This past month of research advances include the finding that “silencing” certain populations of neurons may stop seizures and the uncovering of a possible cause of memory impairments in individuals with epilepsy. In addition, a study found that one in every four children in the US with epilepsy has anxiety and/or depression, emphasizing the importance of investing resources into epilepsy and mental health.

Other exciting news for the epilepsy community includes the approval of a new nasally administered rescue medication called VALTOCO and the expanded availability of the no-cost epilepsy gene panel testing program Behind the Seizure^® to a wider age range of children who have had an unprovoked seizure.

Summaries of these research discoveries and news highlights are below.

Research Discoveries & News

• Seizure Control: Seizures can be “switched off” in an animal model of epilepsy by silencing one particular set of neurons located in the brainstem, specifically in an area called the substantia nigra, according to research from the Georgetown University Medical Center. Zeroing in on specific neurons suggests that treatment for epilepsy can be improved, researchers say. Learn More
• Epilepsy and Memory: A new Cedars-Sinai study reveals how memory and abnormal brain activity are linked in patients with epilepsy. The data show that abnormal electrical pulses from specific brain cells are associated with a temporary kind of memory disruption called transient cognitive impairment. Learn More
• Epilepsy and Depression: A study utilizing data from the 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs found that one in four US children with epilepsy has depression and/or anxiety. The study authors concluded that physicians should consider the various factors that are related to depression and anxiety in children with epilepsy so that at-risk children can be screened and managed appropriately. Learn More
• Treatment Approval: Neurelis, Inc. announced that the FDA has approved VALTOCO^® (diazepam nasal spray) as an acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) that are distinct from a patient’s usual seizure pattern in people with epilepsy 6 years of age and older. Learn More
• Genetic Testing: The no-cost epilepsy gene panel testing program Behind the Seizure^®, which aims to provide faster diagnosis for young children with epilepsy, is being extended to any child under the age of eight who has an unprovoked seizure. Learn More

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