One of the emerging topics in epilepsy research and care is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), defined as the sudden and unexpected death of an otherwise healthy individual with epilepsy. Researchers are just beginning to understand what SUDEP is and how frequently it occurs, but as more research is conducted, more questions are emerging.…
One of the most important considerations when performing epilepsy surgery is to remove the seizure focus (the area of the brain where seizures begin) and avoid the healthy brain cells nearby. In doing so, patients who have surgery are less likely to experience side effects or functional deficits after surgery. When removing a seizure focus…
Physical activity can be a useful tool in managing and even preventing many health conditions. Does physical activity have an impact in epilepsy? What aspects of an individual’s life may be improved with physical activity? Dr. Gabriel Ronen and his colleagues are conducting a randomized, controlled study to look at the benefits of increasing physical activity for overall health…
The importance of developing new drug therapies for drug-resistant epilepsy is coming to the forefront. GW Pharmaceuticals, a British drug company, has just completed an important clinical trial examining the safety and effectiveness of a drug based on the marijuana extract, cannabidiol, in children with Dravet Syndrome. Among other developmental disabilities, children with Dravet Syndrome experience…