Most children with epilepsy can control their seizures using anti-seizure drugs. However, about 30% will continue to have seizures despite taking medication, a condition known as drug-resistant epilepsy. Previous research has suggested that ongoing seizures may affect the structure of the brain, particularly in a region known as the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a structure…
While some epilepsies have no known cause, there are instances when epilepsy can result from a brain injury. Trauma to the brain, such as suffering a stroke or an impact to the head, can cause seizures to develop. This may be due to inflammation (swelling) or infections, which can cause damage to brain cells and…
EpLink is pleased to announce that our new study, Strategies for Epilepsy and Memory (STREAM), is now recruiting! Memory problems are one of the most common complaints among people with epilepsy. More than half of people with drug-resistant epilepsy report experiencing memory problems in everyday life. Despite this prevalence, interventions for memory are not standard of care at acute hospitals,…
The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, low carbohydrate regimen, is being increasingly used to treat brain disorders, including epilepsy. The limited intake of carbohydrates in the diet forces the body to use fats as its primary fuel source, triggering a state known as ketosis. Ketosis has been shown to reduce seizure frequency, although the exact…
Animal models of epilepsy are often used to test the effects of new drug treatments on seizure occurrence. In this study, a research team led by EpLink co-director Dr. McIntyre Burnham examined the effects of cannabis extracts on seizure frequency in a model of focal impaired awareness seizures (FIASs). FIASs, previously known as complex partial…
Children with epilepsy (CWE) often have co-existing conditions such as attentional, behavioural or learning difficulties that can impact school performance. This can be even more challenging when teachers lack knowledge of epilepsy and are not trained in how to handle seizures. This can sometimes lead to negative attitudes and increased stigma towards CWE. Studies have…
EpLink and the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) are looking to gather the input of Canadians living with or caring for people with epilepsy or seizures to set the priorities for epilepsy research in Canada. If you have epilepsy or experience seizures, or if you care for or work with someone who does, we want your…
Dravet syndrome is a genetic disorder causing a severe form of epilepsy. Many people living with Dravet syndrome have neurodevelopmental problems, including cognitive delay and autism-like behaviours, and have an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). In the majority of Dravet syndrome cases, there is a mutation in the SCN1A gene. The…
Toronto, ON – March 9, 2020 – EpLink – The Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute and Katie’s Run for Epilepsy – announced a partnership with moJJa Socks, a Canadian premium sock and underwear company. This partnership will run for one year, beginning in March 2020, which is also Epilepsy Awareness Month in…
Do you have questions about epilepsy that could be answered by research? If so, we want to hear from you! EpLink is excited to announce the launch of a national online survey to work directly with patients, caregivers and clinicians to better identify research priorities around epilepsy and seizures. We have teamed up with the…