The Latest Epilepsy Research

CURE Epilepsy is dedicated to funding patient-focused research to find a cure for the 65 million people with epilepsy worldwide. This month, we share the following articles and abstracts which are furthering the study of epilepsy and bringing the world closer to a cure.

Study Identifies Genetic Cause of Severe Seizures in Children


Scientists at McGill University have identified a genetic cause of severe seizures in children, with the help of CURE Epilepsy’s immediate past Board Chair, Kelly Cervantes and her daughter Adelaide. The research team analyzed samples from Adelaide and others with mutations in a gene called DENND5A. The scientists found that mutations in this gene stopped brain cells from dividing properly during development. The result is a developing brain with fewer stem cells, shortening the crucial time period that the brain forms as an embryo. The finding provides answers to families of people with this rare genetic condition.

Seizures Detected at Low Levels of Central Thalamus Stimulation in Mice Study 


Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Massachusetts General Hospital are testing a method to electrically stimulate the central thalamus (CT), which is located deep in the brain. This method of stimulation, called CT-deep brain stimulation (DBS), can help arouse subjects from unconscious states induced by traumatic brain injury or anesthesia and can boost cognition and performance in awake animals. However, it can also result in seizures.

Virtual Stimulation of the Interictal EEG Network Localizes the Epileptic Zone


Researchers lead by recent CURE Epilepsy Taking Flight awardee Rachel June Smith built patient-specific network models from interictal intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) results to test whether a new, virtual approach using less-invasive stimulation methods could reveal information about the underlying brain network and identify highly excitable regions. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, successful localization and surgical treatment of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) can bring seizure freedom.

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Our mission is to fund breakthrough research that will transform the lives of people living with epilepsy as we lead the search for a cure. CURE Epilepsy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Our tax identification number is 36-4253176.