Epilepsy Sparks Insights

When Seizures Aren’t the Only Problem in Childhood Epilepsies - Prof. Kette Valente

Seizures are often the focus in childhood epilepsies, but they certainly are not the only symptoms affecting outcomes and quality of life. This episode with Prof. Kette Valente looks at the non-seizure features that matter personally and clinically, why they can be missed, and why identifying them early can change care and long-term impact.
This episode is sponsored by EASEE® by Precisis and had no influence over the editorial content or discussion. Learn more about EASEE® here: https://precisis.de/en
🔗 More about episode (inc. transcription) 👇🏻https://www.epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights//seizures-not-only-problem
🌐 More about Kette 👇🏻https://www.epilepsysparks.com/guests/kette-valente
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Implantable EEG and Long-Term Monitoring - Prof. Norman Delanty

Routine EEG provides a brief snapshot of brain activity and may not capture seizures or epileptiform activity. In this conversation, neurologist Prof. Norman Delanty explains how extended and implantable EEG monitoring can improve assessment of seizure burden, support treatment decisions, and clarify diagnosis and management when short recordings are insufficient.
This episode is sponsored by EASEE® by Precisis and had no influence over the editorial content or discussion. Learn more about EASEE® here: https://precisis.de/en 
 
🔗 More about episode (inc. transcription) 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/long-term-eeg-monitoring
 
🌐 More about Norman 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/guests/norman-delanty 
 
📃 Related paper 👇🏻
"Unilateral ultra long-term subcutaneous EEG monitoring in drug-refractory idiopathic generalized epilepsy" https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/epi.18644
 
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Obesity in Epilepsy - Practical Clinical Approaches - Dr. Ching Soong Khoo

In part two of this conversation, Dr. Ching Soong Khoo discusses practical approaches to managing obesity in epilepsy, including exercise safety, diet, and multidisciplinary care. The episode highlights why weight and physical health are often overlooked in routine practice, and how simple clinical changes can support better quality of life and overall outcomes in people with an epilepsy.
 
🔗 More about episode (inc. transcription) 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/obesity-quality-of-life 
 
🌐 More about Ching Soong 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/guests/ching-soong-khoo
 
📜 Related publications
- “High prevalence of obesity and reduced physical activity among people with epilepsy: A single-centre cross-sectional study” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505025004755
- “Epilepsy, seizures, physical exercise, and sports: A report from the ILAE Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26662920
- “Stop stigma, start exercising: How clinicians can encourage people with epilepsy to engage in physical activity” https://www.ilae.org/journals/epigraph/epigraph-vol-25-issue-1-winter-2023/stop-stigma-start-exercising-how-clinicians-can-encourage-people-with-epilepsy-to-engage-in-physical-activity
 
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🎧 Listen to the Epilepsy Sparks Insights podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite provider!
 
🔤 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary
 
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Obesity in Epilepsy - An Overlooked Problem - Dr. Ching Soong Khoo

Why is obesity so common in people with epilepsy - and why is it often overlooked in clinical care? Dr. Ching Soong Khoo shares new research findings on obesity prevalence, physical activity, and mobility, and discusses how fear, diet, and behaviour intersect with epilepsy management. The episode highlights why addressing weight alongside seizure control matters for long-term health and quality of life.
 
🔗 More about episode (inc. transcription) 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/obesity-health-fitness 
 
🌐 More about Ching Soong 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/guests/ching-soong-khoo
 
📜 Related publications
- “High prevalence of obesity and reduced physical activity among people with epilepsy: A single-centre cross-sectional study” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505025004755
- “Epilepsy, seizures, physical exercise, and sports: A report from the ILAE Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26662920
- “Stop stigma, start exercising: How clinicians can encourage people with epilepsy to engage in physical activity” https://www.ilae.org/journals/epigraph/epigraph-vol-25-issue-1-winter-2023/stop-stigma-start-exercising-how-clinicians-can-encourage-people-with-epilepsy-to-engage-in-physical-activity
 
👕 Join the Epilepsy Sparks community with our merch 👇🏻
https://epilepsy-sparks.creator-spring.com
 
🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights
 
🎧 Listen to the Epilepsy Sparks Insights podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite provider!
 
🔤 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary
 
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What Life Is Really Like for Families Affected by Dravet Syndrome - Rébecca Hubert

Why Clinicians Must Listen to Families Living With Dravet Syndrome - Prof. Rima Nabbout

Understanding the New Focal Consciousness Classifier - Prof. Sándor Beniczky

The updated seizure terminology aims to make life easier for everyone both affected by focal seizures and those involved in epilepsy care. In this episode, Prof. Sándor Beniczky breaks down why "consciousness" is now the key term used to describe focal seizures, and how it imporves clarity, consistency, and global usability - benefiting those with with an epilepsy, carers, GPs/physicians, nurses, and specialists alike.
We discuss…
why focal "awareness” has been retired
what "consciousness" means during a seizure
the difference between responsiveness and recall
why the number of seizure types has been reduced
how the update strengthens communication at all levels of care
what these changes mean for real clinical practise
how shared language supports better decision-making
🔗 More about episode (inc. transcription) 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/focal-consciousness-seizures-explained
 
🌐 More about Sándor 👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/guests/sandor-beniczky
 
📖 Paper spoken of 👇🏻 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/epi.18338
 
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🔗 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary
 
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Can We Transform Global Epilepsy Care? - Prof. Nicola Specchio

Prof. Nicola Specchio shares insights into how regional and global collaboration can strengthen epilepsy care, highlighting the need for coordinated systems, improved pathways and fairer access to expertise. The episode also examines the impact of emerging scientific developments and how shared standards across countries could support better long-term outcomes for people living with an epilepsy.
We discuss: • Diagnostic delays and treatment access • Priorities for ILAE Europe • Cross-border collaboration • Networks for rare epilepsies • Precision medicine and biomarkers • Neuroimaging developments • Earlier intervention and improved outcomes
Check out:
🔗 More about episode (inc. transcription) 👇🏻https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/global-epilepsy-care-challenges-opportunities 
 
🌐 More about Nicola 👇🏻https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights-guests-/nicola-specichio  
 
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🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights 👇🏻https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 
 
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Epilepsy: A New Way to Understand Lived Experience - Cheryl Tveit & Dr. Charbel El Kosseifi

The epilepsies are a complex neurological disease, and patients, families, and clinicians all deserve clear, empowering information! Torie Robinson sits down with nurse, writer Cheryl Tveit and paediatric neurologist/epileptologist writer Dr. Charbel El Kosseifi. from Gillette Children’s Hospital to discuss their new Mac Keith Press book: “Epilepsy”. They explain how they simplified the science for everyone, highlighting crucial topics often ignored in clinic-like morbidities, driving, and the vital need for reassurance. An empowering publication!
 
We discuss:
How the new Gillette Children's Hospital & Mac Keith Press book makes complex epilepsy science accessible for everyone
The importance of plain language - not patronising, just clear
The book's value for med students, residents, and practicing physicians
Quality of life beyond seizures - school, work, relationships & mental health
Cognition, anxiety, and other common comorbidities
Writing with empathy and the voice of families
Why collaboration between patients, clinicians, and educators matters
 
🔗 More about episode 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/epilepsy-book-full-life-guide
 
👤👤 More about Cheryl & Charbel 👇🏻
Cheryl https://www.torierobinson.com/guests/cheryl-tveit
Charbel https://www.torierobinson.com/guests/charbel-el-kosseifi
 
📘 Get the book "Epilepsy" (Mac Keith Press) with 20% off 👇🏻
https://www.mackeith.co.uk/book/epilepsy - code: epilepsysparks20
 
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🎧 Watch the video-podcast 👇🏻
https://youtu.be/bHhtMfNxErw 
 
📒 Glossary 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary
 

The Blood-Brain Barrier and Epilepsy! - Dr. Claire Behan & Dr. Chris Greene

This chat delves into the intricate relationship between the blood-brain barrier and epilepsy - particularly temporal lobe epilepsy! Claire, Chris, and Torie highlight the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier in people with an epilepsy, the role of imaging techniques in assessing this dysfunction, and the outcomes of surgical interventions. Excitingly, Claire and Chris also explore future research directions aimed at targeting the blood-brain barrier to improve treatment outcomes!
🌐 More about the episode 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/claire-behan-chris-greene-blood-brain-barrier-temporal-lobe-epilepsy-neurosurgery 
 
🌐 More about Claire https://www.torierobinson.com/guests/claire-behan 
 
🌐 More about Chris https://www.torierobinson.com/guests/chris-greene 
 
👕 Check out our cool merch 👇🏻
https://epilepsy-sparks.creator-spring.com 
 
🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights   
 
🎧 Listen to the podcast 👇🏻
https://epilepsysparksinsights.podbean.com   
 
🔤 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary
 
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