Epilepsy Sparks Insights

Rare Epilepsies, Patient Advocacy, & Becoming a NEUROLOGIST- Phillip Pearl

In this second episode with Dr Phillip Pearl, we explore the human side of rare epilepsies: what drives him as a paediatric neurologist, how advocacy transforms progress, and why research in ultra-rare conditions can change the lives of people with common disorders. We also tackle difficult but vital topics - SUDEP, depression, and suicide in epilepsy - and end on a hopeful note with music and the brain!
 
🌐 More about Phillip 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/phillip-pearl-rare-epilepsies-sudep-neurology-journey  
 
👕 Check out our cool merch 👇🏻
https://epilepsy-sparks.creator-spring.com 
 
🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 
 
🎧 Watch the chat on YouTube 👇🏻
https://youtu.be/scBYPashBAs 
 
📖 Chapters
00:00 – Intro
00:56 – Meet Dr Phillip Pearl
01:17 – What keeps you going, as a paediatric neurologist
03:19 – Choosing paediatric neurology
05:06 – Falling in love with neurology
06:25 – Future of metabolic epilepsies
07:30 – Gene therapy breakthroughs
09:44 – SUDEP & risk awareness
11:18 – Depression, mortality, & suicide in epilepsy
11:55 – The intersection of music and epilepsy
12:28 – Conclusion & thanks
 
🔤 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
 
📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks 
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Metabolic Epilepsies & Gene Therapy – Phillip Pearl

Neurologist Dr Phillip Pearl (Boston Children’s Hospital / Harvard Medical School), joins Torie to explore inherited metabolic epilepsies. He explains why include far more than seizures, shares powerful stories (including vitamin B6-responsive epilepsy), and traces the progress from mid-20th century discoveries to today’s targeted therapies -  including research into gene therapy!
 
👕 Check out our cool merch 👇🏻
https://epilepsy-sparks.creator-spring.com
 
🌐 More about Phillip 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/phillip-pearl-inherited-metabolic-epilepsies-gene-therapy 
 
🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights
👇🏻 https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights
 
🎧 Watch the video 👇🏻
https://youtu.be/yJ31k_6xNNg 
 
📖 Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:00 Meet Philip
02:52 Understanding Inherited Metabolic Epilepsies
06:08 The Role of Genetics in Epilepsy
08:58 Transformational Treatments in Epilepsy
12:05 The Future of Epilepsy Treatment
00:00 Conclusion & Thanks
 
🔤 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
 
📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks 
- Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/epilepsysparks.bsky.social 
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Magnetic Brain Stimulation in Epilepsy: Genetics, Research & Future Care - Simona Balestrini

Asst. Prof. Simona Balestrini, an adult and paediatric neurologist, shares her epilepsy research into the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a tool for understanding genetic forms of epilepsy! She explains the methodology of TMS, its applications in clinical and research settings, and the importance of safety in its use for people with an epilepsy. The chat also explores future directions for TMS, including its potential as a treatment option!
📖 Chapters
00:00 Intro00:22 Meet Simona Balestrini02:20 What Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Actually Is03:47 How Simona Uses TMS in Epilepsy Research05:56 What TMS Reveals About Genetic Epilepsies09:50 Why Safety Matters in Magnetic Brain Stimulation12:09 Could TMS Guide or Improve Treatment?14:31 Looking Ahead: The Future of TMS in Epilepsy14:57 Closing Thanks & Where to Learn More
 
🎞️ Watch on YouTube 👇🏻
https://youtu.be/hyLxVtc6ud8 
 
🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights  
 
🌐 More about Simona 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/simona-balestrini-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation 
 
👕 Check out our cool merch 👇🏻
https://epilepsy-sparks.creator-spring.com 
 
🔤 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
 
📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks 
- Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/epilepsysparks.bsky.social 
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/epilepsysparks 
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/epilepsysparks
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@epilepsysparks 

Neurologist Diagnosed with Epilepsy - You’ll Love His Positivity - Dr. Jim Morrow

An epilepsy specialist neurologist develops an epilepsy! In this fascinating episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Dr. Jim Morrow, a retired consultant neurologist who ends up developing the disease himself! Jim shares his unique perspective on the challenges and ironies of navigating life with an epilepsy; from his initial diagnosis of Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis due to a Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Antibody, to the impact on his professional and personal life. Tune in also to learn about Jim’s fun, fictional books (with a medical twist) - out now!
🎧 Listen to the podcast 👇🏻
https://epilepsysparksinsights.podbean.com  
 
🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights  
 
🌐 More about Jim 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/jim-morrow-neurologist-diagnosed-epilepsy-autoimmune-encephalitis 
 
👕 Check out our cool merch 👇🏻
https://epilepsy-sparks.creator-spring.com 
 
📖 Chapters 
00:00 Intro
00:00 Meet XXX
 
00:00 Conclusion & Thanks
 
🔤 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary  
 
📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks 
- Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/epilepsysparks.bsky.social 
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/epilepsysparks 
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/epilepsysparks 
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@epilepsysparks 

Epilepsy Care, Cultural Beliefs & Telemedicine in Mexico Dr. Yanin Rivera

Paediatric Neurologist Dr Yanin Rivera shares how cultural beliefs, limited access to healthcare, education, and innovative telemedicine solutions are shaping the landscape of epilepsy treatment, care, and prevention in Mexico!
 
🎧 Listen on all platforms 👇🏻https://www.youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights
 
🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights  
 
🌐 More about Yanin 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/yanin-rivera-mexico-lmic-culture-telemedicine 
 
👕 Check out our cool merch 👇🏻
https://epilepsy-sparks.creator-spring.com 
 
📖 Chapters 
00:00 Intro
00:00 Meet Brad & Lucas
 
00:00 Conclusion & Thanks
 
🔤 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
 
📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks 
- Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/epilepsysparks.bsky.social 
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/epilepsysparks 
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/epilepsysparks
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@epilepsysparks 

Sexual Health & Epilepsy: Building CONFIDENCE for Patients & Clinicians | Drs Kamitaki & Orellana

Sexual health in epilepsy is vital - but many clinicians and patients hesitate to address it. 💜
Epileptologists Dr. Brad Kamitaki and Dr. Lucas Orellana join Torie Robinson for a warm, giggly, and open conversation on:
Why clinician confidence matters in sexual health discussions
Cultural barriers that can silence important conversations
Creating safe spaces for patients
What’s coming up at the IBE Lisbon 2025 conference!
🎧 Listen now to break barriers with us - and maybe share a laugh along the way.
 
🎧 Listen on all platforms 👇🏻https://www.youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights
 
🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 
 
🌐 More about Brad & Lucas 👇🏻
www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/brad-katmitaki-lucas-orellana-sexual-health-epilepsy-clinician-patient-confidence
 
🌐 More about the conference 👇🏻
https://www.ilae.org/congresses/36th-international-epilepsy-congress/section/sectionid/1
 
👕 Check out our cool merch 👇🏻
https://epilepsy-sparks.creator-spring.com
 
📖 Chapters 
- Intro
- Meet Brad & Lucas
- Challenges in Discussing Sexual Health
- Patient Perspectives on Sexual Health
- Cultural Influences on Conversations about Sex
- Experiences in Discussing Sexual Health with Patients
- Evolving Medical Education and Open-Mindedness
- Interactive Learning and Role Play at the Conference
- Conclusion & Thanks
 
🔤 Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
 
📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks
- Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/epilepsysparks.bsky.social
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/epilepsysparks
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/epilepsysparks 
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@epilepsysparks
 

Epilepsy & Suicide: Breaking the Silence - Milena Gandy & Heidi Munger Clary

Milena Gandy (Clinical Psychologist) and Heidi Munger Clary (Epileptologist) chat with Torie about the intersection of epilepsy and suicide, emphasising the importance of welcoming talking about addressing mental health issues in patients with an epilepsy. They go into the stigma surrounding suicidal thoughts, the need for open conversations between patients and clinicians, and strategies for improving patient care and quality of life. The chat also highlights the upcoming, fun(!) IEC workshop in Lisbon, aimed at enhancing patient-centered communication in epilepsy care.
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Suicide crisis lines 👇🏻
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines
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🔗 Website & more about Milena Gandy & Heidi Munger Clary 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/milena-gandy-heidi-munger-clary-su!c&&&de-lisbon-iec-2025 
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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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📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks
- Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/epilepsysparks.bsky.social
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- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@epilepsysparks
 

They Aren’t FAKE! Dissociative Seizures/Non-Epileptic Events - Dr. Parthvi Ravat

Neurologist Dr Parthvi Ravat shares the relationship between epilepsy and Non-Epileptic Events* (also known as dissociative Seizures and PNES), symptoms of the latter, treatment options, and the importance of research and awareness in improving patient outcomes. Parthvi highlights the complexities of diagnosing and managing FND and Dissociative Seizures/PNES/Non-Epileptic Events, the need for a multidisciplinary approach, and the shared experiences of patients experiencing both an epilepsy and NEEs!
*A type of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
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🔗 Website & more about Parthvi: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/parthvi-ravat-fnd-functional-neurological-disorder 
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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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📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks
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Migraine & Epilepsy: Best Friends - Lucas Orellana

Adult neurologist and epileptologist Lucas Orellana shares the intriguing connection between migraine and epilepsy! These seemingly distinct neurological conditions share common pathogenic mechanisms, genetics, and treatments and while they are often experienced together there may be challenges in distinguishing between them. Lucas emphasises the importance of personalised treatment plans and the role of lifestyle factors and stress as common triggers.
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🔗 Website & more about Lucas: 👇🏻
http://torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/lucas-orellana-migraine
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Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks 
- Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/epilepsysparks.bsky.social 
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/epilepsysparks 
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/epilepsysparks 
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@epilepsysparks 
 

How To Be Safer During Seizures: SafeSteps! - Daniel Goldenholz

Epileptologist Daniel Goldenholz shares his innovative approach to using 3D printing technology to create practical tools for epilepsy care! He tells us about the evolution of his products - designed to assist caregivers/public during seizures. He also explains how accessible, customisable, and durable they are, and chats about the importance of community engagement and collaboration to spread awareness and provide support for those affected by an epilepsy!
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🔗 Safesteps platform 👇🏻
https://sites.google.com/site/danielgoldenholz/Home/safesteps-platform 
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🔗 Website & more about Daniel 👇🏻
 
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/daniel-goldenholz-safesteps
-----------------------------------------
Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 
------------------------------------------
📲 Join us on social media!
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epilepsy-sparks
- Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/epilepsysparks.bsky.social
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/epilepsysparks
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/epilepsysparks 
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@epilepsysparks