXR1 gene linked to brain development issues

Study investigates the effects of a loss-of-function mutation in the OXR1 gene on neurodevelopment and cellular functions in the human brain. The research shows that OXR1 deficiency impairs neural differentiation, increases sensitivity to oxidative stress, and alters histone methylation, impacting brain development and potentially contributing to neurological disorders.

27 Nov 2023

Whole grain consumption associated with slower memory decline in Black people

Black people who eat more foods with whole grains, including some breads and cereals, quinoa, and popcorn, may have a slower rate of memory decline compared to Black people who eat fewer whole grain foods, according to a study published in the November 22, 2023, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

22 Nov 2023

Pigeon virus causes fatal neurological disease in young leukemia patient

A case report details a fatal neurologic disease in an immunocompromised toddler caused by pigeon avian paramyxovirus, underscoring the effectiveness of metagenomic testing in diagnosing complex infectious diseases.

19 Nov 2023

Experts shed light on how autism affects the diagnosis, treatment of epilepsy and vice versa

Compared with the general population, epilepsy is more common in people with autism-;and autism is more common in people with epilepsy. How can autism affect the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, and vice versa? Joy Mazur spoke to Dr. Colin Reilly and Dr. Stéphane Auvin.

17 Nov 2023

Shrinkage in the brain's hippocampus area associated with cognitive decline

With the rise of new drugs that can target the amyloid-beta plaques in the brain that are an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, new ways are needed to determine whether memory loss and thinking problems are due to Alzheimer's disease or another neurodegenerative disorder.

15 Nov 2023

Amelia Lavenski's seizure-free journey with the ketogenic diet

Amelia Lavenski is a 4-year-old girl from Anne Arundel County, Maryland, who has a bright personality and loves laughing and Mickey Mouse.

15 Nov 2023

High-dose CBD fails to relieve pain in knee osteoarthritis patients

Cannabidiol (CBD) is marketed by some suppliers as a painkiller, e.g. for osteoarthritis of the knee. Animal experiments have shown that the substance, which is extracted from the hemp plant, has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect in arthritis.

14 Nov 2023

Study reveals early role of SYNGAP1 gene in brain development

The gene SYNGAP1, the variants of which are top risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has previously unappreciated effects on the developing brain, according to a new study published in Nature Neuroscience.

9 Nov 2023

Epilepsy

Overview

Epilepsy Classification

Epilepsy Epidemiology

Epilepsy Pathophysiology