Research recap: Empiric immunotherapy for highly refractory epilepsy: Dr. Elisabeth Doran

Send comments and feedbackIn a retrospective study of 31 patients with highly refractory epilepsy, 29% had more than a 50% reduction in seizures for at least 12 months after being treated with immunotherapy. Three of these patients became seizure free. Other than a trend toward a diagnosis of focal epilepsy, researchers did not identify any specific features predictive of treatment response. Sharp Waves spoke with the first author about the study and its implications.The study was published in Epilepsia in April 2025. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send comments and feedbackWhat are variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in epilepsy genetic testing? How are they defined, and can those definitions change over time? Sharp Waves talks with Dr. Gemma Carvill as part of our genetic testing series.RESOURCESStandards for interpreting variants (American College of Medical Genetics)Gene ReviewsClinVarGeneMatcherGnomadClinGenILAE genetic literacy seriesEpiPred website for STXBP1 (developed by EpiMVP project - will be final by end of July)Think Genetics paper – genetic testing in South Africa projectLink to Sharp Waves episode on genetic testing in LMICs  Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send comments and feedbackThis episode covers a wide scope of issues, including treatment options, treatment response, prognosis and the role of seizures versus the underlying etiology, most common etiologies for different age groups, new-onset refractory status (NORSE), and the prevalence and special considerations of non-convulsive status epilepticus. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send comments and feedbackIn use since the 1970s, valproate is highly effective for genetic generalized epilepsies and some forms of pediatric epilepsy. The medication also is associated with a 10% risk of birth defects in children exposed to it in utero, as well as a 30% to 40% risk of neurodevelopmental issues, including autism. Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Tony Marson about the reproductive risks for women and men taking valproate, discussing UK policies meant to ensure appropriate prescription of valproate and communication about its risks. The recent policy regarding men who take valproate, and the evidence used to support that policy, is discussed near the end of the episode.Since the episode was recorded, the UK has changed its policy regarding men taking valproate; see this link for more information: February 2025 update on valproate policy in the UKUK Drug Safety Update page - June 2025February 2025 update on valproate policy in the UKRegulatory safety and educational materials on valproate - for health care professionals and patientsPublic assessment report: Managing reproductive risks in males under 55 taking valproate Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send comments and feedbackILAE's updated seizure classification position paper was published in Epilepsia in April 2025. Sharp Waves talked with Dr. Sandor Beniczky about the updates and how they will impact research and clinical care.The position paper is open access and available online. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send comments and feedbackSeizures cost Stacia Kalinoski her career in broadcast journalism and forced her to give up running. In her new memoir, Kalinoski recounts her journey from first seizure in college to epilepsy surgery years later, describing her seizures, struggles with medication, and challenges coming to terms with her epilepsy.Kalinoski's book, Racing Uphill, is available July 1, 2025 and can be ordered or pre-ordered online.Stacia Kalinoski is an Emmy Award–winning TV news journalist from the United States whose documentary Brainstorm was nominated for a regional Emmy Award. Before a seizure ended her broadcast journalism career, she reported for television stations in Nebraska, Oregon, and Michigan. She now shares her story as a motivational speaker. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send comments and feedbackWork-related stress and burnout are common in physicians, with rates of burnout estimated between 25% and 60%. These stresses impact physician health, patient care, and health care systems as a whole. Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Sheryl Haut about strategies to identify work stress and mitigate burnout. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send comments and feedbackMicroglia can have protective and also potentially harmful effects in the brain. They seem to be involved in dampening the nervous system during acute seizures – but also appear to play a role in neuronal loss and cortical thinning. Dr. Cecilie Nome spoke with Dr. Amy Brewster about the many faces of microglia and the current understanding of their role in epilepsy and seizures. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send comments and feedbackMany of the most common concerns of people with epilepsy are topics they don't usually talk about with physicians. This is one of many findings of a study using AI to analyze more than 55,000 posts about epilepsy on Reddit. Sharp Waves spoke with the study's first author and two epilepsy advocates about the results and how they could help initiate important patient-provider conversations. PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, call your local emergency number or crisis hotline.The Reddit study is freely available online; no journal subscription is required:Bridging the conversational gap in epilepsy: Using large language models to reveal insights into patient behavior and concerns from online discussions - Fennig - 2025 - Epilepsia  Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Send comments and feedbackMusic can affect emotions, spark memories, and influence mood. In cases of musicogenic epilepsy, music can trigger seizures. In other cases, music may reduce seizure frequency. Dr. Cecilie Nome talks with Dr. Phillip Pearl and Prof. Nigel Osborne about the power of music and its effects on the brain.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Links:Nigel Osborne - WikipediaPersonalised music as a treatment for epilepsy - Epilepsy & BehaviorNeuroscience and “real world” practice: music as a therapeutic resource for children in zones of conflict - Osborne - 2012 - Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences - Wiley Online LibraryX-System Overview  Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.