Sharp Waves: ILAE's epilepsy podcast

Microglia can have protective and also potentially harmful effects in the brain. They seem to be involved in dampening the nervous system during acute seizures – but also appear to play a role in neuronal loss and cortical thinning. Dr. Cecilie Nome spoke with Dr. Amy Brewster about the many faces of microglia and the current understanding of their role in epilepsy and seizures. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Many of the most common concerns of people with epilepsy are topics they don't usually talk about with physicians. This is one of many findings of a study using AI to analyze more than 55,000 posts about epilepsy on Reddit. Sharp Waves spoke with the study's first author and two epilepsy advocates about the results and how they could help initiate important patient-provider conversations. PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, call your local emergency number or crisis hotline.The Reddit study is freely available online; no journal subscription is required:Bridging the conversational gap in epilepsy: Using large language models to reveal insights into patient behavior and concerns from online discussions - Fennig - 2025 - Epilepsia  Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Music can affect emotions, spark memories, and influence mood. In cases of musicogenic epilepsy, music can trigger seizures. In other cases, music may reduce seizure frequency. Dr. Cecilie Nome talks with Dr. Phillip Pearl and Prof. Nigel Osborne about the power of music and its effects on the brain.Links:Nigel Osborne - WikipediaPersonalised music as a treatment for epilepsy - Epilepsy & BehaviorNeuroscience and “real world” practice: music as a therapeutic resource for children in zones of conflict - Osborne - 2012 - Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences - Wiley Online LibraryX-System Overview  Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

In lower- and middle-income countries, raising awareness of genetic etiologies in epilepsy and genetic testing options may ultimately shift national priorities toward making genetic testing part of the standard of care. Dr. Parthvi Ravat spoke with Dr. Jo Wilmshurst and Dr. Alina Esterhuizen about initiatives to increase awareness of genetics and genetic testing in epilepsy, including a decision tree model for epilepsy care in resource-restricted settings that has been implemented in Africa.Publication mentioned in the episode:Precision medicine for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies in Africa—strategies for a resource-limited setting  Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

As a neurological emergency, status epilepticus (SE) requires timely diagnosis and treatment. A US study found that 10% of people with SE were not diagnosed by emergency services. Among those who were diagnosed in an ambulance, 20% did not receive any first-line treatment, while others received lower-than-recommended doses. Sharp Waves spoke to senior author Dr. Elan Guterman about the study.Publications mentioned during the conversation:Status Epilepticus Identification and Treatment Among Emergency Medical Services Agencies  JAMA Neurology A Comparison of Lorazepam, Diazepam, and Placebo for the Treatment of Out-of-Hospital Status Epilepticus | New England Journal of MedicineParamedic-Identified Enablers of and Barriers to Pediatric Seizure Management: A Multicenter, Qualitative Study: Prehospital Emergency CareEmergency response to out-of-hospital status epilepticus | Neurology Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Folic acid supplementation is recommended for all women with epilepsy who may become pregnant. However, there is no agreed-upon dose for women with epilepsy taking antiseizure medication, and there may be risks of high-dose (>1 mg/day) folic acid supplementation. Dr. Bruna Nucera spoke with Dr. Marte Helene Bjørk about the risks and benefits of folic acid supplementation and what this means for pregnant women with epilepsy. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

High-frequency oscillations (80 to 500 Hz) are being studied as biomarkers of epileptogenic areas in the brain, as well as markers to be used in epilepsy surgery. Dr. Cecilie Nome leads a discussion about clinical research on HFOs and areas of uncertainty, as well as the importance of basic research in helping to understand this phenomenon. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

There are potentially hundreds of "epilepsy genes" - but what is an epilepsy gene? How do researchers discover these genes and associate them with epilepsy? Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Allan Bayat, a pediatric neurologist in Denmark focused on rare monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

In the second episode of our genetics and epilepsy series, Sharp Waves explores how genetic insights can inform considerations and outcomes of epilepsy surgery. Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviews Dr. Patrick Moloney, currently an epilepsy genomics fellow at the Chalfont Center for Epilepsy at University College London.Selected publications:Do germline genetic variants influence surgical outcomes in drug-resistant epilepsy? Epilepsy Res 2024Genomics in the presurgical epilepsy evaluation. Epilepsy Res 2022 Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

This first episode in a multipart series on genetics in epilepsy covers the basics of genetic testing. Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviews Dr. Ilona Krey, a physician and researcher at the Institute of Human Genetics at Leipzig University Medical Center. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Christina Rezek and Brad Levy each have daughters who underwent epilepsy surgery, with dramatically different results. Sharp Waves talked with them about the journeys to and through epilepsy surgery, the consequences, and what they have learned.Brad Levy is a founder of Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland, a free event held every November in Anaheim, California, USA. Visit epilepsyawarenessday.org for more information. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Sharp Waves spoke with a neurologist and a cardiologist who are part of a team researching the interactions among seizures, heart function, heart health, and SUDEP. Learn more about their research.Selected publications from Drs. Lin & Fialho and colleagues:Determining factors of electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with epilepsy: A case-control study (2017, Epilepsy Research)Maximal/exhaustive treadmill test features in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy: Search for sudden unexpected death biomarkers (2017, Epilepsy Research)Echocardiographic risk markers of sudden death in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (2018, Epilepsy Research)Increased cardiac stiffness is associated with autonomic dysfunction in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (2018, Epilepsia) Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we explore the science behind exercise as an adjunct treatment for epilepsy and debunk some common myths (spoiler alert: With very rare exceptions, exercise does NOT increase seizure risk). Dr. Ayushe Sharma talked with Dr. Jane Allendorfer, Dr. Halley Alexander, and Brian Wiedmeyer, who participated in an exercise research study.The episode refers to a 2016 report by the ILAE Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy - that report is freely available online at this link.Some of the other research papers mentioned in the episode are listed below.The relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in people with epilepsy: A systematic review Effects of physical exercise in people with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis Role of Physical Exercise as Complementary Treatment for Epilepsy and other Brain Disorders Epilepsy and exercise: An experimental study in female rats Effects of an exercise program on health of people with epilepsy: A randomized clinical trialA strength exercise program in rats with epilepsy is protective against seizuresEffectiveness of Yoga Intervention in Reducing Felt Stigma in Adults With Epilepsy Impact of exercise as a complementary management strategy in people with epilepsy: A randomized controlled trial Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

A recent practice guideline provides updated evidence-based conclusions and recommendations regarding in utero effects of anti-seizure medications and folic acid supplementation on the prevalence of major congenital malformations, adverse perinatal outcomes, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Dr. Parthvi Ravat interviewed Dr. Alison Pack about the guideline, which was produced by the American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.Review the practice guideline: Teratogenesis, perinatal, and neurodevelopmental outcomes after in utero exposure to antiseizure medication (Neurology, May 2024)Other studies mentioned in the episode: Risk of major congenital malformations and exposure to antiseizure medication monotherapy (JAMA Neurology, March 2024) Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Some historic names for epilepsy have been derogatory and stigmatizing. An older term for “epilepsy” in Malay means “mad pig disease.” Neurologists in Malaysia collaborated to change the word to a medically accurate term. Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Chong Tin Tan about the origins of the older term and how the new term was introduced.Resources:Name of epilepsy: Does it matter? - 2012 - Neurology AsiaAnnouncement of a new Chinese name for epilepsy - Lau - 2011 - Epilepsia Changing name of epilepsy in Korea; cerebroelectric disorder (noi‐jeon‐jeung,뇌전증,腦電症) - Kim - 2014 - EpilepsiaRenaming Korean epilepsy: Where are we? - Epilepsy & Behavior Awareness, knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy in Malaysia: A perspective of undergraduates in a private university | African Journal of Neurological Sciences Overcoming the stigma of epilepsy in Asia // International League Against Epilepsy  Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

With all the best intentions, undertakings in global neurology can include assumptions and biases that lead to unforeseen negative consequences. Sharp Waves spoke with Drs. Melody Asukile and Deanna Saylor about their recent article on the perils and pitfalls of global neurology. They discussed specific examples of some of these unforeseen consequences and talked about the ingredients for productive, ethical, and sustainable global neurology initiatives.Resources:Asukile M et al. The Perils and Pitfalls of Global Engagement (JAMA Neurology)Global Neurology: Advancing Neurological Care Worldwide (YouTube)DiBiase R et al. Evaluation of Three Cohorts of the First Neurology Postgraduate Training Program in Zambia (P4-8.001) (Neurology)Zambia League Against Epilepsy Epilepsy care in Zambia: “Now that we have neurologists, we will have a voice” (ILAE Sharp Waves episode)Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (World Health Organization) Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Some people with epilepsy also experience memory and learning issues, as well as depression or anxiety. A small study in Australia screened people for these conditions at a first seizure clinic before any anti-seizure medications had been prescribed. Compared with a control group, the people at the first seizure clinic had higher rates of all of these cognitive and neuropsychological issues.The study is published in Epilepsia Open. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Juhn Atsushi Wada was a Japanese–Canadian neurologist known for research on epilepsy and human brain asymmetry, including his description of the Wada test to assess cerebral hemispheric dominance of language function. The Wada test is the gold standard for establishing cerebral dominance and is conducted worldwide prior to epilepsy surgery. He became a pioneer in the utilization of the kindling model of epilepsy, which permitted controlled studies of the development of epilepsy in the laboratory. Drs. Maryam Nouri and Laurent Sheybani interviewed Drs. Jerome Engel Jr., Marilyn Jones-Gotman, and Solomon Moshe about their memories and relationships with Dr. Wada and his impact on epilepsy research and clinical care.More information on Dr. Wada:In memoriam: Juhn Atsushi Wada (Epilepsia Open)Juhn Wada 1924-2023 (ILAE website)Dr. Juhn Atsushi Wada (British Columbia Medical Journal) Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Previously thought to be mere connective tissue and support for neurons, astrocytes are now understood to have many functions in the nervous system that are linked with seizures and epilepsy. Dr. Cecilie Nome spoke with Dr. Peter Bedner about astrocytes' involvement in epilepsy and how identifying and resolving astrocyte dysfunction is a new frontier in drug development.Relevant articles:de Ceglia R., et al. 2023. Specialized astrocytes mediate glutamatergic gliotransmission in the CNS. Nature 622, 120–129.Grote A., et al. 2023. ‘Hippocampal innate inflammatory gliosis only' in pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Brain 146(2), 549-560.Ravi V.M., et al. 2015. Astrocyte uncoupling as a cause of human temporal lobe epilepsy. 2015. Brain 138(5), 1208-1222. Support the Show.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Dr. Ashok Pillai is a professor of neurosurgery and neuroscience associated with Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India. He underwent epilepsy surgery after a diagnosis of epilepsy in his mid-30s. Dr. Pillai received his undergraduate degree and medical training in the United States before returning to Kochi in 1999. He experienced ecstatic seizures for nearly a decade before he was diagnosed. His personal experience with epilepsy and epilepsy surgery led him to train as an epilepsy surgeon, whereas previously he had focused on surgical neuro-oncology. The Amrita Advanced Centre for Epilepsy, which he heads, has performed more than 1,000 surgical procedures.Dr. Parthvi Ravat spoke with Dr. Pillai about his experience with epilepsy, how it shaped his career path, and how it informs his clinical decision making. Support the Show.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Recent community-based studies suggest that people with chronic epilepsy have three times the risk of sudden cardiac death, compared with the general population. The studies also found that two-thirds of the cases of cardiac arrest in people with epilepsy did not occur directly before, during, or after a seizure. How do seizures affect the heart, both acutely and chronically? Dr. Trudy Pang and Dr. Richard Verrier have introduced the concept of the "epileptic heart" as "a heart and coronary vasculature damaged by chronic epilepsy as a result of repeated surges in catecholamines and hypoxemia, leading to electrical and mechanical dysfunction." Dr. Parthvi Ravat talks with both of them about their work and its relevance to epilepsy treatment. Subscribe to the ILAE Academy's Level 1 program and gain access to a portfolio of courses covering the basic principles in clinical epileptology. You'll learn to manage the most common forms of seizures and types of epilepsy, and to provide first-line drug treatment. Sharp Waves listeners can enter the promotional code sharpwaves15 to get 15% off the level 1 program until the end of July. Visit ilae-academy.org and use the promo code sharpwaves15. Support the Show.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

When a child with epilepsy ages out of pediatric healthcare, the shift to adult epilepsy care can be complex. Planning this transition and coordinating care can prevent gaps that can affect quality of life and possibly lead to health crises. A recent survey of people with epilepsy treated inside and outside of academic medical centers found that transition care was lacking. One-fourth of young adults with epilepsy were still followed by their pediatric neurologists and only 4% said they received clear instructions during the transfer of care process. Sharp Waves spoke with the paper's senior author about the results and their implications.  Support the Show.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

In northern Nigeria, as in many other low- and middle-income countries, more people need epilepsy treatment than traditional medical care can support. Dr. Edwin Trevathan discusses projects in that region aimed at identifying children with undiagnosed epilepsy and improving access to care, as well as research to better understand the risks and prognosis of pediatric status epilepticus.Dr. Trevathan heads the BRIDGE project (Bridging the Childhood Epilepsy Treatment Gap in Africa) and the SEED project (Childhood Status Epilepticus and Epilepsy Determinants of Outcome). Both are funded through the US National Institutes of Health Fogarty International Center. Selected recent Sharp Waves episodes also are available on YouTube. Most of the video podcast episodes have additional educational content, such as graphs, photos, and slides. The ILAE YouTube channel houses more than 300 videos, including previously recorded webinars, teaching courses, Congress interviews, and much more. Visit the channel today and be sure to subscribe to stay up to date on all of our video resources. Support the Show.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

A recent publication outlined areas of consensus on the recommended management, treatment options, and prognosis for epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia, also known as Jeavons syndrome. Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviewed Dr. Kelsey Smith about the results and how consensus was reached.They discuss which medications are recommended as first-line treatment, possible non-pharmacologic treatment options, and what is known about the safety of driving in this population. The publication appears in Epilepsia:Smith KM, et al. Management of epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia: Results of an international expert consensus panel. Epilepsia. 2023; 64: 2342–2350. https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.17682 Support the Show.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send us a Text Message.Besides seizures, people with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies experience a wide variety of symptoms, including sleep problems, vision problems, and behavioral issues. Dr. Scott Demarest discusses how neurologists may be able to address some of these, improving outcomes and quality of life. The 2024 e-forum series from ILAE starts June 10th with a session on outcomes beyond seizures in the childhood onset epilepsies. The forum feature several experts, examining the topic in detail with live Q&A sessions and key learning points. Registrants also get access to relevant research papers and a self-paced virtual course to consolidate their learning. Visit ilae.org/congresses and click on the webinar tab to see more information and register. Support the Show.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send us a Text Message.Seizure action plans can help people with epilepsy manage their seizures and address emergencies. They often are aimed at a subset of people with epilepsy, particularly children. Dr. Lucretia Long discusses how seizure action plans can be used to engage and educate all people with epilepsy, as well as their families and the larger community.Seizure action plan examples: English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Ukrainian, VietnameseOnline fillable seizure action plan - English (PDF) Plan de acción de incautación en línea  - espanol (PDF)List of published research on seizure action plans Support the Show.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

What is the Human Brain Project and how might it advance epilepsy research? Dr. Maryam Nouri speaks with Dr. Philippe Ryvlin about the project in terms of the Human Intracerebral EEG Platform and how compiling these unique data from around the world could lead to new breakthroughs and understanding of epilepsy.The Human Intracerebral EEG Platform is an open-source platform designed for collecting, managing, analyzing, and sharing iEEG data at an international level. Its primary mission is to promote the development of large-scale iEEG research projects by facilitating international collaborations in the field.Links:Human Brain ProjectHuman Intracerebral EEG PlatformThe Virtual Brain Registration is now open for the 15th European Epilepsy Congress, held September 7th through 11th in Rome, Italy. Join your colleagues for five days of teaching courses, symposia, platform sessions, career development sessions, and more! To receive a discount on registration fees, register by May 10. Visit the ILAE website for more information, or register directly at bit.ly/ilaerome. That's

Counseling of teens and young adults with epilepsy about reproductive issues is not happening often enough. Conversations about pregnancy are almost non existent. Sharp Waves spoke with authors of a recent paper that details these findings and discusses possible solutions.Read the study: A retrospective textual analysis of sexual and reproductive health counseling for adolescent and young adult people with epilepsy of gestational capacity - Epilepsy & Behavior (epilepsybehavior.com)Related articles by the same authors:Sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent and young adult women with epilepsy: A qualitative study of pediatric neurologists and epileptologists - Epilepsy & Behavior (epilepsybehavior.com) (2020)A survey of child neurologists about reproductive healthcare for adolescent women with epilepsy - Epilepsy & Behavior (epilepsybehavior.com) (2021)Sexual and reproductive health concerns of women with epilepsy beginning in adolescence and young adulthood - Epilepsy & Behavior (epilepsybehavior.com) (2021)A Survey of Healthcare Providers About Reproductive Healthcare for Adolescent Women With Epilepsy - Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (jpagonline.org) (2022)Pediatric Neurologists' Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for Adolescent and Young Adult Women With Epilepsy and Intellectual Disability (2022)Preferences and experiences of women with epilepsy regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare provision - Epilepsy & Behavior (epilepsybehavior.com) (2022) Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

People with epilepsy don't always know when they have had a seizure - and yet establishing seizure frequency is a key part of epilepsy management. When Dr. Mark Cook's father was diagnosed with epilepsy, Dr. Cook realized that a system to identify and predict seizures could improve care and change people's lives. Dr. Parthvi Ravat talks with him about entrepreneurship in epilepsy and ways to advance the field through innovation. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.We welcome feedback and episode ideas at podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Is surgery for pediatric epilepsy "worth it"? What factors determine quality of life in families with a child who has epilepsy? Dr. Kette Valente talks with Dr. Mary Lou Smith, whose work has implications for clinical treatment decisions, as well as expectations for the impact of treatments in children with epilepsy. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.We welcome feedback and episode ideas at podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

EEG training varies within countries as well as between them; in many countries, there is no training available. Dr. Bruna Nucera talks with Dr. Sandor Beniczky about the present and future of clinical neurophysiology training, including a recent review that calls for harmonizing this type of training across the globe. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.We welcome feedback and episode ideas at podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Seizures are common in neonates, but there is substantial management variability. The Neonatal Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) developed evidence-based recommendations about anti-seizure medication management in neonates in accordance with ILAE standards. Dr. Emma Carter speaks with first author Dr. Ronit Pressler about the guidelines and recommendations, and how they were established. Treatment of seizures in the neonate: Guidelines and consensus-based recommendations—Special report from the ILAE Task Force on Neonatal Seizures Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.We welcome feedback and episode ideas at podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

In the 1990s, there was more funding for leprosy research in the United Kingdom than for epilepsy research. It was around that time that Dr. Edward (Ted) Reynolds, then president of ILAE, recognized that as a global problem, epilepsy required global solutions. His idea blossomed into the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy and established a partnership among ILAE, the World Health Organization, and the International Bureau for Epilepsy that continues to this day through the Intersectoral Global Action Plan for Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP).Dr. Reynolds is interviewed by Dr. Edward Bertram, ILAE Secretary General.  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

For her podcast, Epilepsy Sparks Insights, Torie Robinson interviews epilepsy clinicians and scientists from around the world. Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 10, Torie is working to share knowledge with people with epilepsy, their families, and the public. Her episode topics range widely, from the biochemistry of epilepsy, to the importance of epilepsy nurses, to epilepsy as an autoimmune condition, to sexual issues.Listen to Epilepsy Sparks Insights wherever you get your podcasts, including YouTube.Finding Torie:PodcastWebsiteYouTubeFacebookInstagram: @TorieRobinson10X (formerly Twitter): @TorieRobinson10 Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Dr. Luis Oliviera is parent to a son with an ultra-rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.  He's also a researcher with the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  He created an organization bringing parents and researchers together to better understand his son's disorder, which is part of a  group of disorders caused by rare mutations in v-ATPase genes. Dr. Oliviera was interviewed by Dr. Alina Ivaniuk.Visit the v-ATPase Alliance websiteContact the v-ATPase AllianceWhat is v-ATPase?  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Idea of Epilepsy, published in 2023, covers the history of epilepsy from multiple perspectives over the past 160 years. It ends with a tantalizing question: Does epilepsy actually exist? Dr. Phillip Pearl interviews author Dr. Simon Shorvon about why and how he wrote the book and what it has to offer clinicians, researchers, and non-scientists alike.More about The Idea of Epilepsy (from the publisher)  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Are people who have their first seizure during sleep at greater or lesser risk for future seizures, compared with people who have their first seizure when they're awake? Dr. Laurent Sheybani interviews Dr. Elaine Pang, author of a 2023 paper in Epilepsia that analyzed data from 1,312 adults visiting a first-seizure clinic.This episode also discusses a 2015 evidence-based guideline on managing a first unprovoked seizure in adults. The guideline was developed by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam was an organic chemist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the father of cannabis research. His team was the first to elucidate the structure of cannabidiol, or CBD. Dr. Mechoulam passed away in March 2023. This episode is a remastering of a conversation between Dr. Mechoulam and Dr. Meir Bialer, held in 2018 at the 13th European Congress on Epileptology. They spoke about CBD, THC, the endocannabinoid system, and the effects of cannabinoids in epilepsy and other conditions. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Nearly one-third of people with autism also have epilepsy. Researchers aren't sure why.  For people on the spectrum, epilepsy can prompt unique challenges. Seizure symptoms can be misinterpreted as common autistic behaviors. Treatment may also be difficult due to the stress of a clinical setting, or the impact of anti-seizure medications on autism symptoms. Currently, some experts argue that there is a lack of research in assessing these care pathways.   To learn more about diagnosis and treatment for people with autism and epilepsy, Joy Mazur spoke to Dr. Colin Reilly and Dr. Stéphane Auvin.Related studies/links: Epilepsy in patients with autism: links, risks and treatment challenges Besag FMC, et al., 2017Neurobehavioral Comorbidities in Children with Active Epilepsy: A Population-Based Study Reilly C, et al., 2014Traditional and non-traditional treatments for autism spectrum disorder with seizures: an on-line survey Frye RE, et al., 2011Epilepsy and autism - National Autistic Society  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Dravet syndrome is a rare, severe epilepsy caused by changes in a gene called SCN1A. The changes cause the gene to stop functioning normally. But not everyone with this type of genetic change develops Dravet syndrome, and people with Dravet also have a wide range of clinical characteristics, which can't be fully explained by these changes. What else is going on? We spoke with Dr. Sanjay Sisodiya about a recent publication on genomic influences in Dravet syndrome.This episode is based on a recent publication in the journal Brain:Widespread genomic influences on phenotype in Dravet syndrome, a ‘monogenic' conditionDravet syndrome is a rare severe epilepsy typically caused by loss-of-function SCN1A variants. Despite a recognizable core phenotype, Dravet syndrome also has phenotypic heterogeneity, which cannot be explained by clinical factors or SCN1A variants. This relatively small study (34 adults) found that additional genomic variation contributes to the diversity of phenotypes found in Dravet syndromes. The authors suggest that the SCN1A variant may need to act against a "broadly compromised genomic background" to generate the full Dravet syndrome phenotype, and that genomic resilience may contribute to a reduction in mortality risk among adults with Dravet syndrome.   The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Sara Staggs was a civil rights attorney and pregnant with her second child when her doctors told her to stop practicing law: her seizures had become too frequent. Staggs' 2023 novel, Uncontrollable, fictionalizes her experiences with epilepsy and provides insight into how epilepsy affects families, careers, and relationships. Staggs talked with Dr. Alina Ivaniuk about her epilepsy history, her surgical evaluation experiences, and how she pivoted from attorney to author.  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

We'll frame today's talk around a paper recently published in the European Journal of Neurology:  "The incidence and risk factors associated with seizures in cerebral amyloid angiopathy." With us today is the first author of the article, Dr. Brin Freund.  Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Diet treatments are often used with the aim of reducing seizure frequency and severity — but they may have other benefits as well. Findings from a recent study conducted in Norway suggest that dietary treatments may normalize emotional symptoms and that health-related quality of life (HRQOL) might be an indicator of successful diet treatment in the future. Joy Mazur spoke with Dr. Magnhild Kverneland about the study's results and its implications.   Health-related quality of life in adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy treated with modified Atkins diet in a randomized clinical trial was published in Epilepsia in March 2023. Related studies: Anxiety and depressive disorders in people with epilepsy: A meta-analysis Scott A, et al., 2017 Modified ketogenic diets in adults with refractory epilepsy: Efficacious improvements in seizure frequency, seizure severity, and quality of life Roehl K, et al., 2019 Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Some published data suggest that besides their effect on cholesterol, statins also may play a neuroprotective role in some neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Dr. Bruna Nucera interviews Dr. Anthony Marson and Dr. Emilio Russo about whether and how to test statins as potential anti-epileptogenic drugs. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Functional seizures, also known as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), resemble epileptic seizures. Unlike epilepsy, they are not prompted by any electrical activity in the brain. People with functional seizures live with stigma, stress, and emotional and financial burden — and so do their care partners.Joy Mazur spoke with Shannon Guinard, who cares for her husband, about the challenges and stigmas that face care partners of people with functional seizures. Resources and relevant articles:  Information about psychogenic non epileptic seizuresDepression and anxiety in caregivers of patients with functional seizures Tsamakis K, et al., 2023 Social aspects of life in patients with functional seizures: Closing the gap in the biopsychosocial formulation Asadi-Pooya AA, et al., 2021Welfare consequences for people diagnosed with nonepileptic seizures: A matched nationwide study in Denmark Jennum, et al., 2019 Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Do seizures have daily, weekly, monthly, or other rhythms? In Part 2 of our two-part series on circadian rhythms, Dr. Laurent Sheybani talks with Dr. Maxime Baud about the latest research on circadian and multidien rhythms in epilepsy. Selected publications: Seizure cycles in focal epilepsy - MG Leguia, et al. (2021) JAMA NeurologyEndogenous multidien rhythm of epilepsy in rats - MO Baud, et al. (2019) Experimental NeurologyLamellar bone is an incremental tissue reconciling enamel rhythms, body size, and organismal life history - TG Bromage, et al. (2009) Calcified Tissue InternationalMulti-day rhythms modulate seizure risk in epilepsy - MO Baud, et al. (2018) Nature CommunicationsSeizure forecasting: Bifurcations in the long and winding road - MO Baud, et al. (2022) Epilepsia  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 The cyclic properties of seizures have been known for more than 100 years, but does everyone with epilepsy have a seizure pattern? What can be learned from seizure diaries, RNS data, and animal models, and how can this information guide further research and clinical care? Dr. Laurent Sheybani talks with Dr. Mark Quigg about circadian rhythms in epilepsy.Selected publications:Electrocorticographic events from long-term ambulatory brain recordings can potentially supplement seizure diaries - Quigg M, et al. (2020) Epilepsy ResearchCircadian and ultradian patterns of epileptiform discharges differ by seizure-onset location during long-term ambulatory intracranial monitoring - Spencer DC, et al. (2016) EpilepsiaInterrater reliability in interpretation of electrocorticographic seizure detections of the responsive neurostimulator - Quigg M, et al. (2015) EpilepsiaVariation of seizure frequency with ovulatory status of menstrual cycles - Herzog AG, et al. (2011) EpilepsiaIs there a circadian variation of epileptiform abnormalities in idiopathic generalized epilepsy? Pavlova MK, et al. (2009) Epilepsy & Behavior  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) affects about one out of every 1.000 people with epilepsy.  Despite its rarity, SUDEP is important to discuss, but some physicians are wary of having the conversations. Dr. Emma Carter spoke with Dr. Suvasini Sharma about SUDEP, why it's important to inform patients and families about it, and how to manage risk factors.The greatest risk factor for SUDEP is uncontrolled generalized tonic-clonic seizures (previously called grand mal seizures). Nocturnal seizures and certain comorbidities, such as developmental delay, also are risk factors.SUDEP information for families from the ILAE (ilae.org) Relevant articles:Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) - What pediatricians need to know Garg D, Sharma S, 2020Effect of counselling of parents of children with epilepsy focusing on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy Kumari S, et al., 2022Counseling about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): A global survey of neurologists' opinions Asadi-Pooya AA, et al., 2022  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Discussions of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT are everywhere. How will this technology affect epilepsy research and care? What are the dangers and pitfalls, and what do we need to know when designing research studies that use AI technology?Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviewed Dr. Christian Bosselmann, an epilepsy precision medicine research fellow at the Cleveland Clinic, about the history of chatbots, the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and tips for critically evaluating studies that utilize AI.Mentioned in the discussion: Are AI language models such as ChatGPT ready to improve the care of individuals with epilepsy?Comparing physician and artificial intelligence chatbot responses to patient questions posted to a public social media forumThis episode was reported by Alina Ivaniuk, and edited and produced by Nancy Volkers.Feedback and ideas welcome: podcast@ilae.org  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Neurocysticercosis - an infection of the brain by a pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) – is one of the most common causes of seizures worldwide. People with neurocysticercosis have incidentally ingested tapeworm eggs, which are found in the feces of people who have tapeworms in their digestive systems (a condition called taeniasis). The eggs can migrate to any organ and form larval cysts; the brain is one of the most common sites.Pigs are intermediate hosts, so neurocysticercosis occurs in regions where humans live in close contact with pigs and eat undercooked pork. Poor sanitation that leads to environmental fecal contamination is a major factor in transmission. Selected publications from the Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru:Quality of life in patients with symptomatic epilepsy due to neurocysticercosis (2022)New animal models of neurocysticercosis can help understand epileptogenesis in neuroinfection (2022)Geographically targeted interventions versus mass drug administration to control Taenia solium cysticercosis in Peru (2021)Current diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis (2021)Neurocysticercosis: A frequent cause of seizures, epilepsy, and other neurological morbidity in most of the world (2021)  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Most people with epilepsy have difficulty always taking their medications as prescribed. How can clinicians and patients talk about the issue and find solutions? Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Avani Modi and Dr. Desiree Williford, authors of a recent study on pediatric adherence in epilepsy.During the episode, Dr. Modi mentions online resources that can help individuals and families find ways to take medication as directed. These are available in English and Spanish on the Epilepsy Foundation website. The STAR trial (Supporting Treatment Adherence Regimens) was a randomized controlled trial. Results can be found at this link.  The International League Against Epilepsy invites you to explore the ILAE Academy: Interactive, practice based online courses for health care professionals who diagnose and treat epilepsy. Find more information at ilae-academy.org. Support the showSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.