Sharp Waves: ILAE’s epilepsy podcast
- Épisodes
- 109
- Parution
- mensuelle
- Dernier épisode
- 30 Oct 2026
À propos du podcast
Epilepsy affects more than 50 million people. Every day. Sharp Waves brings you stories about people with epilepsy, physicians treating epilepsy, and researchers studying the condition. We'll cover the latest research, challenges to diagnosis and treatment, and issues from around the world.
Épisodes 109
Artificial intelligence and epilepsy: Dr. Christian Bosselmann- encore episode (2023)
Send comments and feedbackDiscussions of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT are everywhere. How will this technology affect epilepsy research and care? What are the dangers and pitfalls, and what do we need to …
Notes de l’épisode
Discussions of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT are everywhere. How will this technology affect epilepsy research and care? What are the dangers and pitfalls, and what do we need to know when designing research studies that use AI technology?
Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviewed Dr. Christian Bosselmann, an epilepsy precision medicine research fellow at the Cleveland Clinic, about the history of chatbots, the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and tips for critically evaluating studies that utilize AI.
Mentioned in the discussion:
Are AI language models such as ChatGPT ready to improve the care of individuals with epilepsy?
Comparing physician and artificial intelligence chatbot responses to patient questions posted to a public social media forum
This episode was reported by Alina Ivaniuk, and edited and produced by Nancy Volkers.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]
The 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.Epigenetics in epilepsy and the Michael Prize: Dr. Katja Kobow- encore episode (2022)
Send comments and feedbackKatja Kobow is the most recent winner of the Michael Prize, an international award in epilepsy research. Her work focuses on epigenetics and epilepsy, a field that has grown …
Notes de l’épisode
Katja Kobow is the most recent winner of the Michael Prize, an international award in epilepsy research. Her work focuses on epigenetics and epilepsy, a field that has grown exponentially in only the past 10 to 15 years. Dr. Kobow talked about her research and its potential for epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.
Epigenetics is the bookmarking system or the data management system of our genome. It decides which part of the genome is read, and when to read it. The epigenome is what makes the genome versatile in terms of regulating gene expression.
Epigenetics is crucial for all aspects of brain development and function. It’s also reversible, which has exciting implications for anti-epileptogenic therapies.
Dr. Kobow is assistant professor at the Institute of Neuropathology at the University Hospital Erlangen, Germany.Selected recent publications:
DNA methylation-based classification of malformations of cortical development in the human brain (Acta Neuropathologica, 2022)
Molecular diagnostics in drug-resistant focal epilepsy define new disease entities (Brain Pathology, 2021)
Epigenetics explained: a topic “primer” for the epilepsy community by the ILAE Genetics/Epigenetics Task Force (Epileptic Disorders, 2020)
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]
The 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.First seizure from sleep - What is the risk of recurrence? Dr. Elaine Pang -encore episode (2023)
Send comments and feedbackAre people who have their first seizure during sleep at greater or lesser risk for future seizures, compared with people who have their first seizure when they're awake? Dr …
Notes de l’épisode
Are people who have their first seizure during sleep at greater or lesser risk for future seizures, compared with people who have their first seizure when they're awake? Dr. Laurent Sheybani interviews Dr. Elaine Pang, author of a 2023 paper in Epilepsia that analyzed data from 1,312 adults visiting a first-seizure clinic.
This episode also discusses a 2015 evidence-based guideline on managing a first unprovoked seizure in adults. The guideline was developed by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society.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]
The 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.Tumor associated epilepsy: Dr. Katie Peters
Send comments and feedback In this episode of Sharp Waves, host Nancy welcomes renowned neurologist and neuro-oncologist Dr. Katie Peters from the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center to discuss the …
Notes de l’épisode
In this episode of Sharp Waves, host Nancy welcomes renowned neurologist and neuro-oncologist Dr. Katie Peters from the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center to discuss the important connection between brain tumors and epilepsy. Dr. Peters shares her expertise on how brain tumors can contribute to seizure disorders, the challenges patients face, and the latest approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and care. Whether you're a healthcare professional, patient, caregiver, or simply interested in neuroscience, this insightful conversation offers valuable perspectives on navigating these complex neurological conditions. Tune in for an engaging discussion with one of the field's leading experts.
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]
The 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.Epilepsy and functional/dissociative seizures: Dr. Wesley Kerr and Dr. Shruti Iyer
Send comments and feedbackIn this Sharp Waves podcast episode “Epilepsy and Functional/Dissociative Seizures,” Wesley Kerr, MD, PhD, a statistician and epileptologist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center …
Notes de l’épisode
In this Sharp Waves podcast episode “Epilepsy and Functional/Dissociative Seizures,” Wesley Kerr, MD, PhD, a statistician and epileptologist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, joins Shruti Iyer, MD, a third year neurology resident at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, to discuss their recently published study on categorizing the probability of epilepsy in patients already diagnosed with functional dissociative seizures (FDS). The conversation highlights how this proposed framework may help clinicians better identify patients who could have coexisting epilepsy and improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. The episode also notes that functional dissociative seizures were previously, and in some settings are still, referred to as psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES).
You can access the research article here.
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]
The 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.Autism and epilepsy: Dr. Colin Reilly and Dr. Stéphane Auvin -encore episode (2023)
Send comments and feedbackNearly one-third of people with autism also have epilepsy. Researchers aren't sure why. For people on the spectrum, epilepsy can prompt unique challenges. Seizure symptoms can be …
Notes de l’épisode
Nearly one-third of people with autism also have epilepsy. Researchers aren't sure why.
For people on the spectrum, epilepsy can prompt unique challenges. Seizure symptoms can be misinterpreted as common autistic behaviors. Treatment may also be difficult due to the stress of a clinical setting, or the impact of anti-seizure medications on autism symptoms. Currently, some experts argue that there is a lack of research in assessing these care pathways.
To learn more about diagnosis and treatment for people with autism and epilepsy, Joy Mazur spoke to Dr. Colin Reilly and Dr. Stéphane Auvin.
Related studies/links:
Epilepsy in patients with autism: links, risks and treatment challenges Besag FMC, et al., 2017
Neurobehavioral Comorbidities in Children with Active Epilepsy: A Population-Based Study Reilly C, et al., 2014
Traditional and non-traditional treatments for autism spectrum disorder with seizures: an on-line survey Frye RE, et al., 2011
Epilepsy and autism - National Autistic SocietySharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.
Let us know how we're doing: [email protected]
The 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.Autoimmune-associated epilepsy: Dr. Claude Steriade - encore episode (2022)
Send comments and feedbackWhat is autoimmune-associated epilepsy, and how is it different from acute seizures with an autoimmune cause? How can clinicians best diagnose and treat these conditions? Sharp Waves …
Notes de l’épisode
What is autoimmune-associated epilepsy, and how is it different from acute seizures with an autoimmune cause? How can clinicians best diagnose and treat these conditions? Sharp Waves reporter Dr. Maryam Nabavi-Nouri spoke with Dr. Claude Steriade.
Claude Steriade, MD, CM is originally from Quebec City, Canada. She completed medical school at McGill University in Montreal, followed by an adult neurology residency at the University of Toronto. Dr. Steriade then completed a two-year epilepsy fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic before joining the epilepsy center at New York University.
Relevant articles:
Acute symptomatic seizures secondary to autoimmune encephalitis and autoimmune-associated epilepsy: Conceptual definitionsDiscerning the Role of Autoimmunity and Autoantibodies in Epilepsy: A Review
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This episode was reported by Dr. Maryam Nabavi-Nouri, and edited and produced by Nancy Volkers.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]
The 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.Sleep and epilepsy: Dr. Birgit Frauscher - encore episode (2023)
Send comments and feedbackBidirectional links between epilepsy and sleep have been known for thousands of years. Despite nearly a century of research using EEG investigations, the relationships are still not …
Notes de l’épisode
Bidirectional links between epilepsy and sleep have been known for thousands of years. Despite nearly a century of research using EEG investigations, the relationships are still not well understood.
Dr. Laurent Sheybani interviewed Dr. Birgit Frauscher, an epileptologist and sleep specialist at the Montreal Neurological Institute. They discussed what is known about sleep patterns, how sleep may influence epileptic activity and vice versa, and how sleep research may lead to more effective epilepsy treatments.
Studies mentioned in the interview include:
Interictal Hippocampal Spiking Influences the Occurrence of Hippocampal Sleep Spindles (Frauscher et al., 2015, Sleep)
Focal epilepsy disrupts spindle structure and function (Schiller et al., 2022, Nature Scientific Reports)
Origin and significance of the cyclic alternating pattern: Review article (Terzano & Parrino, 2000, Sleep Medicine Reviews)
SleepSEEG: automatic sleep scoring using intracranial EEG recordings only (von Ellenrieder et al., 2022, J. Neural Eng.)
Recurrent Hippocampo-neocortical sleep-state divergence in humans (Guthrie et al., 2022, PNAS)
Scalp spindles are associated with widespread intracranial activity with unexpectedly low synchrony (Frauscher et al., 2015, Neuroimage)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]
The 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.Seizure action plans as educational tools: Dr. Lucretia Long - encore episode (2024)
Send comments and feedbackSeizure action plans can help people with epilepsy manage their seizures and address emergencies. They often are aimed at a subset of people with epilepsy, particularly children. Dr …
Notes de l’épisode
Seizure action plans can help people with epilepsy manage their seizures and address emergencies. They often are aimed at a subset of people with epilepsy, particularly children. Dr. Lucretia Long discusses how seizure action plans can be used to engage and educate all people with epilepsy, as well as their families and the larger community.
Seizure action plan examples: English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
Online fillable seizure action plan - English (PDF)
Plan de acción de incautación en línea - espanol (PDF)
List of published research on seizure action plansSharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.
Let us know how we're doing: [email protected]
The 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.ILAE Updated seizure classification Part 2: Prof. Eugen Trinka
Send comments and feedbackWe discuss the response to the updated classification of seizures with Prof. Eugen Trinka, including why the changes were made and how the changes are being explained and socialized …
Notes de l’épisode
We discuss the response to the updated classification of seizures with Prof. Eugen Trinka, including why the changes were made and how the changes are being explained and socialized.
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]
The 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."Living with epilepsy should not be a secret": Jessie Nyirenda - encore episode (2022)
Send comments and feedbackCelebrating International Epilepsy Day (Feb 9) with an episode of strength and hope! Jessie Nyirenda's seizures went undiagnosed for years. She was told she was misbehaving …
Notes de l’épisode
Celebrating International Epilepsy Day (Feb 9) with an episode of strength and hope! Jessie Nyirenda's seizures went undiagnosed for years. She was told she was misbehaving, possessed, and bewitched. She finally diagnosed herself after reading about epilepsy in a library. Taking anti-seizure medication and joining an epilepsy support group changed Jessie's life and made her realize she was no different from anyone else. Now a mother of three and a banking sector specialist, Jessie is active in epilepsy advocacy.
IBE toolkit for reducing stigma in Africa
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]
The 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.EpiCARE: The European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies
Send comments and feedbackA network of more than 60 expert epilepsy teams across Europe: That's EpiCARE. The network aims to improve care for rare and complex epilepsies and reduce inequalities in access …
Notes de l’épisode
A network of more than 60 expert epilepsy teams across Europe: That's EpiCARE. The network aims to improve care for rare and complex epilepsies and reduce inequalities in access to the best diagnostic and treatment practices and investigational tools. Sharp Waves talked to EpiCARE coordinator Dr. Alexis Arzimanoglou about what EpiCARE is, what it isn't, and how it may contribute to changes in epilepsy care across the region and beyond.
For more information:
EpiCARE on Instagram (@ern_epicare)
Patient and caregiver resources
EpiCARE position paper: Areas of research priorities in epilepsy (Epilepsia Open, Jan 2026)
The Declaration on the European Innovation and Care Ecosystem for Rare and Complex Diseases (Dec 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]
The 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.Intellectual disability and epilepsy: A patient-centered perspective
Send comments and feedbackAbout 1 in 5 people with an intellectual disability (ID) also have epilepsy; among those with profound ID, 1 in 2 also will have epilepsy. In general, people with an ID have higher …
Notes de l’épisode
About 1 in 5 people with an intellectual disability (ID) also have epilepsy; among those with profound ID, 1 in 2 also will have epilepsy. In general, people with an ID have higher mortality rates and more chronic conditions than people without an ID; they also face significant health care disparities. Researchers interviewed people with both epilepsy and an ID to understand what they knew about their epilepsy, how they accessed care, and what epilepsy-related information they wanted to have.
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]
The 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.Acute symptomatic seizures: Dr. Marian Galovic
Send comments and feedbackWhile as many as 1 in 3 first seizures are acute symptomatic seizures, these seizures receive relatively little attention during training. Dr. Ching Soong Khoo speaks with Dr. Marian …
Notes de l’épisode
While as many as 1 in 3 first seizures are acute symptomatic seizures, these seizures receive relatively little attention during training. Dr. Ching Soong Khoo speaks with Dr. Marian Galovic about the etiology and management of acute symptomatic seizures and how they may inform outcomes and future epilepsy risk.
Mentioned during the episode:
The SeLECT model of developing epilepsy after ischemic stroke
The CAVE model of developing epilepsy after hemorrhagic stroke
The 2HELPS2B score to identify patients most likely to benefit from prolonged EEG
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]
The 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.Dravet Syndrome: Dr. Ingrid Scheffer
Send comments and feedbackThe latest on Dravet syndrome: Diagnosis, genetic testing, comorbidities, treatment, and more. Dr. Parthvi Ravat interviews Dr. Ingrid Scheffer. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for …
Notes de l’épisode
The latest on Dravet syndrome: Diagnosis, genetic testing, comorbidities, treatment, and more. Dr. Parthvi Ravat interviews Dr. Ingrid Scheffer.
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]
The 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.Drug-resistant epilepsy: Dr. Patrick Kwan
Send comments and feedbackAbout one-third of people with epilepsy will continue having seizures despite medications. What is the clinical definition of drug-resistant epilepsy? Why does it occur, and is it …
Notes de l’épisode
About one-third of people with epilepsy will continue having seizures despite medications. What is the clinical definition of drug-resistant epilepsy? Why does it occur, and is it possible to predict? Dr. Cecilie Nome interviews Dr. Patrick Kwan.
Relevant papers:
The costs of epilepsy in Australia | Neurology
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]
The 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.Normalizing depression in epilepsy: Screening, diagnosis, treatment - Dr. Rosa Michaelis
Send comments and feedbackNearly 1 in 4 people with epilepsy experiences depression, which affects quality of life, seizure control, and adherence to treatment. Depressive symptoms - including suicidality - are …
Notes de l’épisode
Nearly 1 in 4 people with epilepsy experiences depression, which affects quality of life, seizure control, and adherence to treatment. Depressive symptoms - including suicidality - are one of the strongest predictors of poor quality of life in people with epilepsy, and they can be overlooked or minimized both by people with epilepsy and by clinicians. Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Rosa Michaelis about the role of neurologists in discussing, screening, diagnosing, and treating depression as a crucial part of patient care.
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]
The 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.A novel patient-reported outcome measure for epilepsy: The impacts of seizures and treatment
Send comments and feedbackIs there a fast, simple way to measure whether someone with epilepsy is doing "better" or "worse" compared with a past clinic visit? Not really. Seizure count is often considered a …
Notes de l’épisode
Is there a fast, simple way to measure whether someone with epilepsy is doing "better" or "worse" compared with a past clinic visit? Not really. Seizure count is often considered a standard, but multiple small seizures may have less impact on someone's life than a single generalized tonic-clonic seizure. In this episode, we talk with authors of a study on an outcome measure that factors the impact of seizures as well as the impact of treatments.
The study: Validation of the seizure-related impact assessment scale
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]
The 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.Social work in epilepsy: Closing the treatment gap and improving quality of life - Dr. Rugare Mugumbate
Send comments and feedbackClosing the epilepsy treatment gap relies heavily on social and cultural acceptance of epilepsy as a brain disorder that can be managed with medication or other therapies. Dr. Rugare …
Notes de l’épisode
Closing the epilepsy treatment gap relies heavily on social and cultural acceptance of epilepsy as a brain disorder that can be managed with medication or other therapies. Dr. Rugare Mugumbate discusses the five disadvantages faced by people with epilepsy, as well as the important role of social workers and the need to focus on lessons learned from previous pilot projects and awareness campaigns.
Dr. Mugumbate's book - Epilepsy in Resource Limited Settings: Managing Quality of Life - provides a thorough examination of the impact and understanding of epilepsy in resource-limited areas.
Aimed at a wide variety of health practitioners and stuents, The book is available in multiple formats.
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]
The 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.Somatic genetic epilepsies: Dr. Christian Bosselmann
Send comments and feedbackSomatic genetic epilepsies arise from mutations that occur early in fetal development. They are usually only detectable by genetic sequencing of tissue. For these epilepsies, the …
Notes de l’épisode
Somatic genetic epilepsies arise from mutations that occur early in fetal development. They are usually only detectable by genetic sequencing of tissue. For these epilepsies, the timing of the mutation is key: For example, research has shown that focal cortical dysplasia type IIB and hemimegaloencephaly are genetically the same disease, but arise from somatic mutations at different developmental time points. This relatively new area of research is discussed by Dr. Alina Ivaniuk and Dr. Christian Bosselmann.
Resources:
Analysis of 1,386 epileptogenic brain lesions reveals association with DYRK1A and EGFR (Nature Communications 2024 - C. Bosselmann et al.)
Neocortical development and epilepsy: Insights from focal cortical dysplasia and brain tumours (The Lancet Neurology 2021 - I. Blumcke et al.)
Contribution of somatic Ras/Raf/Mitogen-activated protein kinase variants in the hippocampus in drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (JAMA Neurology 2023 - S. Khoshkhoo et al.)
Somatic mosaicism and neurodevelopmental disease (Nature Neuroscience 2018 - AM D'Gama and CA Walsh)
BRAF somatic mutation contributes to intrinsic epileptogenicity in pediatric brain tumors (Nature Medicine 2018 - HY Koh et al.)
SLC35A2 loss-of-function variants affect glycomic signatures, neuronal fate and network dynamics (Brain 2025 - D Lai et al.)
Precise detection of low-level somatic mutation in resected epilepsy brain tissue (Acta Neuropathologica 2019 - NS Sim et al.)
Toward a better definition of focal cortical dysplasia: An iterative histopathological and genetic agreement trial (Epilepsia 2021 - I Blumcke et al.)
Seizure outcome and use of antiepileptic drugs after epilepsy surgery according to histopathological diagnosis: A retrospective multicentre cohort study (The Lancet Neurology 2020 - HJ Lamberink et al.)
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]
The 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.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 …
Notes de l’épisode
In 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]
The 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.Genetic testing: Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) - Dr. Gemma Carvill
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
What 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.
RESOURCES
Standards for interpreting variants (American College of Medical Genetics)
EpiPred website for STXBP1 (developed by EpiMVP project - will be final by end of July)
Think Genetics paper – genetic testing in South Africa project
Link 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]
The 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.What's new in status epilepticus: Dr. Eugen Trinka
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
This 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]
The 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.Valproate and reproductive risks in women and men with epilepsy: Dr. Tony Marson
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
In 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 UK
UK Drug Safety Update page - June 2025
February 2025 update on valproate policy in the UK
Regulatory safety and educational materials on valproate - for health care professionals and patients
Public 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]
The 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.ILAE Updated seizure classification: Dr. Sandor Beniczky
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
ILAE'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]
The 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.Documentary filmmaker confronts epilepsy in a new memoir: Stacia Kalinoski
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
Seizures 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]
The 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.Work-life balance: Dr. Sheryl Haut
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
Work-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]
The 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.The role of microglia in epilepsy: Hero, villain, or both? Dr. Amy Brewster
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
Microglia 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]
The 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.Language models reveal concerns of people with epilepsy in online discussions
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
Many 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:
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]
The 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.Music, epilepsy, and the brain: Dr. Phillip Pearl & Prof. Nigel Osborne
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
Music 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:
Personalised music as a treatment for epilepsy - Epilepsy & Behavior
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]
The 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.
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