Epilepsy Sparks Insights

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, transcript, & more about Clio: 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/clio-rubinos-acute-symptomatic-seizures ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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 EEG with OPM-MEG for better data accuracy, the future potential of OPM-MEG in clinical settings, and how to get involved in her research! ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website & more about Zelekha 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/zelekha-seedat-opm-meg-young-epilepsy  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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 the device, its benefits from an energy usage/climate change perspective, and how both patients and clinicians can get involved in the research! ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Transcript & more about Christine 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/christine-embury-opm-meg-young-epilepsy  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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-stigma ______________ Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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-discovered-molecule-microrna-335 ----------------------------------------- Chapters 📖 00:00 Trailer & Intro 00:45 Meet Mona 01:07 Explaining Sodium Channel Epilepsies 06:03 Understanding MicroRNAs and Their Role in Epilepsy 07:47 Research Findings on MicroRNA-335 and Sodium Channels 10:01 Future Directions in Precision Therapies for Epilepsy 11:18 Conclusion & thanks ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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 terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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 knowledge and perspectives! ------------------------------------------ 🔗 Website & more about Eduardo: 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/eduardo-perez-palma-neurogenetics-dee-latin-america  ----------------------------------------- Chapters 📖 - Intro to Eduardo - The Value of Genetic Testing in Epilepsy - Diversity and Representation in Genetic Research - Understanding Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs) - Contributing to Epilepsy Research - Latin American Congress on Epileptsy Genetics - Conclusion & thanks ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10    #genetics #neurogenetics #exomesequencing #epilepsy

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 data sharing in epilepsy research. ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website & more about Patrick👇 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/patrick-kwan-advances-stem-cell-research-epilepsy ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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! ------------------------------------------ 🔗 Transcription & more about José: 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/jose-m-serratosa-gene-therapies-viral-vectors  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10        #epilepsy #genetherapy #genetics #vectors #viralvectors #lafora

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 into the challenges of research clinical trials for these therapies; from basic, to pre-clinical, to clinical! ------------------------------------------ 🔗 Transcription & more about José: 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/jose-m-serratosa-future-epilepsy-gene-therapies  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10        #epilepsy #genetherapy #genetics #vectors #viralvectors #lafora

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 epilepsy. The conversation highlights the precision and safety of laser ablation therapy and its potential to improve outcomes for patients. ----------------------------------------- Michael’s related papers 📜 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Sperling-2   ______________

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 Alexandroupolis, Greece, explains more.  ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website & more about Maria 👇 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/maria-gogou-acute-symptomatic-seizures-weaning-babies-asms  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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: “Antiseizure medication reduction and withdrawal in children with drug-resistant epilepsy after starting the ketogenic diet” 👇 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dmcn.15377 ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website, transcription, & more about Maria 👇 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/maria-gogou-staying-on-a-keto-diet-that-doesnt-work-dravet ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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_1 ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website & more about David: 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/david-henshall-micro-rna-epilepsy  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10  #epilepsy #mrna #genetics #geneticepilepsy #DavidHenshall

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 fascinating world of microRNAs and their impact on gene regulation. ----------------------------------------- David’s book  📖 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fine-Tuning-Life-MicroRNAs-Genomes-Regulators/dp/1009466429/ref=sr_1_1 ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website & more about David: 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/david-henshall-fighting-epilepsy-with-micrornas  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10  #epilepsy #mrna #genetics #geneticepilepsy #DavidHenshall

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 challenge the stigma associated with epilepsy. ------------------------------------------ 🔗 Eddie's papers 👇 https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Eddie-Chengo-44151310  ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website & more about Eddie 👇 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/eddie-chengo-epilepsy-stigma-kenya  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10   - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker   - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10   #epilepsy #neurology #stigma #discrimination

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 the impacts of movement disorders). She also highlights the value of working closely with patient and family groups to understand the clinical manifestations and natural history of the disease. Carla shares an uplifting success story of a patient who has thrived with early intervention. ------------------------------------------ Papers mentioned 👇 “Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency as a Treatable Cause of Myoclonic Astatic Epilepsy”: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/1107863  “Early onset absence epilepsy due to mutations in the glucose transporter GLUT1”: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26864996_Early_onset_absence_epilepsy_due_to_mutations_in_the_glucose_transporter_GLUT1  ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website & more about Carla 👇 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/carla-marini-glut1-disorder-metabolism-genetic  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10   - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson   - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10   - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker   - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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 the factors that contribute to this variability. Plus, emphasised is the importance of genetic testing and personalised treatment for patients with these mutations. ----------------------------------------- Paper: “Clinical and functional characterization of GABAA-receptor related disorders: translating genetic diagnostics into personalized treatment” 👇 https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/publications/clinical-and-functional-characterization-of-gabaa-receptor-relate  ----------------------------------------- 🔗 Website & more about Nazanin 👇 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/nazanin-azarinejad-mohammadi-genetic-testing-personalised-treatment-GABA-receptors  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary ----------------------------------------- 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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. Please note that this is not an endorsement of any particular anti-seizure medication (Cenobamate or any of the others mentioned) and any questions or ideas from a patient or carer must be brought up with one’s neurologist/epileptologist. ------------------------------------------ Spanish consensus on the management of concomitant anti-seizure medications when using Cenobamate in adults with drug-resistant focal seizures 👇 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379572148_Spanish_consensus_on_the_management_of_concomitant_antiseizure_medications_when_using_cenobamate_in_adults_with_drug-resistant_focal_seizures  ------------------------------------------ 🔗 Website & more about Ricardo 👇 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/ricardo-mocos-starting-cenobamate-cognition-pregnancy  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10

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 endorsement of any particular anti-seizure medication (Cenobamate or any of the others mentioned) and any questions or ideas from a patient or carer must be brought up with one’s neurologist/epileptologist. ------------------------------------------ Spanish consensus on the management of concomitant anti-seizure medications when using Cenobamate in adults with drug-resistant focal seizures https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379572148_Spanish_consensus_on_the_management_of_concomitant_antiseizure_medications_when_using_cenobamate_in_adults_with_drug-resistant_focal_seizures  ------------------------------------------ 🔗 Website & more about Ricardo 👇 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/ricardo-mocos-cenobamate-game-changer-for-epilepsy  ----------------------------------------- Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  ------------------------------------------ 📲 Join me on social media! - X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10    #cenobamate #focalepilepsy #partialseizures #epilepsy #RicardoMocos