A role for the slow oscillations of the neocortex in epileptic spasm generation
Epileptic spasms are a type of brief seizures that are the hallmark of catastrophic seizure disorders, which are characterized by severe cognitive and motor deficits. While common in West syndrome (or infantile spasms), these spasms can occur in people of any age group. Very little is known about the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms and the neuronal circuit(s) responsible for the generation of these spasms.
FDA approves everolimus for tuberous sclerosis-associated seizures, a treatment first discovered at Texas Children's Hospital
On April 10, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved everolimus tablets for oral suspension (brand name: Afinitor Dispersz, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation) as an adjunctive therapy to treat partial-onset refractory seizures in adults and children over 2 years of age with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Tuberous Sclerois isa genetic disorder that affects one million people worldwide and is characterized by benign tumors in several organs, epilepsy, behavioral problems and intellectual disability.
Epidiolex shows promise in some Dravet syndrome patients
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) shows a purified cannabidiol (CBD) medication called Epidiolex may help to curb seizures in children and young adults with Dravet syndrome. Read More
FAST launches a new biotech to find cures for Angelman syndrome
The Foundation for Angelamn Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) launches a new biotech, GeneTx Biotherapeutics LLC (GeneTx), a subsidiary of FAST, for the development and commercialization of an investigational antisense drug, GTX-101, for the treatment of Angelman syndrome (AS), a rare genetic disorder characterized by epilepsy, impaired motor function and speech delays. Read More
The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics features Dr. Anne Anderson's research
Dr. Anne Anderson, epileptologist at Texas Children's Hospital and investigator at the Cain Labs and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute. Read the blog posted on the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics website that describes Dr. Anderson's latest research findings on Angelman syndrome.
Altered brain expression of a specific voltage-gated ion channel in an animal model of cortical dysplasia
A study published in Scientific Reports from the laboratory of Dr.
Former British Prime Minister shares the lessons he learnt from his son's rare epileptic syndrome
David Cameron’s son Ivan was born with a neurological disorder that baffled doctors. He was later diagnosed with a rare epileptic syndrome, Ohtahara syndrome. Now, he writes, genomic testing can end the anguish of uncertainty.
Automated detection of high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) identify source of seizures in epilepsy patients
Drs. Daniel Curry and Michael Quach from Texas Children’s Division of Neurology and Neurosurgery co-authored an insightful epilepsy study that was recently published in Brain, a Journal of Neurology.
Fighting epilepsy with ketogenic diet
On International Epilepsy Day (Feb 12th), Texas Children's experts, an epileptologist, Dr. Dave Clarke, Ms. Jillian Davis, lead dietitician for ketogenic diet program and Dr. Rebecca Schultz, pediatric nurse practiitioner, share valuable information about the benefits of ketogenic diet for epilepsy patients.
What is epilepsy, and who is affected?