Epilepsia. Official Journal of the International League Against Epilepsy

To evaluate acute and long-term effects of intravenous brivaracetam (BRV) and BRV + diazepam (DZP) combination treatment in a rat model of self-sustaining status epilepticus (SSSE).

Rats were treated with BRV (10 mg/kg) 10 min after initiation of perforant path stimulation (PPS) as early treatment; or BRV (10–300 mg/kg), DZP (1 mg/kg), or BRV (0.3–10 mg/kg) + DZP (1 mg/kg) 10 min after the end of PPS (established SSSE). Seizure activity was recorded electrographically for 24 h ...

The objective of this (trial-based) economic evaluation was, from a societal perspective, to compare the cost-effectiveness of a multicomponent self-management intervention (MCI) with care as usual (CAU) in adult patients with epilepsy over a 12-month period.

In a randomized-controlled trial, participants were randomized into intervention or CAU group. Adherence, self-efficacy (Epilepsy Self-Efficacy Scale [ESES]), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), healthcare costs, production losses, and patient and family costs were assessed at baseline and during the 12-month study period. ...

The mutant γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA_A) receptor γ2(Q390X) subunit (Q351X in the mature peptide) has been associated with the epileptic encephalopathy, Dravet syndrome, and the epilepsy syndrome genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). The mutation generates a premature stop codon that results in translation of a stable truncated and misfolded γ2 subunit that accumulates in neurons, forms intracellular aggregates, disrupts incorporation of γ2 subunits into GABA_A receptors, and affects trafficking of partnering α and β ...

Mutations of the KCNQ2 gene, which encodes the K_v7.2 subunit of voltage-gated M-type potassium channels, have been associated with epilepsy in the neonatal period. This developmental stage is unique in that the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is inhibitory in adults, triggers excitatory action due to a reversed chloride gradient.

To examine whether KCNQ2-related neuronal hyperexcitability involves neonatally excitatory GABA, we examined 1-week-old knockin mice expressing the K_v7.2 variant p.Tyr284Cys (Y284C).

Brain slice electrophysiology revealed elevated ...

Driving regulations for people with seizures vary widely throughout the United States and the world. Maryland updated their guidelines in 2003 to reflect those of a U.S. consensus guideline requiring a minimum 3-month seizure-free period as well as an individual risk assessment by a Medical Advisory Board (MAB). This retrospective study provides the first analysis of outcomes after the implementation of the consensus guidelines and an assessment of their predictive validity through longitudinal outcome data.

MAB reviews ...

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a common cause of death in epilepsy and frequently occurs following generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) in sleep. Postictal generalized electroencephalography (EEG) suppression (PGES), postictal immobility, and periictal respiratory dysfunction are potential risk factors for SUDEP. We sought to determine whether there was a difference in respiratory dysfunction, PGES, and postictal immobility for GTCS occurring during wakefulness or sleep.

We retrospectively analyzed video-EEG telemetry data in the epilepsy-monitoring unit. Patients’ state ...

We have previously found that the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) contributes to the mechanism of action of the ketogenic diet (KD), an established treatment for pediatric refractory epilepsy. We have found that the KD increases brain PPARγ and that inhibition or genetic loss of PPARγ prevents the antiseizure effects of the KD on (1) acutely induced seizures in nonepileptic mice and (2) spontaneous recurrent seizures in epileptic mice. Here, we tested the hypothesis that ...

To validate predictive models for neural antibody positivity and immunotherapy response in epilepsy.

We conducted a retrospective study of epilepsy cases at Mayo Clinic (Rochester-MN; Scottsdale-AZ, and Jacksonville-FL) in whom autoimmune encephalopathy/epilepsy/dementia autoantibody testing profiles were requested (06/30/2014-06/30/2016). An Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy (APE) score, based on clinical characteristics, was assigned to each patient. Among patients who received immunotherapy, a Response to Immunotherapy in Epilepsy (RITE) score was assigned. Favorable seizure outcome was defined as >50% reduction ...

To validate predictive models for neural antibody positivity and immunotherapy response in epilepsy.

We conducted a retrospective study of epilepsy cases at Mayo Clinic (Rochester-MN; Scottsdale-AZ, and Jacksonville-FL) in whom autoimmune encephalopathy/epilepsy/dementia autoantibody testing profiles were requested (06/30/2014-06/30/2016). An Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy (APE) score, based on clinical characteristics, was assigned to each patient. Among patients who received immunotherapy, a Response to Immunotherapy in Epilepsy (RITE) score was assigned. Favorable seizure outcome was defined as >50% reduction ...