https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/epilepsy/ Read the latest medical research on epilepsy and seizures including new treatments and potential cures under development. en-us Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:09:04 EDT Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:09:04 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/epilepsy/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184215.htm A new experimental drug is showing remarkable promise for children with Dravet syndrome, a severe genetic form of epilepsy. In clinical trials, the treatment zorevunersen cut seizures by as much as 91% while also improving quality of life for many patients. The therapy works by boosting the function of a key gene involved in nerve cell signaling. Encouraging results have led researchers to launch a larger Phase 3 trial. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:14:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184215.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015649.htm A new study suggests temporal lobe epilepsy may be linked to early aging of certain brain cells. When researchers removed these aging cells in mice, seizures dropped, memory improved, and some animals avoided epilepsy altogether. The treatment used drugs already known to science, raising the possibility of quicker translation to people. The results offer new hope for patients who do not respond to existing medications. Thu, 25 Dec 2025 23:55:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015649.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250907172611.htm Children with higher blood pressure as young as age 7 face a sharply increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by their mid-50s, according to a massive decades-long study. Researchers found that even moderately elevated readings, not just full hypertension, raised the danger, with risks climbing as much as 40–50%. Sun, 07 Sep 2025 18:51:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250907172611.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512105207.htm ChatGPT responses matched or outperformed epileptologists' responses related to the regions where epileptogenic zones are commonly located. Yet epileptologists provided more accurate responses for the regions rarely affected. Mon, 12 May 2025 10:52:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512105207.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326123602.htm Glucose is life's main energy source. But a new study reveals a surprising role as a master manipulator of tissue maturation, hinting at its importance in diabetes and cancer. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:36:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326123602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325141535.htm A drug typically prescribed for arthritis halts brain-damaging seizures in mice that have a condition like epilepsy, according to researchers. If the drug proves viable for human patients, it would be the first to provide lasting relief from seizures even after they stopped taking it. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:15:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325141535.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250224175741.htm Receptors on B and T cells hint at what the immune system is targeting. An AI approach called Mal-ID developed increases diagnostic accuracy, particularly for autoimmune diseases. Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:57:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250224175741.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219111313.htm New research focuses on diagnostic delays experienced by people with epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures that affects over 3 million people in the United States and 50 million worldwide. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:13:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219111313.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122130017.htm Doctors could soon reduce epilepsy misdiagnoses by up to 70% using a new tool that turns routine electroencephalogram, or EEG, tests that appear normal into highly accurate epilepsy predictors, a study has found. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:00:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122130017.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241127135517.htm Children of mothers who took certain anti-seizure medications while pregnant do not have worse neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 6, according to a long-running study. Wed, 27 Nov 2024 13:55:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241127135517.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241126135629.htm Researchers have developed a new method called MoPEDE, which has the potential to improve epilepsy treatment. The method combines brain measurements with genetic analyses, offering deeper insights into the origins and mechanisms of epileptic seizures. Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:56:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241126135629.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240517164121.htm The sweet-taste receptor might be the first stop in a metabolic surveillance system for sugar. The receptor is also expressed in certain intestinal cells, where it may facilitate glucose absorption and assimilation, as part of this system. A team found that stimulation and inhibition of the sweet receptor helps regulate glucose metabolism in humans and may have implications for managing such metabolic disorders as diabetes. Fri, 17 May 2024 16:41:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240517164121.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240514183459.htm Scientists have documented the benefits of lactate burning in exercising humans, but few studies have looked at the role of lactate during rest or after a meal. Exercise physiologists challenged fasting men and women with a carbohydrate meal and then monitored lactate in the blood and fat vs carbohydrate metabolism. They found that lactate buffers glucose from a meal, and that lactate is utilized for energy almost as much as glucose. Tue, 14 May 2024 18:34:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240514183459.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240411130322.htm Childhood verbal abuse by adults costs society an estimated $300 billion a year globally, show recent findings. Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:03:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240411130322.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240322145412.htm Only a very small percentage of neurons show changes after an epileptic seizure in mice, but these alterations can be permanent and trigger future seizures. An experimental treatment may prevent these long-term changes. Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:54:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240322145412.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240104210209.htm In a study designed to better understand sudden, unexpected deaths in young children, which usually occur during sleep, researchers have identified brief seizures, accompanied by muscle convulsions, as a potential cause. Thu, 04 Jan 2024 21:02:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240104210209.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231009191651.htm In cases where standard therapies fail, a medication called XEN1101 reduces seizure frequency by more than 50% in some patients and sometimes eliminates them altogether, a new study shows. Unlike several treatments that must be started at low doses and slowly ramped up, the new drug can safety be taken at its most effective dose from the start, the authors say. Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:16:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231009191651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230711133307.htm Does the brain play a role in blood glucose regulation? Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found evidence in animal models that glucose-sensing neurons in the brain are important for whole body glucose regulation, including during diabetes. Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:33:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230711133307.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230419125118.htm What if, by adding a couple of cell layers inside a corn kernel, the grain could become significantly richer in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein? Such an improvement could benefit people who rely on corn for a large portion of their diet, as in many parts of the global south. Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:51:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230419125118.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230301141411.htm Seizures can be predicted more than 30 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, opening the door to a therapy using electrodes that could be activated to prevent seizures from happening, according to new research. Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:14:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230301141411.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230126095557.htm People with diabetes who experience periods of low blood sugar -- a common occurrence in those new to blood sugar management -- are more likely to have worsening diabetic eye disease. Now, researchers say they have linked such low blood sugar levels with a molecular pathway that is turned on in oxygen-starved cells in the eye. Thu, 26 Jan 2023 09:55:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230126095557.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221207163034.htm People who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may have a lower risk of having a type of stroke called an intracerebral hemorrhage, according to a new study. An intracerebral hemorrhage is caused by bleeding in the brain. Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:30:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221207163034.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221201123127.htm An international team of researchers has discovered a new genetic mutation that leads to childhood glaucoma, and in the process, uncovered a new mechanism for causing the disease. They hope their findings can lead to better screening for families affected by this devastating condition and one day new treatments. Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:31:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221201123127.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221129112724.htm Two new models could solve a problem that's long frustrated millions of people with epilepsy and the doctors who treat them: how to find precisely where seizures originate to treat exactly that part of the brain. By helping surgeons decide if and where to operate, the tools could help patients avoid risky and often-ineffective surgeries as well as prolonged hospital stays. Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:27:24 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221129112724.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221123213558.htm Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common types of epilepsy worldwide. Although symptomatic medications are available, one-third of TLE patients remain unresponsive to current treatment, so new drug targets are critically needed. Neuroscientist have recently identified and developed a new drug candidate that has potential for effectively treating TLE by suppressing neuroinflammation. Wed, 23 Nov 2022 21:35:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221123213558.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221123114204.htm Scientists have reported a new route for measuring blood sugar levels (BGLs) without drawing blood. Wed, 23 Nov 2022 11:42:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221123114204.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221115114026.htm Children with a severe form of epilepsy should be vaccinated against the flu due to the high risk of seizures being triggered by an influenza infection, according to a new study. Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:40:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221115114026.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221107192300.htm Researchers have identified how a specific protein in SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, damages heart tissue. They then used a drug to reverse the toxic effects of that protein on the heart. Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:23:00 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221107192300.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221103140808.htm Researchers have provided the first demonstration of a progressive increase in epileptic spasms along with learning and memory deficits in an animal model of this disorder. Thu, 03 Nov 2022 14:08:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221103140808.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221025120129.htm Functional seizures not caused by epilepsy are associated with structural changes in the brain that can be seen using MRI, a new study shows. Scientist have long understood the nonepileptic seizures as the body's response to mental stressors, such as anxiety and PTSD. Researchers say the findings bring potential for earlier diagnosis of functional seizures, which are often misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:01:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221025120129.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221019090722.htm Scientists have found that a stress response in cells, when 'switched on' at a post-reproductive age, could be the key to slow down ageing and promote longevity. Wed, 19 Oct 2022 09:07:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221019090722.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221012163511.htm A device known as a bionic pancreas, which uses next-generation technology to automatically deliver insulin, was more effective at maintaining blood glucose (sugar) levels within normal range than standard-of-care management among people with type 1 diabetes, a new multicenter clinical trial has found. Wed, 12 Oct 2022 16:35:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221012163511.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220818091242.htm A 'state of the science' review details the most reported symptoms of 6 cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): heart attack, heart failure, valve disease, stroke, heart rhythm disorders, and peripheral artery and vein disease (PAD and PVD). There are important differences in symptoms between women and men. Depression, common across many CVDs, may influence a person's ability to detect changes in symptoms. Effective methods of monitoring and measuring symptoms over time are critical to manage cardiovascular disease well and prevent or delay its progression. Thu, 18 Aug 2022 09:12:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220818091242.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220816175109.htm A novel peptide augments the brain's natural mechanism to help prevent seizures and protect neurons in research models of both Alzheimer's and epilepsy, scientists report. Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:51:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220816175109.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220815112831.htm A new study shows that cancer cells don't want to waste glucose, they just consume it too quickly. The normal pathways for transporting fuel within the cell get saturated. The discovery was made possible with metabolomics, which allowed researchers to observe the speed at which small molecules move through cells. Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:28:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220815112831.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220614095549.htm Researchers propose a new method to differentiate signals from the epileptic focus from those recorded in other parts of the brain without the presence of an epileptic seizure. This technique may help detect epilepsy-induced features from these signals much quicker than conventional analysis techniques. Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:55:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220614095549.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220512121826.htm New research introduces a novel network analysis technology that uses minimally invasive resting state electrophysiological recordings to localize seizure onset brain regions and predict seizure outcomes in just 10 minutes. Thu, 12 May 2022 12:18:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220512121826.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220512092703.htm A new study suggests that antidepressant use by mothers during the first trimester of pregnancy does not increase the chances of epilepsy and seizures in babies. Thu, 12 May 2022 09:27:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220512092703.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220427100503.htm The likelihood of developing high cholesterol -- a risk factor for heart disease and stroke -- was higher among white men and white women who experienced abuse during childhood, according to a study of more than 5,000 Black and white adults in the U.S. In contrast, growing up in a well-managed household with family members who were involved and engaged in the child's life offset the higher risk of high cholesterol among white women and Black men who reported abuse during childhood. Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:05:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220427100503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220405123902.htm Scientists presents evidence that adults can generate new brain cells, and that this process is dramatically altered in patients with long-term epilepsy. The study details the presence of newborn neurons and an immature version of a related cell type, known as astroglia, in patients with epilepsy, furnishing new evidence of neurogenesis in adults and new insights into how immature astroglia might contribute to epilepsy. The study also opens an unexplored avenue toward the development of new anti-seizure medications for millions of people. Tue, 05 Apr 2022 12:39:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220405123902.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220324104443.htm Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders, is characterized by the spontaneous repetition of seizures caused by the hyperactivity of a group of neurons in the brain. Could we therefore reduce neuronal hyperactivity, and treat epilepsy, by reducing the amount of energy supplied to neurons and necessary for their proper functioning? Researchers discovered that, in mice, the seizures were actually exacerbated. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 10:44:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220324104443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220322111247.htm Researchers studying epileptic seizures of the temporal lobe -- the most common type of epilepsy -- discovered a compound that reduces seizures in the hippocampus, a brain region where many such seizures originate. The compound, known as TC-2153, lessened the severity of seizures in mice. Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:12:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220322111247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220315095012.htm A research group has revealed that amyloid-beta detected in blood is secreted from peripheral tissues (pancreas, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, liver, etc.) that are sensitive to glucose and insulin. Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:50:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220315095012.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220120135123.htm A team of researchers has come up with a new approach to streamline the process that people with diabetes use to estimate the carbohydrate content of a meal, draw blood to measure current blood glucose levels, and calculate and deliver the correct insulin dose. Thu, 20 Jan 2022 13:51:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220120135123.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211109193307.htm A new study found patterns could be identified in patients who wear a special wristwatch monitoring device for six to 12 months, allowing about 30 minutes of warning before a seizure occurred. This worked well most of the time for five of six patients studied. Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:33:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211109193307.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211020135951.htm Epilepsy seizures can be triggered when a natural braking system meant to control brain activity goes awry, researchers found. The discovery could open the door to new treatments. Wed, 20 Oct 2021 13:59:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211020135951.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211014172730.htm Noninvasive glucose monitoring devices are not currently commercially available in the United States, so people with diabetes must collect blood samples or use sensors embedded under the skin to measure their blood sugar levels. Now, with a new wearable device less intrusive glucose monitoring could become the norm. Thu, 14 Oct 2021 17:27:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211014172730.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210927172926.htm An inexpensive anti-seizure medication markedly improves learning and memory and other cognitive functions in Alzheimer's patients who have epileptic activity in their brains, according to a new study. Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:29:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210927172926.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210804123457.htm Release of the brain's equivalent of THC, marijuana's active component, reduces seizure activity but leads to post-seizure oxygen deprivation in the brain, scientists have shown. Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:34:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210804123457.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210608113220.htm New molecules have promising properties as possible drugs against epilepsy. A study shows that several of the molecules have antiseizure effects. Tue, 08 Jun 2021 11:32:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210608113220.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210506105413.htm To understand the effect of sleep seizures, researchers monitored the brain and heart activity of people with epilepsy as they slept. Thu, 06 May 2021 10:54:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210506105413.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210420183133.htm New research combines clinical application and engineering innovation to present a safe, noninvasive, cost-effective, and quicker imaging option for patients with epilepsy. Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:31:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210420183133.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210310150351.htm Scientists have identified key genes involved in brain waves that are pivotal for encoding memories. The findings could eventually be used to develop novel therapies for people with memory loss disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:03:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210310150351.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210226103814.htm A research team has developed mathematical model to predict seizures that will give epilepsy patients an accurate warning five minutes to one hour before they are likely to experience a seizure. Fri, 26 Feb 2021 10:38:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210226103814.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210111135902.htm A team of scientists has identified a new link between seizures and connexin 36 deficiency. The discovery found that this interaction may make the brain more prone to having seizures. Mon, 11 Jan 2021 13:59:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210111135902.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210107135708.htm In a large-scale study of electronic health records investigators determined the prevalence of functional seizures and characterized comorbidities associated with them. Functional seizures are sudden attacks or spasms that look like epileptic seizures but do not have the aberrant brain electrical patterns of epilepsy. The research team confirmed associations between functional seizures and psychiatric disorders and sexual assault trauma and discovered a novel association with stroke. Thu, 07 Jan 2021 13:57:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210107135708.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201020081743.htm Having subtler symptoms, a form of epilepsy that affects only one part of the brain often goes undiagnosed long enough to cause unexpected seizures that contribute to car crashes, a new study finds. Tue, 20 Oct 2020 08:17:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201020081743.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201013164414.htm Researchers have found that an amino acid produced by the brain could play a crucial role in preventing a type of epileptic seizure. Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:44:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201013164414.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201008142048.htm A new study shows that a protein -- called DUSP4 -- was increased in healthy brain tissue directly adjacent to epileptic tissue. The research suggests that boosting levels of DUSP4 could be a novel way of preventing or treating epilepsy. Thu, 08 Oct 2020 14:20:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201008142048.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200826101628.htm More frequent seizures during the menstrual cycle in women with genetic generalized epilepsy have been linked for the first time to drug-resistant epilepsy, when anti-seizure medications don't work, according to a new study that may help lead to tailored treatments. Wed, 26 Aug 2020 10:16:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200826101628.htm