Epilepsy Sparks Insights

Epilepsy Is More Than Seizures! - Matthias De Wachter

Paediatric neurologist Matthias De Wachter chats about the benefits of a holistic approach to helping people affected by the epilepsies, emphasising the importance of understanding the broader implications of the disease - with symptoms other than seizures. Matthias shares with us his research into KCNQ2 & 3, his insights into the significance of lifestyle factors in managing epilepsy, the transition from paediatric to adult care, ongoing research for precision medicine, and drug repurposing for rare genetic epilepsies!
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🔗 Website & more about Matthias 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/matthias-de-wachter-morbidities-kcnq2-kcnq3-dravet 
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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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Empowering People With An Epilepsy - In Rural India - Bindu Menon

Dr. Bindu Menon discusses her work as a neurologist in India; focusing on epilepsy and stroke awareness. She highlights the significant prevalence of these conditions in India, particularly in rural areas, and the challenges faced in treatment and education. Bindu emphasises the importance of empowering women and the role of technology, such as the Epilepsy Help App, in improving patient care and adherence to medication.
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🔗 Website & more about Bindu 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/bindu-menon-epilepsy-empowerment-india
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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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DANCEing: Beyond Seizures: Supporting Caregivers! - Simona Giorgi, Dravet Foundation EU, Spain

Dr. Simona Giorgi from Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain shares their preclinical and clinical studies, epidemiological research, and their development of tools to support caregivers and people affected by Dravet! Highlighted are the needs for greater awareness among healthcare professionals about the capabilities of patient advocacy groups and the invaluable psychological support they can provide to families.
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🔗 European Dravet Syndrome Conference 2025
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/conferences/european-dravet-syndrome-conference-madrid
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🔗 Website & more about Simona: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/simona-giorgi-dance-dravet-epidemiology-support 
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Chapters 📖
00:00 Intro
00:00 Meet Simona & Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain
02:48 Research Initiatives and Collaborations
06:07 Understanding Epidemiological Studies
08:58 Tools for Caregivers and Patients
11:57 Awareness and Support for Families
15:04 Future Directions
00:00 Conclusion & Thanks
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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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#rareepilepsy #Dravet #epidemiology #neuropsychiatric #carer #caregiver 

Epilepsy: Astrocytes and Their Relationship With Neurons - Tom Jensen

Tom Jenson, a postdoc researcher at UCL Institute of Neurology, chats about his research on astrocytes and their role in neuronal communication. He explains the differences between astrocytes and neurons, the challenges of using human brain tissue for research, and shares preliminary results from his studies on calcium signaling in astrocytes! The conversation also touches on the creative aspects of scientific research and the beauty of visualising brain cells through microscopy.
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🔗 Website & more about Tom: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/tom-jensen-astrocytes-neurons-epilepsy-neuroscience

Quality of Life: With Epilepsy & Intellectual Disability

Adults with an intellectual disability and an epilepsy have many of the same needs as those without the former - but things can take longer to figure out - hence, care and patience are crucial from clinicians! Neuropsychiatrist Mike Kerr shares how what to many may seem like small gains can have huge, positive impacts on the Quality of Life of people with an ID and an epilepsy. This is part 2 of 2 with Mike.
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🔗 Website & more about Mike 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/mike-kerr-intellectual-disability-epilepsy-communications-health 
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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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Epilepsy: Care For People Who Also Have Intellectual Disability - Mike Kerr

Neuropsychiatrist Mike Kerr talks about the intersection of epilepsy and Intellectual Disability, the complexities of communication, the need for tailored communication strategies, the needs of individuals and caregivers, and the importance of building relationships in healthcare! Mike and Torie also touch on new treatments and the overall quality of life for the people affected.
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🔗 Website & more about Mike 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/mike-kerr-intellectual-disability-epilepsy-community 
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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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Epilepsy - Preventing Seizures After Traumatic Brain Injury - Tobias Engel

Tobias Engel talks about potentially preventing seizures and epilepsy caused by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)! He discusses his study into the P2X7 receptor's role in TBI and its potential to reduce inflammation, seizures, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, and mood disorders. Tobias also speaks of the potential for improved quality of life for those with TBI-related epilepsy in the future.
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🔗 Website & more about Tobias: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/tobias-engel-p2x7-receptor-tbi-epilepsy 
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Epilepsy: Making Diagnoses More Precise! - Mastaneh Torkamani Azar

Post-doc researcher Mastaneh Torkamani-Azar discusses her research on drug-resistant epilepsy, focusing on the innovative techniques being developed to improve diagnosis and treatment. The conversation covers the challenges of drug resistance in epilepsy, the importance of advanced neuroimaging and histopathology, and the potential impact of this research on patient outcomes and quality of life. Mastaneh emphasises the collaborative nature of the project and the significance of integrating various data types to enhance clinical decision-making.
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🔗 Website & more about Mastaneh: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/mastaneh-torkamani-azar-data-epilepsy-making-diagnoses-more-precise 
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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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Epilepsy: The Brain-Mind Connection - Leszek Kaczmarek

Neurobiologist Leszek Kaczmarek discusses his extensive research in molecular neurobiology, particularly focusing on the role of the MMP-9 protein in learning, memory, and epilepsy! He explains how MMP-9 is linked to synaptic plasticity and epilepsy, autism, and various mental health disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol addiction. Kaczmarek also shares insights into future research directions and the potential for drug development to prevent epilepsy.
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🔗 Website & more about Leszek : 👇🏻
www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/leszek-kaczmarek-brain-mind-connection 
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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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Communication Barriers in Epilepsy Research - Georgia Cook

Research Fellow Georgia Cook explains the challenges of and positive impacts of positive, effective communication upon patient and family Quality of Life, the importance of qualitative research engagement and how it compliments quantitative research, and strategies to improve patient communication in an epilepsy trial. This is part 2 of 2 with Georgia.
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🔗 Website & more about Georgia: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/georgia-cook-communication-barriers-in-epilepsy-research
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