Epilepsy Sparks Insights

Why is obesity so common in people with epilepsy - and why is it often overlooked in clinical care? Dr. Ching Soong Khoo shares new research findings on obesity prevalence, physical activity, and mobility, and discusses how fear, diet, and behaviour intersect with epilepsy management. The episode highlights why addressing weight alongside seizure control matters for long-term health and quality of...

The updated seizure terminology aims to make life easier for everyone both affected by focal seizures and those involved in epilepsy care. In this episode, Prof. Sándor Beniczky breaks down why "consciousness" is now the key term used to describe focal seizures, and how it imporves clarity, consistency, and global usability - benefiting those with with an epilepsy, carers, GPs/physicians, nurses,...

Prof. Nicola Specchio shares insights into how regional and global collaboration can strengthen epilepsy care, highlighting the need for coordinated systems, improved pathways and fairer access to expertise. The episode also examines the impact of emerging scientific developments and how shared standards across countries could support better long-term outcomes for people living with an epilepsy. W...

The epilepsies are a complex neurological disease, and patients, families, and clinicians all deserve clear, empowering information! Torie Robinson sits down with nurse, writer Cheryl Tveit and paediatric neurologist/epileptologist writer Dr. Charbel El Kosseifi. from Gillette Children’s Hospital to discuss their new Mac Keith Press book: “Epilepsy”. They explain how they simplified the science fo...

This chat delves into the intricate relationship between the blood-brain barrier and epilepsy - particularly temporal lobe epilepsy! Claire, Chris, and Torie highlight the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier in people with an epilepsy, the role of imaging techniques in assessing this dysfunction, and the outcomes of surgical interventions. Excitingly, Claire and Chris also explore future resear...

Around 20–30% of people with an epilepsy don’t respond well to anti-seizure medications - so what happens next? Dr. Ricardo Morcos (UCLH) joins host Torie Robinson to explain the epilepsy surgery journey: how people are assessed, what tests are involved, and how teams make decisions together. We discuss: The “tube map”(!) that helps explain this complex process Why surgery isn’t talked about enoug...

We discuss: Why epilepsy is up to four times more common in prison populations The role of traumatic brain injuries, substance use & mental health Barriers to accessing epilepsy specialists behind bars Misuse, mistiming, & under-optimisation of anti-seizure medications The continued use of rectal diazepam and lack of rescue treatment awareness Increased SUDEP risks for people with epilepsy...

The ILAE Academy is changing how clinicians and researchers learn about the epilepsies! Prof. Gagandeep Singh, Chair of the ILAE Education Council, joins Torie to explain how this innovative, self-paced, and structured platform is helping to shape the next generation of epilepsy specialists! We discuss: What the ILAE Academy is and who it’s for How it keeps up with new discoveries Why accessibilit...

How much do carers really contribute to epilepsy care, & why are their struggles so often invisible? 💜 Dr. Florien Boele, a researcher in psychosocial oncology & caregiving, talks about the essential but often overlooked role of unpaid carers for adults with epilepsy. Florien talks with Torie about: Who carers are The staggering £184 billion value that carers add to the UK economy The per...

Did you know seizure diaries in LGS & Dravet often capture less than half of seizures?! Today we hear from Dr. Ewan Nurse, an engineer & epilepsy researcher in Melbourne, who shares research into seizure reporting in developmental & epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). We explore why seizure diaries miss so many seizures, how carers sometimes log non-seizure events, and what that means f...

In this first half of our chat with Dr. Ewan Nurse, we explore why seizure reporting matters so much in epilepsy care. From forgotten focal seizures to the challenges of eyewitness accounts, Ewan explains why accurate seizure diaries are vital yet so difficult to achieve. We discuss research findings showing that most minor seizures go unreported(!), why some go over-reported(!), the role of memor...

In this second episode with Dr Phillip Pearl, we explore the human side of rare epilepsies: what drives him as a paediatric neurologist, how advocacy transforms progress, and why research in ultra-rare conditions can change the lives of people with common disorders. We also tackle difficult but vital topics - SUDEP, depression, and suicide in epilepsy - and end on a hopeful note with music and the...

Neurologist Dr Phillip Pearl (Boston Children’s Hospital / Harvard Medical School), joins Torie to explore inherited metabolic epilepsies. He explains why include far more than seizures, shares powerful stories (including vitamin B6-responsive epilepsy), and traces the progress from mid-20th century discoveries to today’s targeted therapies -  including research into gene therapy!   👕 Check out o...

Asst. Prof. Simona Balestrini, an adult and paediatric neurologist, shares her epilepsy research into the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a tool for understanding genetic forms of epilepsy! She explains the methodology of TMS, its applications in clinical and research settings, and the importance of safety in its use for people with an epilepsy. The chat also explores future dire...

An epilepsy specialist neurologist develops an epilepsy! In this fascinating episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Dr. Jim Morrow, a retired consultant neurologist who ends up developing the disease himself! Jim shares his unique perspective on the challenges and ironies of navigating life with an epilepsy; from his initial diagnosis of Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis due to a Voltage...

Paediatric Neurologist Dr Yanin Rivera shares how cultural beliefs, limited access to healthcare, education, and innovative telemedicine solutions are shaping the landscape of epilepsy treatment, care, and prevention in Mexico!   🎧 Listen on all platforms 👇🏻 https://www.youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights   🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insi...

Sexual health in epilepsy is vital - but many clinicians and patients hesitate to address it. 💜 Epileptologists Dr. Brad Kamitaki and Dr. Lucas Orellana join Torie Robinson for a warm, giggly, and open conversation on: Why clinician confidence matters in sexual health discussions Cultural barriers that can silence important conversations Creating safe spaces for patients What’s coming up at the I...

Milena Gandy (Clinical Psychologist) and Heidi Munger Clary (Epileptologist) chat with Torie about the intersection of epilepsy and suicide, emphasising the importance of welcoming talking about addressing mental health issues in patients with an epilepsy. They go into the stigma surrounding suicidal thoughts, the need for open conversations between patients and clinicians, and strategies for impr...

Neurologist Dr Parthvi Ravat shares the relationship between epilepsy and Non-Epileptic Events* (also known as dissociative Seizures and PNES), symptoms of the latter, treatment options, and the importance of research and awareness in improving patient outcomes. Parthvi highlights the complexities of diagnosing and managing FND and Dissociative Seizures/PNES/Non-Epileptic Events, the need for a mu...

Adult neurologist and epileptologist Lucas Orellana shares the intriguing connection between migraine and epilepsy! These seemingly distinct neurological conditions share common pathogenic mechanisms, genetics, and treatments and while they are often experienced together there may be challenges in distinguishing between them. Lucas emphasises the importance of personalised treatment plans and the...

Epileptologist Daniel Goldenholz shares his innovative approach to using 3D printing technology to create practical tools for epilepsy care! He tells us about the evolution of his products - designed to assist caregivers/public during seizures. He also explains how accessible, customisable, and durable they are, and chats about the importance of community engagement and collaboration to spread awa...

Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Jenny Edwards, shares how she supports people who experience sexual dysfunction and epilepsy, focusing on the importance of open communication and building trust with patients. She emphasises the need for a holistic approach to care, including mental health support, and the significance of understanding the different types of epilepsy and their impacts on patients' lives....

Sex! It's a key part of the lives of homo sapiens - including those with an epilepsy! Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Jenny Edwards shares how sexual dysfunction is more common in people with an epilepsy and how she provides support to her patients affected - whether issues be libido, dating, arousal, orgasm, penetration, masturbation, emotional relationships - anything, really! This is part 1 of 2 with...