Epilepsy Sparks Insights

Manuel Toledo and Torie chat about the importance of but also the challenges in traveling for many people with an epilepsy, including medication management, sleep patterns, and knowing the healthcare systems in different countries! The chat highlights the need for preparation and safety tips for traveling with epilepsy, as well as the significance of sharing experiences to improve patient care.vvv...

Glenn King discusses his research in epilepsy and how animal venoms can be utilised to develop new treatments! He explains the mechanisms of ion channels, the diversity of venoms, and the process of identifying effective compounds. The conversation also touches on the challenges of drug development, the potential for personalised medicine, and the future of epilepsy treatment.. -------------------...

Paediatric neurologist Eleni Panagiotakaki discusses her work in paediatric epileptology, focusing on rare epilepsies such as Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC) and GRIN disorders. She highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating these conditions, the variability of symptoms,  the importance of a holistic approach to care, and the role of parents in driving research! ---------------...

What are Acute Symptomatic Seizures, how do they differ from epileptic seizures, and how can one recover? Who will develop an epilepsy after one and what are the causes?! Think stroke, TBI, tumours, infection, encephalitis, status epilepticus...! Find out all about it from neurocritical care and epileptology specialist neurologist Clio Rubinos. ------------------------------------------ Website, t...

Post-doc researcher Zelekha Seedat discusses her work as a postdoctoral researcher at Young Epilepsy, focusing on Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and the innovative Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPM) technology. She explains the differences between MEG and EEG, the advantages of OPM technology, and the challenges faced in interpreting data. The conversation also covers the importance of combining E...

Post-doc researcher Christine Embury shares with us her research on the cool OPM-MEG technology for brain imaging - its advantages (particularly for children with refractory epilepsy and considering brain surgery!) and how it could improve patient outcomes and our understanding of developmental trajectories in paediatric epilepsies!  Lastly, Christine and Torie chat about the cost-effectiveness of...

Reza Shervin-Badv, a paediatric epileptologist and neurologist talks about the diverse care available for people in Iran, plus the common epilepsy stigma which is being challenged through education and advances in medical care. ------------------------------------------ 🔗 Website & more about Reza: 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/reza-shervin-badv-iran-epilepsy-sti...

Find out about a new epilepsy discovery; how the microRNA-335 molecule impacts people with both Dravet Syndrome and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, and what this could mean for research going forward! All with post-doc researcher Mona Heiland! ------------------------------------------ 🔗 Website & more about Mona: 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/mona-heiland-newly-discover...

Physicist Sjoerd Vos shares his research in neuroimaging; aiming at decreasing language decline caused by temporal lobe resections! ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website & more about Sjoerd https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/sjoerd-vos-physics-mri-temporal-lobe-epilepsy-resection-cognitive ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the ter...

Eduardo Pérez Palma, a neurogenetics scientist and bioinformatician, discusses his work in neurogenetics and epilepsy research, emphasising the importance global collaboration in studying the epilepsies in different parts of the world! Eduardo also shares the upcoming Latin American Congress on Genetic Epilepsiesin Jan 2025; which aims to bring together experts from various fields to share knowled...

Learn of exciting research into a drug screening platform for personalised medicine for the epilepsies - through adult neurologist and researcher Patrick Kwan;  head of the Kwan Lab! Patrick describes the process of extracting stem cells from blood, culturing them, and using them to develop new treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and...

People with an epilepsy might be nervous about getting "gene therapy" - but in today's mini-episode, in part 2 of 2, epileptologist José M Serratosa is asked if he would get gene therapy and why(!), explains the use of viral vectors for treating genetic epilepsies, where we are in preclinical development, what is next, and what is also holding us back! ------------------------------------------ 🔗...

What does the future for epilepsy treatments hold?! Epileptologist José M Serratosa shares his predictions for epilepsy gene therapies; highlighting the importance of addressing all symptoms - including cognitive, motor, and psychiatric - as well as the seizures. Jose explains the role of viral vectors and how they may save people! This is part 1 of 2 with José - in part 2, the conversation goes i...

Michael Sperling, a prof of neurology and director of the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, educates us on laser ablation therapy for epilepsy! He and Torie discuss the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, its advantages over traditional open surgery, and its efficacy in reducing seizures. They also touch on the suitability of the therapy for different age groups and types of epileps...

Who knows about Acute Symptomatic Seizures and how the babies and children experiencing them can be carefully weaned off of the anti-seizure medications they are on? Paediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist Maria Gogou from University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece, explains more. Paediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist Maria Gogou from University General Hospital of Alex...

Children may benefit from being weaned off of anti-seizure medications when they are on the ketogenic diet. Plus, find out how the ketogenic diet can significantly benefit children with epilepsy - even when it doesn’t control their seizures! Paediatric neurologist Maria Gogou discusses her work in managing rare and complex epilepsies in children. ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Paper:...

David Henshall shares how information gathered when researching worms led to the discovery of microRNA, a far improved understanding of the epilepsies, and potential treatments - all explained in his new book (link below)! This is episode 2 of 2. ----------------------------------------- David’s book  📖 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fine-Tuning-Life-MicroRNAs-Genomes-Regulators/dp/1009466429/ref=sr_1_...

David Henshall discusses the role and importance the role of microRNAs in epilepsy; which act as master regulators of gene activity and help stabilise the gene pathway. He discusses the potential of RNA therapy in treating epilepsy and the challenges of delivering RNA molecules to the brain. Henshall's book, 'Fine Tuning Life: A Guide to MicroRNAs, Your Genome's Master Regulators,' explores the fa...

Epileptologist Eddie Chengo from Kenya discusses the stigma faced by people affected by epilepsy in Africa, explaining that around 75% of people with epilepsy in the region experience stigma and emphasising the importance of addressing this whilst implementing medical treatment. Eddie also shares the various initiatives and research projects his organisation is undertaking to raise awareness and c...

A mutation of a gene can lead to lack of absorption of glucose (our fuel) and cause epilepsy! Carla Marini, a paediatric neurologist and neuropsychiatrist tells us all about the rare epilepsy and metabolic disorder GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis, treatment using the ketogenic diet (which can help control seizures, improve cognitive function, and decrease t...

Neuroscientist Nazanin Azarinejad Mohammadi discusses her research on epilepsy genetics, the clinical and functional characterisation of GABAA-receptor related disorders, and how mutations in the GABAA-receptor subunits can lead to epilepsy and morbidities. Nazanin also highlights the variability in symptoms among individuals with the same mutation and the need for further research to understand t...

As well as preventing up to 100% of seizures in 20% of those with refractory focal epilepsy, Cenobamate may also (indirectly), positively impact mental health, cognitive function and reduce seizure propagation. Ricardo Morcos shares information on the titration of Cenobamate, how it is not suitable during pregnancy, and the importance of a 1:1 clinician-patient relationship. This is part 2 of 2. P...

As well as preventing up to 100% of seizures in 20% of those with refractory focal epilepsy, Cenobamate may also (indirectly), positively impact mental health, cognitive function and reduce seizure propagation. Ricardo Morcos shares information on the titration of Cenobamate, pregnancy, and the importance of a 1:1 clinician-patient relationship. This is part 2 of 2. Please note that this is not an...

For the 11th World Brain Day, hear from co-chair and lead neurologist Tissa Wijeratne, who explains how so many of the brain disorders in nearly 4 billion people can be prevented, and how you can help this happen! Links to the free World Brain Day webinar, and more, are below. ------------------------------------------ 🎧 Listen to ESI on Spotify!👇 https://open.spotify.com/show/14rwL06qUowezZQGwp...

People forget to bring up memory issues with their neurologist…because of their memory issues! Discover the potentials and limitations of neurosurgery and neuroplasticity with epileptologist Jon Kleen from UCSF medical Center.  ------------------------------------------ 🔗 Website & more about Jon: 👇 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/jon-kleen-epilepsy-surgery-neuroplasti...