The past month has been filled with interesting research discoveries, including work done by CURE Grantee Dr. William Nobis and colleagues to advance our understanding of the areas of the brain that may be important in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). In the field of epilepsy genetics, a large-scale study identified new epilepsy-associated genetic variants by examining the genetic make-up of more than 17,000 people with epilepsy. There is also intriguing research news looking at why cilantro, used in traditional medicine, may work to combat seizures.

Summaries of these research discoveries are below.

Plus, get epilepsy research news all month by downloading the new CURE mobile app! Find the details here.

Research Discoveries

• SUDEP: A study featuring the work of CURE Grantee Dr. William Nobis and colleagues suggests that an area of the brain called the amygdala plays a role in dysfunctional breathing during seizures and possibly SUDEP. Learn More
• Epilepsy Genetics: In one of the largest studies of its kind to examine the genetic make-up of individuals with epilepsy, scientists discover rare genetic variants associated with epilepsy. Learn More
• Herbal Treatments: A study examines how the molecular action of cilantro, which is used as a traditional anticonvulsant medication, can help combat seizures. Learn More
• Dementia and Epilepsy: Patients with dementia who are registered in the Swedish dementia registry were found to have increased rates of epilepsy. Learn More
• Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy: Patients with multiple sclerosis have a higher risk of developing seizures compared with the general population. Learn More
• SCN8A-Related Epilepsy: A study featuring the work of CURE Grantee Dr. Gemma Carvill and colleagues identified a set of neurons in the brains of mice that have a SCN8A gene mutation similar to humans that may be critical targets for therapeutic intervention. Learn More

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