Epilepsy Sparks Insights

Rethinking Generalised Epilepsy Networks and Deep Brain Stimulation - Dr. Frederic Schaper

Generalised epilepsy is often described as involving the whole brain at once. But does it start all at once? Dr. Frederic Schaper discusses research mapping subtle brain abnormalities to shared brain networks in generalised epilepsy, and how these networks overlap with targets used for deep brain stimulation. The conversation explores what this may reveal about seizure mechanisms and future neuromodulation research.
This episode is sponsored by EASEE® by Precisis GmbH 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/generalised-epilepsy-network-dbs 
 
🌐 More about Frederic 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/guests/frederic-schaper 
 
📃 Paper "A generalized epilepsy network derived from brain abnormalities and deep brain stimulation" 👇🏻
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57392-7
 
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Epilepsy: The Mental Health Symptoms We Overlook - Dr. Andres M. Kanner

Psychiatric symptoms are common in the epilepsies, yet they are often overlooked in clinical care. Dr. Andres M. Kanner, epileptologist and Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Miami, explains why mental health symptoms are central to epilepsy outcomes - not peripheral! Topics include depression, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, suicide risk, family psychiatric history, and how these factors influence antiseizure medication choices and quality of life.
This episode is sponsored by EASEE® by Precisis GmbH and had no influence over the editorial content or discussion. Learn more about EASEE® here: https://precisis.de/en 
 
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https://www.epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/mental-health-epilepsy 
 
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Reassessing The Prescription of Levetiracetam/Keppra for Epilepsy - Dr. Ángel Aledo-Serrano

Flash-back to our most popular episode*! Epileptologist & neurologist Dr. Ángel Aledo-Serrano talks of his review and opinion on a former paper regarding the antiseizure medication Levetiracetam/Keppra, its effectiveness in controlling seizures, but also the importance of precision medicine. He also speaks of the need to improve prescribing and avoid polypharmacy for people with an epilepsy, the need for further qualitative research into treatment and care, and convincing clinicians that epilepsy is far more than seizures alone. This episode is sponsored by EASEE® by 
This episode is sponsored by EASEE® by Precisis GmbH, who 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/keppra-levetiracetam-quality-of-life 
 
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*2023

Genetic Testing in Epilepsy Isn’t Definitive - Here's Why - Dr. Christian Bosselmann

Who should receive genetic testing in epilepsy, and how should results really be interpreted? Epileptologist and scientist Dr. Christian Bosselmann explores genome sequencing, diagnostic yield, variants of uncertain significance, and why results are rarely black and white. The discussion highlights how quickly things are changing in epilepsy genetics and how re-analysis and improved interpretation can meaningfully influence clinical decision-making. This episode is sponsored by EASEE® by Precisis GmbH, who had no influence over the editorial content or discussion. Learn more about EASEE® here: https://precisis.de/en
 
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https://www.epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/genetic-testing-variant-interpretation
 
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AI in Health Care - What the Evidence Shows So Far - Charlotte Blease, PhD

Who is already using generative AI in health care, and what does the evidence actually show? Researcher Charlotte Blease, PhD, examines the positives, patient and clinician uptake, emerging risks, and where major gaps in training, policy, and research remain. The discussion explores mental health use, long-term conditions, empathy, and why regulation is struggling to keep pace with real-world practice.
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/ai-in-healthcare-evidence 
 
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Accelerated Brain Ageing and Neurodegeneration in Epilepsy - Dr. Marian Galovic

Accelerated brain ageing is a key feature of epilepsy that cannot be explained by seizures alone. Drawing on longitudinal imaging and biomarker research, Dr. Marian Galovic discusses neurodegeneration beyond seizure activity and the clinical importance of early intervention.
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/neurodegeneration-brain-ageing
 
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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
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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
 
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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!
 
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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
 
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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! 👇🏻
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