Research findings reported over the past month include advances in our understanding of an area of the brain that may contribute to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in children, as well as intriguing discoveries about autoantibody-induced epilepsy. In addition, scientists are turning to plants to identify novel anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) for novel anti-seizure medications. Finally, we spotlight a development for a model of the NeuroPace responsive neurostimulator (RNS®), which will broaden its availability as a treatment option, and strike a precautionary note about the effectiveness of multiple epilepsy surgeries.
Summaries of these research discoveries and news highlights are below.
Research Discoveries & News
- SUDEP in Children: A specific area of the brain called the amygdala may play a role in causing children to stop breathing during a seizure. The findings could have important implications for predicting, treating, and/or preventing SUDEP in children. Learn More
- Immune System and Epilepsy: In some people with epilepsy, an autoantibody (an antibody that attacks a person’s own body instead of a disease-causing agent) appears to “sneak” into neurons in an area of the brain called the hippocampus, leading to inflammation and then seizures. This study also suggests that it may be possible to prevent these types of seizures with immunosuppressant drugs. Learn More
- Novel Anti-Seizure Drugs (ASDs): Extracts made from magnolia bark, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-seizure remedy, reduced seizures in both zebrafish and mouse models of epilepsy, according to a recent study. The researchers state the isolated compound, magnolol, may serve as a starting point for the development of improved treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy. Learn More
- RNS Device: The NeuroPace RNS system, model RNS-320, received FDA approval for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. This approval means that epilepsy patients who require MRI monitoring can now be offered this model of the RNS as a treatment option as appropriate. Learn More
- Neurosurgery: For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who undergo multiple neurosurgeries, the likelihood of long-term seizure control decreases with each attempt, according to this study. Learn More