Epilepsy Sparks Insights
Sparking interest and understanding in the epilepsies whilst bridging the communication gap between epilepsy patients, clinicians, scientists, geneticists – and the world. Hosted by Torie Robinson. **NOT FOR CLINICAL OR PATIENT DECISION-MAKING* Visit www.torierobinson.com & www.epilepsysparks.com.
Episodes

Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
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.
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🔗 Website & more about Maria 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/maria-gogou-acute-symptomatic-seizures-weaning-babies-asms
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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 me on social media!
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Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
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.
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🔗 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
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🔗 Website, transcription, & more about Maria 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/maria-gogou-staying-on-a-keto-diet-that-doesnt-work-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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📲 Join me on social media!
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Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
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.
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David’s book 📖
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fine-Tuning-Life-MicroRNAs-Genomes-Regulators/dp/1009466429/ref=sr_1_1
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🔗 Website & more about David: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/david-henshall-micro-rna-epilepsy
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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 me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10
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#epilepsy #mrna #genetics #geneticepilepsy #DavidHenshall

Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
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.
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David’s book 📖
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fine-Tuning-Life-MicroRNAs-Genomes-Regulators/dp/1009466429/ref=sr_1_1
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🔗 Website & more about David: 👇🏻
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/david-henshall-fighting-epilepsy-with-micrornas
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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 me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10
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#epilepsy #mrna #genetics #geneticepilepsy #DavidHenshall

Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
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.
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🔗 Eddie's papers 👇
https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Eddie-Chengo-44151310
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🔗 Website & more about Eddie 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/eddie-chengo-epilepsy-stigma-kenya
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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 me on social media!
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#epilepsy #neurology #stigma #discrimination

Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
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.
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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
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🔗 Website & more about Carla 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/carla-marini-glut1-disorder-metabolism-genetic
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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 me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10
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Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
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.
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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
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🔗 Website & more about Nazanin 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/nazanin-azarinejad-mohammadi-genetic-testing-personalised-treatment-GABA-receptors
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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 me on social media!
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Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
As well as preventing up to 100% of seizures in 20% of those with refractory focal epilepsy, Cenobamate may also (indirectly), positively impact mental health, cognitive function and reduce seizure propagation. Ricardo Morcos shares information on the titration of Cenobamate, how it is not suitable during pregnancy, and the importance of a 1:1 clinician-patient relationship. This is part 2 of 2.
Please note that this is not an endorsement of any particular anti-seizure medication (Cenobamate or any of the others mentioned) and any questions or ideas from a patient or carer must be brought up with one’s neurologist/epileptologist.
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Spanish consensus on the management of concomitant anti-seizure medications when using Cenobamate in adults with drug-resistant focal seizures 👇
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379572148_Spanish_consensus_on_the_management_of_concomitant_antiseizure_medications_when_using_cenobamate_in_adults_with_drug-resistant_focal_seizures
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🔗 Website & more about Ricardo 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/ricardo-mocos-starting-cenobamate-cognition-pregnancy
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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 me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10
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Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
As well as preventing up to 100% of seizures in 20% of those with refractory focal epilepsy, Cenobamate may also (indirectly), positively impact mental health, cognitive function and reduce seizure propagation. Ricardo Morcos shares information on the titration of Cenobamate, pregnancy, and the importance of a 1:1 clinician-patient relationship. This is part 2 of 2.
Please note that this is not an endorsement of any particular anti-seizure medication (Cenobamate or any of the others mentioned) and any questions or ideas from a patient or carer must be brought up with one’s neurologist/epileptologist.
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Spanish consensus on the management of concomitant anti-seizure medications when using Cenobamate in adults with drug-resistant focal seizures
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379572148_Spanish_consensus_on_the_management_of_concomitant_antiseizure_medications_when_using_cenobamate_in_adults_with_drug-resistant_focal_seizures
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🔗 Website & more about Ricardo 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/ricardo-mocos-cenobamate-game-changer-for-epilepsy
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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 me on social media!
- X: https://twitter.com/torierobinson10
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#cenobamate #focalepilepsy #partialseizures #epilepsy #RicardoMocos

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
For the 11th World Brain Day, hear from co-chair and lead neurologist Tissa Wijeratne, who explains how so many of the brain disorders in nearly 4 billion people can be prevented, and how you can help this happen! Links to the free World Brain Day webinar, and more, are below.
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🎧 Listen to ESI on Spotify!👇
https://open.spotify.com/show/14rwL06qUowezZQGwpR7GW?si=dE4AEAsrQhqbeDc8dKM-dQ
Also on Apple Podcasts or anywhere else you listen!
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World Brain Day 👇
https://wfneurology.org/activities/news-events/wfn-news/2024-05-07-wfn-wbd
World Brain Day webinar 👇
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ayYclSOLRSKwriPFg7S5bg#/registration
World Brain Day content toolkit 👇
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TD_CyerWAa_x65614G6UmWJ8WUBocGNz
World Health Organization Intersectoral Global Action Plan 👇
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240096356
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🔗 Website & more about Tissa 👇
https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/tissa-wijeratne-world-brain-day-2024
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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 me on social media!
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#WorldBrainDay #WBD2024 #BrainHealthandPrevention #TissaWijeratne