Epilepsy Sparks Insights

We hear about the upcoming International Epilepsy Conference (IEC) 2025 in Lisbon - with global lead Epilepsy Specialist Nurses Patty Shafer and Ludivine Rohrer! They talk about the Epilepsy Nursing Section at the conference and why people should attend! Each share how they address the emotional and behavioural aspects of epilepsy and even things like physical exercise! They chat about the signifi...

Epilepsy specialist nurses (ESNs) play a multifaceted role…! Hear all about it from ESN’s Ludivine Rohrer and Patty Shafer who share their responsibilities in patient care, education, and psychosocial support. They also provide insights into the challenges faced by patients and families trying to manage an epilepsy (including all symptoms and morbidities) and emphasise the importance of personalis...

What is consciousness?! Paediatric resident Dr. Kayleigh Marcinski Nascimento invites you to take part in a new study aimed at understanding the terminology surrounding “consciousness” during focal  (formerly known as partial) seizures; emphasising the need for clear communication between clinicians and caregivers! The chat also covers the importance of diverse input in research and how the data c...

Neuroscientist Deborah Kurrasch talks about her cool research into the epilepsies using zebrafish! She explains the challenges faced in acceptance of using zebrafish as a model system for epilepsy research and shares how we need to explore new mechanisms of action if we are going to figure out how to help the remaining 30% of people who cannot (yet!) have their seizures controlled using anti-seizu...

Adult Neurologist Naluca Mwendawe-Beckford chats about her work in Zambia, focusing on the challenges of treating epilepsy in a low-resource setting. She highlights the limited access to diagnostic tools and medications, the roles of neurologists and traditional healers (and how they can work together!), and the importance of education and awareness in combating stigma. Naluca also shares her plan...

Helen Scharfman, a professor at NYU and a research scientist, discusses her extensive research on the epilepsies; particularly focusing on mossy cells in the temporal lobe! She explains the significance of these cells in understanding seizures and anxiety, and the potential for future treatments/preventions! Helen emphasises the importance of patient involvement in research and the international,...

Epileptologist Zarine Mogal has changed the world for many affected by the epilepsies in Pakistan! She shares her incredibly impactful 3 decades in diagnoses, care, and social acceptance - through her comprehensive epilepsy program. Zarine highlights the importance of sustained epilepsy awareness with insights on measuring the impact of campaigns, the challenges faced in healthcare, and the future...

Psychiatrist Andrea Cipriani discusses his work in clinical psychiatry and research, focusing on mood disorders and the importance of personalised treatment! He highlights the GALENOS project, which aims to synthesise existing data to improve mental health outcomes, and chats about the need for a shift from a medication-centered approach to one that prioritises quality of life and community care....

Sometimes people with an epilepsy take their own lives - and this is more common that many realise. Psychiatrist & researcher Prof. Andrea Cipriani joins Torie to talk of the psychiatric symptoms of the epilepsies, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and even suicide; expressing the need for joined-up care between neurology and psychiatry, and why lived experience must shape treatment, m...

Genetic epilepsies are way more complex than we thought!! Clinical neurologist and physician-scientist Prof. Sam Berkovic chats with Torie all about the differences between inherited, de novo, and somatic forms, challenges in diagnoses, impacts on families, and societal stigma. However, Sam also shares the exciting, positive advancements in genetic research, how understandings have far, far improv...

Torie chats with neurologist Sanja Gluscevic about SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) - a critical, often avoided topic! Sanja provides statistics and how to minimise risk factors. Sanja emphasises the need for effective communication between clinician and patient and/or caregiver, plus highlights holistic approaches to minimising SUDEP risk, including managing mood and sleep, and the imp...

Neuropsychologist  Prof. Gus Baker discusses clinical neuropsychology in relation to epilepsy! He highlights the significant morbidities associated with epilepsy, such as depression and anxiety, and really emphasises the importance of understanding the mental health aspects of epilepsy. Gus and Torie also chat about the role of clinicians in addressing these comorbidities and the need for PWE educ...

Epileptologist Prof. Graeme Jackson talks about the cool Australian Epilepsy Project - including the integration of advanced technology, including MRI and AI to improve patient outcomes and quality of life! The project aims to transform the traditional approach to epilepsy treatment by utilising telehealth and data analysis to provide personalised care. Graeme emphasises the importance of addressi...

Paediatric neurologist Matthias De Wachter chats about the benefits of a holistic approach to helping people affected by the epilepsies, emphasising the importance of understanding the broader implications of the disease - with symptoms other than seizures. Matthias shares with us his research into KCNQ2 & 3, his insights into the significance of lifestyle factors in managing epilepsy, the tra...

Dr. Bindu Menon discusses her work as a neurologist in India; focusing on epilepsy and stroke awareness. She highlights the significant prevalence of these conditions in India, particularly in rural areas, and the challenges faced in treatment and education. Bindu emphasises the importance of empowering women and the role of technology, such as the Epilepsy Help App, in improving patient care and...

Dr. Simona Giorgi from Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain shares their preclinical and clinical studies, epidemiological research, and their development of tools to support caregivers and people affected by Dravet! Highlighted are the needs for greater awareness among healthcare professionals about the capabilities of patient advocacy groups and the invaluable psychological support they can provide...

Tom Jenson, a postdoc researcher at UCL Institute of Neurology, chats about his research on astrocytes and their role in neuronal communication. He explains the differences between astrocytes and neurons, the challenges of using human brain tissue for research, and shares preliminary results from his studies on calcium signaling in astrocytes! The conversation also touches on the creative aspects...

Adults with an intellectual disability and an epilepsy have many of the same needs as those without the former - but things can take longer to figure out - hence, care and patience are crucial from clinicians! Neuropsychiatrist Mike Kerr shares how what to many may seem like small gains can have huge, positive impacts on the Quality of Life of people with an ID and an epilepsy. This is part 2 of 2...

Neuropsychiatrist Mike Kerr talks about the intersection of epilepsy and Intellectual Disability, the complexities of communication, the need for tailored communication strategies, the needs of individuals and caregivers, and the importance of building relationships in healthcare! Mike and Torie also touch on new treatments and the overall quality of life for the people affected. -----------------...

Tobias Engel talks about potentially preventing seizures and epilepsy caused by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)! He discusses his study into the P2X7 receptor's role in TBI and its potential to reduce inflammation, seizures, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, and mood disorders. Tobias also speaks of the potential for improved quality of life for those with TBI-related epilepsy in the future. -------------...

Post-doc researcher Mastaneh Torkamani-Azar discusses her research on drug-resistant epilepsy, focusing on the innovative techniques being developed to improve diagnosis and treatment. The conversation covers the challenges of drug resistance in epilepsy, the importance of advanced neuroimaging and histopathology, and the potential impact of this research on patient outcomes and quality of life. M...

Neurobiologist Leszek Kaczmarek discusses his extensive research in molecular neurobiology, particularly focusing on the role of the MMP-9 protein in learning, memory, and epilepsy! He explains how MMP-9 is linked to synaptic plasticity and epilepsy, autism, and various mental health disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol addiction. Kaczmarek also shares insights into future r...

Research Fellow Georgia Cook explains the challenges of and positive impacts of positive, effective communication upon patient and family Quality of Life, the importance of qualitative research engagement and how it compliments quantitative research, and strategies to improve patient communication in an epilepsy trial. This is part 2 of 2 with Georgia. ------------------------------------------ 🔗...

Paediatric neurologist, scientist, and PPI Lead Julia Jacobs and Torie Robinson discuss the role of individuals with Lived Experience in research, particularly in the context of the iNeuron project, which focuses on epilepsy, stroke, and dementia. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by basic science research, the importance of knowledge translation, and the benefits of engaging...

Research Fellow Georgia Cook chats about the importance of effective communication between researchers and lay-people in epilepsy research - using the CASTLE study as a great example! She speaks of how the way that patients and families think and prioritise can be different to that of researchers, the vicious cycle between sleep disruption and epileptic seizures, the impacts of COVID upon the stud...