DR. MICHAEL DENNIS BOSAK, MD

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This study looked at a drug called JNJ-40411813 to see if it could help people with focal onset seizures who are already taking other seizure medications like levetiracetam or brivaracetam. Researchers found that the new drug did not significantly reduce the number of days it took for participants to return to their baseline monthly seizure count compared to a placebo, with results showing 34 days for the drug versus 32 days for the placebo in one group, and 38 days versus 29 days in another. Although JNJ-40411813 was generally safe to use, it didn’t offer any meaningful benefits over the placebo, meaning it’s not recommended for those with focal seizures. Who this helps: This research helps doctors better understand treatment options for patients with hard-to-control seizures.

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This study looked at how to tell the difference between functional/dissociative seizures (FDS) and epileptic seizures by examining specific features in patients. Researchers analyzed 51 patients with FDS and 51 with epilepsy, confirming all diagnoses through video-EEG. They found that patients with FDS often showed signs like sustained eye closure (90.2% of FDS patients vs. 31.4% of epilepsy patients), pelvic thrusting (43.1% vs. 5.9%), and longer seizure episodes (180 seconds for FDS compared to 66 seconds for epilepsy), providing clear clues for doctors to identify FDS accurately. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring they receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at how well cenobamate, a new medication for seizures, worked in 18 children who had epilepsy that didn’t respond to other treatments. After using cenobamate for at least 6 months, 39% of the children became completely seizure-free, while five others had more than an 80% reduction in seizures. Although 78% of the kids experienced some side effects, these were mostly mild and manageable, and many could reduce or stop taking other seizure medications. Who this helps: This benefits children with drug-resistant epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well cenobamate, a medication for epilepsy, worked when combined with other seizure drugs in 475 adults who had difficulty controlling their seizures. It found that taking cenobamate with valproate led to significantly better outcomes, with over 50% reduction in seizures for many patients, while combining it with sodium channel blockers was less effective. Understanding these combinations is important because it helps doctors choose the best treatment plans to improve seizure control for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at the relationship between blood glucose-to-potassium ratio (GPR) and the recovery outcomes after three months for Caucasian patients who had an ischemic stroke and underwent a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy. Researchers found that higher GPR levels were linked to worse outcomes; for example, for every unit increase in GPR, the odds of a poor recovery increased by 2.38 times. This matters because it indicates that monitoring GPR could help doctors predict which stroke patients are at higher risk for poor recovery, allowing for better care planning. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers who treat stroke patients.

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This study looked at how women with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) are treated, especially regarding the use of valproate (VPA), a common medication that isn't always safe for those who can become pregnant. Researchers found that out of 130 women studied, 74% had periods of being seizure-free, and 62% were still seizure-free at their last check-up. Importantly, switching from VPA to other medications like lamotrigine or levetiracetam worked well for many but didn't work for about 21.5% of patients due to side effects or loss of seizure control. Who this helps: This helps women with epilepsy who are of childbearing age and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied the effectiveness and safety of a new epilepsy medication called cenobamate in patients who have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). They found that 61.9% of the 475 patients experienced at least a 50% reduction in their seizure frequency after taking cenobamate for six months, and 16.5% became completely seizure-free in the last three months. The study also showed that nearly 70% of patients were able to reduce or stop their other seizure medications, and while 48.8% reported side effects like drowsiness and dizziness, these were generally manageable and serious reactions were rare. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and their doctors by providing effective treatment options.

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This research studied over 500 adults with epilepsy to understand how many had other health issues (called comorbidities) and what additional medications they were taking besides their seizure medications. They found that 48% of these patients had comorbidities, with the most common being mental health disorders (22%), metabolic issues (18%), and heart problems (13%). Many patients were also taking other medications, often leading to potential drug interactions, especially among those with more severe forms of epilepsy. Who this helps: This research helps patients with epilepsy, their doctors, and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of managing additional health issues and medications.

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This study looked at how epilepsy medications were prescribed to women of childbearing age and pregnant women in Poland from 2019 to 2022. It found that while the use of valproate, a medication linked to risks during pregnancy, decreased from 24.7% to 16% of pregnancies, levetiracetam use significantly rose from 41.5% to 49.5% among pregnant women. This trend is important because it may reduce the risks to babies while ensuring women have effective treatment for epilepsy. Who this helps: This research benefits women with epilepsy, particularly those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

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This study looked at the safety of using lacosamide, an epilepsy medication, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It followed three women with epilepsy who took lacosamide and found that their seizures were stable throughout their pregnancies, with one miscarriage but no birth defects in the healthy babies born, all reaching normal development milestones by age 12 months. This information is important because it provides reassurance for women with epilepsy who need to manage their condition during pregnancy and nursing. Who this helps: This helps women with epilepsy who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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This study examined the brain activity of patients with moderately severe COVID-19 through EEG tests to see if there were common issues. It found that 75% of the tests showed abnormalities, with the most common finding being slowed brain activity in 45.7% of patients and a specific pattern called FIRDA in 28.6%. This is important because patients with abnormal brain activity were more likely to need oxygen and less likely to recover well. Who this helps: This benefits patients with COVID-19 and their doctors, as it provides insight into how the virus affects brain function.

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This research looked at how women of childbearing age and girls aged 12-14 in Poland were prescribed antiseizure medications (ASMs) between 2015 and 2019. It found that while the use of the drugs carbamazepine and valproate decreased, newer medications like lamotrigine and levetiracetam became more popular. However, valproate, known to pose risks during pregnancy, still made up about half of the prescriptions for girls aged 12-14, highlighting a need for better educational support for doctors to ensure safer treatment choices. Who this helps: This benefits women with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined the effects of a treatment called deep brain stimulation (DBS) on patients with epilepsy that doesn't respond to medication. Over two years, patients who received this treatment saw their seizure frequency drop by about 33%, going from an average of nearly 16 seizures per month down to about 9. Among those who continued for five years, the reduction increased to about 55%, with a notable improvement in their quality of life. This research is important because it shows that DBS can be an effective option for people with difficult-to-manage epilepsy, ultimately helping them experience fewer seizures and better daily functioning. Who this helps: This helps patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the brain activity of stroke patients using EEG tests during their first few days in the hospital. They found that 44% of the patients had abnormal brain activity, and those with changes in their EEG or poor neurological status on the first day were more likely to have worse recovery after 90 days. Understanding these EEG changes helps doctors predict which patients might struggle more after a stroke, improving treatment and care. Who this helps: Patients recovering from a stroke and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether it is safe for patients with epilepsy to switch from the brand-name drug lacosamide, known as Vimpat, to its generic versions. In a group of 81 patients, there was no significant change in how often they had seizures after making the switch, and only a small number (about 5%) experienced mild side effects like drowsiness or dizziness, which went away quickly. This is important because the brand-name medication became extremely expensive, and being able to safely use a cheaper generic can help more patients manage their epilepsy effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy who need affordable medication options.

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This study explored how doctors and health experts in Europe use patient-reported outcomes (PRO) to manage epilepsy. The researchers found that while countries like Austria and Sweden regularly use PRO in patient care, others do so only occasionally, leading to varied opinions on their importance. In general, the experts agreed that PRO positively affect patient care and satisfaction, but only two countries view them as important at the national health level, highlighting a need for better use and standardization. Who this helps: This benefits patients with epilepsy, as better use of PRO can improve their treatment and care.

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This study looked at how well cenobamate (CNB) works for patients in Poland who have epilepsy that doesn't respond to other treatments. Over nearly three and a half years, 38 patients continued using CNB, and the average number of seizures dropped from 8.1 per month to just 3. Notably, 63% of patients saw their seizures cut by half or more, and 21% were completely seizure-free for at least a year, with no new safety concerns found. Who this helps: This benefits patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the antidepressant vortioxetine affects patients with epilepsy who also have depression. Nine patients were treated with doses of vortioxetine between 10 and 20 mg, and all of them showed improvement in their depressive symptoms without experiencing any new seizures related to the medication. This is important because it suggests that vortioxetine may be a safe and effective treatment for managing depression in people with epilepsy. Who this helps: Patients with epilepsy and depression.

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This paper discusses the use of the drug valproate for treating epilepsy in girls and women who could become pregnant. It highlights that while valproate is often more effective than other treatments, there are strict new guidelines to avoid risks to unborn babies. The findings emphasize the need for clear recommendations on treating women with epilepsy to balance effectiveness with safety, especially since there are limited options for alternative medications. Who this helps: This helps women with epilepsy and their doctors in making safer treatment choices.

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This study looked at how stability changes in patients who had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. Researchers tested 15 patients for their stability while standing, both one week before and six months after the surgery. They found that stability actually decreased after the surgery, particularly in side-to-side movements, indicating that patients may struggle to regain their balance and perception of their knee position after recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from ACL surgery and their doctors in understanding potential challenges during rehabilitation.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 affected people with epilepsy. Out of 252 patients, 17 had confirmed COVID-19 and 14 had probable cases, indicating a higher rate of infection (6.7%) compared to the general Polish population (3.65%). All patients experienced mild to moderate symptoms, and there was little impact on seizure control, with only one pregnant patient experiencing a worsening of seizures. Who this helps: This research helps patients with epilepsy and their doctors understand the risks and effects of COVID-19 on their health.

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This study looked at the pregnancy and birth outcomes for 171 women with epilepsy at two hospitals in Poland. It found that 53.8% of the women were seizure-free during their pregnancies, nearly all newborns were healthy with high Apgar scores, and only 13% experienced any issues related to pregnancy or childbirth. The results are important because they show that most women with epilepsy can have healthy pregnancies and babies, which can help reduce fears and improve care for this group. Who this helps: This helps women with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at over 530 adults with epilepsy to find out what factors help them stop having seizures. Researchers found that 46.4% of these patients were seizure-free after one year. Key factors for achieving this included being younger, being male, having generalized epilepsy, taking fewer medications, and using a combination of two specific drugs, valproate and lamotrigine. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their doctors by identifying effective treatment options for better seizure control.

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This study examined genetic factors and symptoms in Polish patients with Unverricht-Lundborg disease (ULD), a condition that affects movement and muscle control. Researchers looked at 19 patients and found that 16 had a specific genetic mutation linked to ULD. All patients experienced worsening symptoms over time, with nine developing severe disabilities mainly due to uncontrollable muscle spasms. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors diagnosing and treating patients with ULD.

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This study looked at how many people with epilepsy take multiple medications and whether those medications might interact negatively with each other. Out of 663 patients analyzed, 40% were on other medications besides their epilepsy treatment, and 30.1% of those were found to have potentially harmful interactions, especially with drugs like sertraline and simvastatin. This matters because taking multiple medications can increase the risk of serious side effects for patients with epilepsy, so understanding these interactions can help doctors make safer treatment choices. Who this helps: Patients with epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at what happens when patients with epilepsy switch from the brand-name drug oxcarbazepine to a generic version. Out of 103 patients, 74% switched to the cheaper generic, and the researchers found no significant differences in seizure frequency or side effects between those who stayed on the brand name and those who switched. This is important because it shows that switching to a generic could be a safe way to make treatment more affordable. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy who need to manage costs while maintaining effective treatment.

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This study looked at how many women with epilepsy use hormonal birth control and if it interacts with their epilepsy medications. Out of 334 women in the study, only 19 used hormonal contraception, and most of them (63%) were using types that could interact with their epilepsy drugs. This is important because many women taking anti-seizure medications that could harm a developing baby were not using any form of contraception. Who this helps: This benefits women with epilepsy who are of childbearing age.

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This study looked at the physical health conditions that often occur alongside epilepsy in Polish patients. It found that 34% of the 636 patients had at least one other medical issue, such as heart disease, allergies, or migraines. Understanding these additional health problems is important because they can affect how epilepsy is treated and managed, especially for those whose seizures are hard to control. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their doctors in managing overall health.

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This study looked at the long-term treatment of 11 patients with Unverricht-Lundborg disease, a condition that causes seizures and movement issues. Researchers found that all patients experienced myoclonus, which severely limited the ability to move independently for 91% of them. The study highlights that effective management of seizures with medications like valproic acid and clonazepam is crucial, as the disease's progression leads to significant disability. Who this helps: This helps patients with Unverricht-Lundborg disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well the new classification system for epilepsy was applied in a large group of adult patients. Researchers examined 653 patients and found that 70.2% had focal epilepsy, 23.7% had generalized epilepsy, and about half of the patients' causes of epilepsy were identified, with structural issues and genetic factors being the most common reasons. This is important because clear classification helps doctors understand the type of epilepsy each patient has and can guide more effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy by improving diagnosis and treatment plans.

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This study looked at why some women with epilepsy continue to use valproic acid (VPA), even though it's not recommended for women of childbearing age due to risks to unborn children. Out of 353 women studied, 30% were on VPA, and many of them felt they needed it because alternative treatments didn't work or they had severe health issues that made pregnancy unlikely. Overall, about 60% of these women chose to keep taking VPA after understanding the risks. Who this helps: This information benefits women with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how many adults with epilepsy in Poland use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and why. Researchers found that 26.8% of the 473 patients used CAM, with the most popular options being herbal supplements, energy healing, and marijuana. This matters because some patients using CAM may not follow their prescribed treatments, potentially putting their health at risk. Who this helps: This benefits patients with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how many adults with epilepsy use dietary and herbal supplements. Among 490 patients, over half (50.4%) took at least one supplement, and almost half of those (44.9%) used more than one product, with multivitamins and magnesium being the most common. Many patients took these supplements mainly for general health, not for their epilepsy, but 10% were using supplements that could interfere with their epilepsy medications and potentially worsen their condition. Who this helps: This information is important for patients and doctors to ensure safe treatment for people with epilepsy.

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This study looked at how often a serious condition called status epilepticus (SE) happens in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE), which makes up about one-third of all epilepsy cases. Out of 153 patients studied, 8 experienced absence SE and 2 had myoclonic SE, with no cases of tonic-clonic SE found. The episodes were often triggered by improper use of epilepsy medications, but they were effectively treated with medications like diazepam or valproate, and most patients ended up being seizure-free. Who this helps: This helps patients with genetic generalized epilepsy and their doctors by highlighting effective treatment options and the need for careful medication management.

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This study examined how often patients with epilepsy use psychiatric medications and the potential risks involved. Out of 621 patients, 14.3% were taking both epilepsy and psychiatric drugs, with common psychiatric medications including sertraline and hydroxyzine. Many patients experienced possible drug interactions that could lead to increased seizure risk, highlighting the need for doctors from different fields to work together when treating these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how anxiety and depression affect people with epilepsy compared to those without the condition. It found that 64% of people with epilepsy experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression than the 66 people in the control group. Understanding these mental health issues is crucial because proper treatment could greatly improve the lives of those with epilepsy. Who this helps: Patients with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at menstrual cycle issues in women with epilepsy by examining 271 patients at an epilepsy clinic. It found that nearly 29% of these women had menstrual abnormalities, which were linked to factors like starting epilepsy at a younger age and the use of the medication clonazepam. Understanding these connections is important because it can help improve care and health outcomes for women with epilepsy. Who this helps: This benefits women with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the safety of switching patients with epilepsy from brand-name levetiracetam (LEV) to its generic version. Among 151 patients who switched, only 6% experienced more seizures, and 4% reported side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. Overall, the results show that switching to the generic version is mostly safe, which is important because it can save patients money on their medication. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy who need affordable medication options.