Epilepsy Press Releases
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Tuberous Sclerosis Moves toward Drug Therapy, Offers Clues to Epilepsy and Autism
Friday, Oct 24, 2008
Three recent studies show that the drug rapamycin reduces neurological symptoms in mouse models of tuberous sclerosis complex
(TSC), a rare genetic disorder associated with epilepsy and autism. Scientists say those results could pave the way for effective
treatment – and not just for TSC.
Tuberous Sclerosis Moves toward Drug Therapy, Offers Clues to Epilepsy and AutismFriday, Oct 24, 2008
Three recent studies show that the drug rapamycin reduces neurological symptoms in mouse models of tuberous sclerosis complex
(TSC), a rare genetic disorder associated with epilepsy and autism. Scientists say those results could pave the way for effective
treatment – and not just for TSC.
Early Treatment Prevents Full-Blown Epilepsy in AnimalsFriday, Mar 14, 2008
For the first time, researchers have shown that treating epilepsy-prone animals with an anticonvulsant drug prior to the development
of chronic epilepsy can significantly reduce the number of seizures the animals experience, even after the treatment stops.
The study provides hope that researchers may eventually be able to prevent epilepsy in people who are at risk of the disorder
because of genetic mutations or other factors.
Early Treatment Prevents Full-Blown Epilepsy in AnimalsFriday, Mar 14, 2008
For the first time, researchers have shown that treating epilepsy-prone animals with an anticonvulsant drug prior to the development
of chronic epilepsy can significantly reduce the number of seizures the animals experience, even after the treatment stops.
The study provides hope that researchers may eventually be able to prevent epilepsy in people who are at risk of the disorder
because of genetic mutations or other factors.
Leptin Inhibits Seizures; Study May Lead to New Treatments for EpilepsyThursday, Mar 13, 2008
A new study shows that leptin, a hormone normally associated with eating and metabolism, can inhibit seizures in animal models
of epilepsy. The finding may lead to new ways of treating epilepsy. It also may help explain how the ketogenic diet, which
is sometimes used to treat epilepsy, reduces seizures.
Leptin Inhibits Seizures; Study May Lead to New Treatments for EpilepsyThursday, Mar 13, 2008
A new study shows that leptin, a hormone normally associated with eating and metabolism, can inhibit seizures in animal models
of epilepsy. The finding may lead to new ways of treating epilepsy. It also may help explain how the ketogenic diet, which
is sometimes used to treat epilepsy, reduces seizures.
NINDS Announces New Spanish-Language WebsiteFriday, Dec 7, 2007
Free, accurate information on many neurological disorders is now available on a new Spanish-language website from the National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The website is available
at espanol.ninds.nih.gov.
The Structure of an Important Drug Target Made Crystal ClearWednesday, Dec 5, 2007
Scientists have produced detailed 3-dimensional images of a common type of neurotransmitter receptor, the class of proteins
on the receiving end of chemical signals in the nervous system. The work, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
is expected to speed the development of drugs for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A Rollercoaster of Seizure-Like Activity May Damage the Alzheimer's BrainTuesday, Nov 27, 2007
Although seizures are not a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the brains of people with AD could be humming with
seizure-like activity, interrupted by quiet rebound periods that do more harm than good.
A Rollercoaster of Seizure-Like Activity May Damage the Alzheimer's BrainTuesday, Nov 27, 2007
Although seizures are not a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the brains of people with AD could be humming with
seizure-like activity, interrupted by quiet rebound periods that do more harm than good.
Scientists Zero in on the Cellular Machinery that Enables Neurons to FireWednesday, Nov 14, 2007
If you ever had a set of Micronauts – toy robots with removable body parts – you probably had fun swapping their heads, imagining
how it would affect their behavior. Scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health have been performing similar
experiments on ion channels – pores in our nerve cells – to sort out the channels' key functional parts.
Imaging Neural Progenitor Cells in the Living Human BrainThursday, Nov 8, 2007
For the first time, investigators have identified a way to detect neural progenitor cells (NPCs), which can develop into neurons
and other nervous system cells, in the living human brain using a type of imaging called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).
The finding, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for depression,
Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, and a host of other disorders.
NIH National Neurology Advisory Council Gains Five New MembersFriday, Oct 12, 2007
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) welcomes five new members to its National Advisory Neurological
Disorders and Stroke Council. The Council serves as the principal advisory body to the NINDS, a component of the National
Institutes of Health and the nation's primary supporter of basic, translational, and clinical research on the brain and nervous
system.
Better Prediction Could Mean Better Control over Epileptic SeizuresTuesday, Mar 13, 2007
Despite conventional wisdom that epileptic seizures are random and unforeseeable, a new study shows that people can sometimes
anticipate them, hinting at the possibility of treatments that could quell an oncoming seizure.
Better Prediction Could Mean Better Control over Epileptic SeizuresTuesday, Mar 13, 2007
Despite conventional wisdom that epileptic seizures are random and unforeseeable, a new study shows that people can sometimes
anticipate them, hinting at the possibility of treatments that could quell an oncoming seizure.
Six New Members Named to National Neurology Advisory CouncilThursday, Oct 5, 2006
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has appointed six new members to its major advisory panel,
the National Advisory Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council. The NINDS, a component of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), is the nation’s primary supporter of basic, translational, and clinical research on the brain and nervous system.
NINDS Director Story Landis, Ph.D., formally introduced the new members, who will serve through July 2010, at the Council’s
September 14, 2006 meeting.
Javits Neuroscience Award Presented to Six Leading ScientistsWednesday, Jul 12, 2006
Six outstanding scientists who target neurological disorders at the cellular and molecular level were recently awarded the
prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences. The award provides for up to seven years of research funding
from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the nation’s leading agency for research on the
brain and nervous system and a component of the National Institutes of Health.
Study Implicates Potassium Channel Mutations in Neurodegeneration and Mental RetardationSunday, Feb 26, 2006
For the first time, researchers have linked mutations in a gene that regulates how potassium enters cells to a neurodegenerative
disease and to another disorder that causes mental retardation and coordination problems. The findings may lead to new ways
of treating a broad range of disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study was funded in part by the
National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Study Finds Biochemical Defect in Juvenile Batten DiseaseWednesday, Jan 25, 2006
For the first time, scientists studying a fatal childhood neurodegenerative disorder, juvenile Batten disease, have identified
a defect in transport of the amino acid arginine in cells from affected children. The finding helps researchers understand
how the disease develops and may lead to new ways of treating it.
Epilepsy Can Be Triggered by Support Cells in the BrainThursday, Dec 15, 2005
For decades, researchers have tried to understand what triggers clusters of neurons to begin signaling excessively in epilepsy.
A new study shows that, in many cases, the answer resides in star-shaped support cells called astrocytes. The finding may
lead to new ways of treating epilepsy.
Epilepsy Can Be Triggered by Support Cells in the BrainThursday, Dec 15, 2005
For decades, researchers have tried to understand what triggers clusters of neurons to begin signaling excessively in epilepsy.
A new study shows that, in many cases, the answer resides in star-shaped support cells called astrocytes. The finding may
lead to new ways of treating epilepsy.
NINDS Announces New Javits Neuroscience Investigator AwardeesWednesday, May 4, 2005
Four prominent investigators were recently awarded the prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences, which
provides for up to seven years of research funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
What's Old is New Again - Antibiotic Protects Nerves By Removing Excess GlutamateMonday, Feb 7, 2005
A new study shows that a common antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections increases survival rates and delays nerve damage
in a mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The antibiotic works by activating or "turning on" the gene encoding
the glutamate transporter in neurons. This finding may lead to new drug treatments for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Gene for Rapid-Onset Dystonia Parkinsonism FoundThursday, Sep 23, 2004
Investigators funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have identified the gene
responsible for a rare form of dystonia known as rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism (RDP).
Fact Sheet
Promising Gene Therapy Tool May Suppress Epileptic SeizuresFact Sheet
Friday, Nov 14, 2003
A new gene therapy approach may one day stop seizures in people with common forms of epilepsy, according to a new study.
Researchers found that the new therapy suppressed focal seizures and seizure induced brain damage in rats.
Fact Sheet
Gene Linked to Epilepsy With Auditory FeaturesFact Sheet
Thursday, Feb 7, 2002
A new gene involved in a rare form of epilepsy, in which affected individuals may hear sounds that aren't there, has been
identified by researchers supported by the NINDS.
Fact Sheet
Safe Effective Treatment to Stop Seizures Can Be Delivered Outside of the HospitalFact Sheet
Wednesday, Aug 29, 2001
A new study shows that paramedics can safely and effectively treat patients who are suffering from acute and prolonged seizures
with injections of benzodiazepines, a mild form of tranquilizers. In 59 percent of patients who received lorazepam, and in
43 percent of patients treated with diazepam, the seizures stopped before they arrived at the emergency department. Conversely,
only 21 percent of patients in the placebo group arrived at the hospital seizure free.
Fact Sheet
Safe and Effective Treatment for Acute Repetitive Seizures Available for At-Home UseFact Sheet
Wednesday, Jun 24, 1998
A unique gel formulation of diazepam safely reduces the severity of acute repetitive seizure episodes in both children and
adults, according to a study published in the June 25, 1998, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine and funded by the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Topiramate Available For Treatment Of EpilepsyMonday, Dec 30, 1996
A new drug for epilepsy, topiramate, with particular effectiveness for partial seizures, developed in part by scientists at
the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), is now available to the public. The drug received approval
by the Food and Drug Administration on December 24.
Drug-Resistant Seizures Often Take Years to DevelopMonday, Jan 27, 2003
While about 80 percent of people with epilepsy gain significant relief from drug therapy, the remaining 20 percent have seizures
that cannot be controlled by medications. Many of these people have a particular type of epilepsy called partial epilepsy.
A new study shows that people with partial epilepsy often have seizures controlled by medications for years before their seizures
become drug-resistant. The study also found that periods when seizures stopped for a year or more are common in these patients.
Fact Sheet
Electrical Activity Alters Neurotransmitter Production in Frogs During DevelopmentFact Sheet
Tuesday, Aug 10, 2004
Scientists studying how the nervous system develops in frogs have found that altering the pattern of electrical signaling
in individual neurons changes the kinds of neurotransmitters they produce. While preliminary, the finding may lead to a new
understanding of how epilepsy and other neurological disorders develop and may even point to new ways of preventing or treating
these disorders.
Valproic Acid Shows Promise for Treating Spinal Muscular AtrophyWednesday, Feb 18, 2004
One of the first studies of valproic acid as a potential therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) shows that, in cultured
cells, the drug increases production of a protein that is reduced or missing in people with the disorder. While preliminary,
the study suggests that valproic acid or related drugs may be able to halt or even reverse the course of this devastating
childhood disease.
Fact Sheet
Promising Gene Therapy Tool May Suppress Epileptic SeizuresFact Sheet
Friday, Nov 14, 2003
A new gene therapy approach may one day stop seizures in people with common forms of epilepsy, according to a new study.
Researchers found that the new therapy suppressed focal seizures and seizure induced brain damage in rats.
Fact Sheet
Drug-Resistant Seizures Often Take Years to DevelopFact Sheet
Monday, Jan 27, 2003
While about 80 percent of people with epilepsy gain significant relief from drug therapy, the remaining 20 percent have seizures
that cannot be controlled by medications. Many of these people have a particular type of epilepsy called partial epilepsy.
A new study shows that people with partial epilepsy often have seizures controlled by medications for years before their seizures
become drug-resistant. The study also found that periods when seizures stopped for a year or more are common in these patients.
Fact Sheet
Researchers Successfully Deliver Drugs to the Primate BrainstemFact Sheet
Thursday, Oct 3, 2002
Current drug treatments of brainstem tumors are largely unsuccessful, because the drugs often fail to bypass the blood vessel
lining protecting the brainstem. Now, an NIH study shows that researchers can effectively deliver drugs to the primate brainstem
and monitor how the drugs spread inside the brain. The study provides hope for improving treatment of brainstem tumors and
other brain diseases.
Fact Sheet
Genetic Analysis of Childhood Brain Tumors Improves Diagnosis And Predicts SurvivalFact Sheet
Friday, Mar 8, 2002
Doctors who treat brain tumors and other kinds of cancer have long struggled to understand why some patients respond well
to therapy while others do not. In recent years, it has become clear that the answer lies at least partially in the genes.
Two studies now show that identifying the "genetic fingerprints" of some childhood brain tumors can greatly improve diagnosis
and predict patients' long-term survival. The findings help researchers understand how the tumors develop and may lead to
improved ways of treating them.
Fact Sheet
Gene Linked to Epilepsy With Auditory FeaturesFact Sheet
Thursday, Feb 7, 2002
A new gene involved in a rare form of epilepsy, in which affected individuals may hear sounds that aren't there, has been
identified by researchers supported by the NINDS.
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet
Sunday, Jul 1, 2001
Increasing the expression of a single gene that is important during development dramatically improves the ability of adult
neurons to regenerate, a new study shows. The finding suggests that intrinsic properties of neurons play an important role
in controlling neuronal regeneration and may lead to new approaches for treating damage from stroke, spinal cord injury, and
other neurological conditions.
Safe and Effective Treatment for Acute Repetitive Seizures Available for At-Home UseWednesday, Jun 24, 1998
A unique gel formulation of diazepam safely reduces the severity of acute repetitive seizure episodes in both children and
adults, according to a study published in the June 25, 1998, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine and funded by the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Topiramate Available For Treatment Of EpilepsyMonday, Dec 30, 1996
A new drug for epilepsy, topiramate, with particular effectiveness for partial seizures, developed in part by scientists at
the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), is now available to the public. The drug received approval
by the Food and Drug Administration on December 24.
Common Drug Linked to Lower Incidence of Cerebral PalsyWednesday, Feb 8, 1995
A new study shows that very low birthweight babies have a lower incidence of cerebral palsy (CP) when their mothers are treated
with magnesium sulfate soon before giving birth. The findings come from a study sponsored by the California Birth Defects
Monitoring Program (CBDMP) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and reported in the February
1995 issue of Pediatrics.
Oral Diazepam Reduces the Risk of Chilhood Febrile Seizure RecurrenceWednesday, Jul 7, 1993
Oral diazepam (Valium), given at times of fever, safely reduces the risk of febrile seizure recurrence in infants and children,
according to a study published in the July 8 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine* and funded by the National Institute
of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Febrile seizures are fever-triggered convulsions that occur in approximately
3-4 percent of all children in the United States. Although they are generally harmless, their occurrence can cause alarm in
the family.
Brain Damage Disrupts Emotions and MoodTuesday, May 5, 1992
Feeling tense and anxious? Unfettered and carefree? It may be all in your head or — rather — your cerebral hemispheres. According
to scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), new research suggests that the brain's
hemispheres generate our emotional outlook. Scientists also say their findings, announced today at the annual meeting of the
American Academy of Neurology in San Diego, show that brain damage can change judgment of emotion and distort normal mood.
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