Epilepsia. Official Journal of the International League Against Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective

This study was undertaken to study whether high-dose folic acid (>1 mg daily) use is associated with an increased risk of cancer in all women who have given birth and in women with epilepsy. High-dose folic acid supplementation during pregnancy has been linked to increased cancer risk in children born to mothers with epilepsy.

Methods

We identified women with their first pregnancy in Denmark (1997–2017), Norway (2005–2017), and Sweden (2006–2017) using medical birth registers, linking individual data across nationwide health registers and statistical ...

Abstract

Objective

Deep learning methods have shown potential in automating the detection of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in electroencephalography (EEG). We compared IED detection using our previously trained deep neural network with a group of experts to assess its potential applicability.

Methods

First, we performed clinical validation on an internal data set. Seven experts reviewed all EEG studies. Performance agreement between experts and the network was compared at both the EEG and IED levels. All EEG recordings were also processed with Persyst. Subsequently, we ...

Abstract

This report is the first comprehensive update on the activities of existing epilepsy-pregnancy registries since 2010. The primary aim of these registries, which were initiated by independent international research groups some 25 years ago, has been to assess the risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs) in offspring exposed in utero to different antiseizure medications (ASMs). Progress reports are provided here from the five original registries (the International Registry of Antiepileptic Drugs and Pregnancy EURAP, the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry, ...

Abstract

Objective

The cannabinoid cannabidiol has established antiseizure effects in drug-resistant epilepsies such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Amorfrutin 2, honokiol, and magnolol are structurally similar to cannabinoids (cannabis-like drugs) but derive from non-cannabis plants. We aimed to study the antiseizure potential of these compounds in various mouse seizure models. In addition, we aimed to characterize their molecular pharmacology at cannabinoid CB₁ and CB₂ receptors and at T-type calcium channels, which are known targets of the cannabinoids.

Methods

Brain and plasma pharmacokinetic profiles ...

Abstract

This review systematically analyzes potential biomarker candidates for post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) in humans who have experienced moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Focusing on biomarkers across biofluid-based protein, genetic, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological categories, this review distinguishes between TBI patients who develop PTE and those who do not. The review adheres to established methodologies outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data presentation follows the Meta-analyses of Observational Studies (MOOSE) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews ...

Abstract

Objective

This study was undertaken to determine whether admission to dedicated seizure monitoring units (SMUs) result in reduced health care use (HCU).

Methods

This was a retrospective open cohort study covering the years 2010–2018 of patients residing in Alberta, Canada, who were referred to the Calgary Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and admitted to a level 4 SMU. Patients were required to have ≥3 years pre- and postadmission follow-up. The outcome was the change in trajectory of composite HCU (primary care, specialist outpatient visits, emergency department ...

Abstract

Objective

Complex epilepsies such as epileptic and developmental encephalopathies require multidisciplinary care throughout life. A coordinated transition program is therefore essential to provide optimal support for patients leaving pediatric for adult care. The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate our transition program for complex epilepsies, focusing on the last step in this program, that is, the multidisciplinary transition day hospital (MTDH).

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study including patients with complex epilepsies who underwent the full steps of the ...

Abstract

Objective

Epilepsy involves significant changes in neural cells during epileptogenesis. Although the molecular mechanism of epileptogenesis remains obscure, changes in gene regulation play a crucial role in the evolution of epilepsy. This study aimed to compare changes in a subset of specific genes during epilepsy development, focusing on the period after the first spontaneous seizure, to identify critical time windows for targeting different regulators.

Methods

Using a rat model of acquired focal neocortical epilepsy induced by tetanus toxin, we characterized gene expression at ...

Abstract

Objective

Behavioral problems in children with new onset epilepsies have been well established in the literature. More recently, the literature indicates the presence of unique behavioral patterns or phenotypes in youth with epilepsy that vary significantly in vulnerability and resilience to behavioral problems. This study contrasts the interpretation of behavioral risk as inferred from cross-sectional versus latent group analytic perspectives, as well as the presence, consistency, stability, and progression of behavioral phenotypes in youth with new onset epilepsy and sibling controls ...

Abstract

Objective

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent brain diseases. Approximately one third of patients consistently experience drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), a condition where seizures persist despite the use of antiseizure medications. Exploration of new therapies for DRE is urgently needed. In this single-center, randomized, sham-controlled, crossover clinical trial (NCT05042726), we aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of transcranial magnetic continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) targeting the cerebellum to treat DRE.

Methods

Patients with DRE for ≥2 years and a seizure frequency of ≥2 ...