Epilepsy Sparks Insights

Using Viral Vectors To Stop Epilepsy - José M Serratosa

People with an epilepsy might be nervous about getting "gene therapy" - but in today's mini-episode, in part 2 of 2, epileptologist José M Serratosa is asked if he would get gene therapy and why(!), explains the use of viral vectors for treating genetic epilepsies, where we are in preclinical development, what is next, and what is also holding us back!
------------------------------------------
🔗 Transcription & more about José: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/jose-m-serratosa-gene-therapies-viral-vectors 
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker 
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10 
 
 
 
#epilepsy #genetherapy #genetics #vectors #viralvectors #lafora 

Gene Therapy: A Promising Approach for The Epilepsies? - José M Serratosa

What does the future for epilepsy treatments hold?! Epileptologist José M Serratosa shares his predictions for epilepsy gene therapies; highlighting the importance of addressing all symptoms - including cognitive, motor, and psychiatric - as well as the seizures. Jose explains the role of viral vectors and how they may save people! This is part 1 of 2 with José - in part 2, the conversation goes into the challenges of research clinical trials for these therapies; from basic, to pre-clinical, to clinical!
------------------------------------------
🔗 Transcription & more about José: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/jose-m-serratosa-future-epilepsy-gene-therapies 
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker 
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10 
 
 
 
#epilepsy #genetherapy #genetics #vectors #viralvectors #lafora 

Laser Interstitial Thermal Ablation For Epilepsy - Michael Sperling

Michael Sperling, a prof of neurology and director of the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, educates us on laser ablation therapy for epilepsy! He and Torie discuss the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, its advantages over traditional open surgery, and its efficacy in reducing seizures. They also touch on the suitability of the therapy for different age groups and types of epilepsy. The conversation highlights the precision and safety of laser ablation therapy and its potential to improve outcomes for patients.
-----------------------------------------
Michael’s related papers 📜
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Sperling-2  
______________

Acute Symptomatic Seizures: Weaning Babies Off Of ASMs - Maria Gogou

Who knows about Acute Symptomatic Seizures and how the babies and children experiencing them can be carefully weaned off of the anti-seizure medications they are on? Paediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist Maria Gogou from University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece, explains more. Paediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist Maria Gogou from University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece, explains more. 
-----------------------------------------
🔗 Website & more about Maria 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/maria-gogou-acute-symptomatic-seizures-weaning-babies-asms 
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker 
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10 

Staying On A Medication That “Doesn't Work”?! - Maria Gogou

Children may benefit from being weaned off of anti-seizure medications when they are on the ketogenic diet. Plus, find out how the ketogenic diet can significantly benefit children with epilepsy - even when it doesn’t control their seizures! Paediatric neurologist Maria Gogou discusses her work in managing rare and complex epilepsies in children.
-----------------------------------------
🔗 Paper: “Antiseizure medication reduction and withdrawal in children with drug-resistant epilepsy after starting the ketogenic diet” 👇
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dmcn.15377
-----------------------------------------
🔗 Website, transcription, & more about Maria 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/maria-gogou-staying-on-a-keto-diet-that-doesnt-work-dravet
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker 
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10 
 

How Worms Helped Us Understand Epilepsy! - David Henshall

David Henshall shares how information gathered when researching worms led to the discovery of microRNA, a far improved understanding of the epilepsies, and potential treatments - all explained in his new book (link below)! This is episode 2 of 2.
-----------------------------------------
David’s book  📖
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fine-Tuning-Life-MicroRNAs-Genomes-Regulators/dp/1009466429/ref=sr_1_1
-----------------------------------------
🔗 Website & more about David: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/david-henshall-micro-rna-epilepsy 
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker 
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10 
#epilepsy #mrna #genetics #geneticepilepsy #DavidHenshall

Fighting Epilepsy With MicroRNAs?! - David Henshall

David Henshall discusses the role and importance the role of microRNAs in epilepsy; which act as master regulators of gene activity and help stabilise the gene pathway. He discusses the potential of RNA therapy in treating epilepsy and the challenges of delivering RNA molecules to the brain. Henshall's book, 'Fine Tuning Life: A Guide to MicroRNAs, Your Genome's Master Regulators,' explores the fascinating world of microRNAs and their impact on gene regulation.
-----------------------------------------
David’s book  📖
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fine-Tuning-Life-MicroRNAs-Genomes-Regulators/dp/1009466429/ref=sr_1_1
-----------------------------------------
🔗 Website & more about David: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/david-henshall-fighting-epilepsy-with-micrornas 
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻
https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker 
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10 
#epilepsy #mrna #genetics #geneticepilepsy #DavidHenshall

Fighting Epilepsy Stigma in Kenya - Eddie Chengo

Epileptologist Eddie Chengo from Kenya discusses the stigma faced by people affected by epilepsy in Africa, explaining that around 75% of people with epilepsy in the region experience stigma and emphasising the importance of addressing this whilst implementing medical treatment. Eddie also shares the various initiatives and research projects his organisation is undertaking to raise awareness and challenge the stigma associated with epilepsy.
------------------------------------------
🔗 Eddie's papers 👇
https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Eddie-Chengo-44151310 
-----------------------------------------
🔗 Website & more about Eddie 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/eddie-chengo-epilepsy-stigma-kenya 
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10  
#epilepsy #neurology #stigma #discrimination
 

Seizures Caused By Insufficient Glucose! - Carla Marini

A mutation of a gene can lead to lack of absorption of glucose (our fuel) and cause epilepsy! Carla Marini, a paediatric neurologist and neuropsychiatrist tells us all about the rare epilepsy and metabolic disorder GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis, treatment using the ketogenic diet (which can help control seizures, improve cognitive function, and decrease the impacts of movement disorders). She also highlights the value of working closely with patient and family groups to understand the clinical manifestations and natural history of the disease. Carla shares an uplifting success story of a patient who has thrived with early intervention.
------------------------------------------
Papers mentioned 👇
“Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency as a Treatable Cause of Myoclonic Astatic Epilepsy”:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/1107863 
“Early onset absence epilepsy due to mutations in the glucose transporter GLUT1”:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26864996_Early_onset_absence_epilepsy_due_to_mutations_in_the_glucose_transporter_GLUT1 
-----------------------------------------
🔗 Website & more about Carla 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/carla-marini-glut1-disorder-metabolism-genetic 
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10  
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson  
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10  
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker  
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10 

The Importance of Genetic Testing For Epilepsies - Nazanin Azarinejad Mohammadi

Neuroscientist Nazanin Azarinejad Mohammadi discusses her research on epilepsy genetics, the clinical and functional characterisation of GABAA-receptor related disorders, and how mutations in the GABAA-receptor subunits can lead to epilepsy and morbidities. Nazanin also highlights the variability in symptoms among individuals with the same mutation and the need for further research to understand the factors that contribute to this variability. Plus, emphasised is the importance of genetic testing and personalised treatment for patients with these mutations.
-----------------------------------------
Paper: “Clinical and functional characterization of GABAA-receptor related disorders: translating genetic diagnostics into personalized treatment” 👇
https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/publications/clinical-and-functional-characterization-of-gabaa-receptor-relate 
-----------------------------------------
🔗 Website & more about Nazanin 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/nazanin-azarinejad-mohammadi-genetic-testing-personalised-treatment-GABA-receptors 
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary
-----------------------------------------
📲 Join me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10 
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/torierobinson 
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torierobinson10 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieRobinsonSpeaker 
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torierobinson10