Advertise on podcast: Epilepsy Sparks Insights

How can we improve access to epilepsy diagnoses around the world? Neurologist Dr. Victor Patterson shares with us how telemedicine and simple apps, AI, and machine learning can bring epilepsy expertise to people wherever they live - and make a huge difference to millions of lives! Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro01:19 Meet Victor Patterson02:00 What is telemedicine and how did it start?05:03 Using an app to diagnose epilepsy09:13 More generalised than focal seizures in low-middle income countries10:17 Machine learning in epilepsy diagnoses11:03 Inaccuracies in diagnosis - what then?12:26 Let’s take action!12:58 Diagnoses aren’t always complex14:54 AI and the future in medicine16:03 Closing thoughts and thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/telemedicine-ai-machine-learning-lmic 🌐 More about Victor epilepsysparks.com/guests/victor-patterson 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

Why don’t we all have the same access to and quality of epilepsy treatment and care? We all deserve the best, no matter what makes us different. Today we hear from neurologist & epileptologist Dr. Jonathan Williams about these needs, health equity, and how we can satisfy them - through working together and addressing stigma. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro00:45 Meet Jonathan Wlliams01:04 What is health equity?02:36 The invisible things that affect health 03:48 Why is health equity important?05:59 What are the societal costs of epilepsy?06:52 Why should people without an epilepsy care?08:42 Employment and driving10:14 Next steps: education & challenging stigma13:11 Closing thoughts and thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/health-equity-disparities 🌐 More about Jonathan epilepsysparks.com/guests/jonathan-williams 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

Does epilepsy impact cognition? Could it be seizures, medications - or something that happened right at the beginning - even before seizures started? Hear all about it from epileptologist Dr. Jacob Pellinen who speaks of exciting answers - and questions - from the Human Epilepsy Project. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro01:07 Meet Jacob Pellinen01:17 Cognitive testing: The Human Epilepsy Project05:01 Types of cognitive testing used07:08 Results: cognition and epilepsy08:34 What might be causing the cognitive problems?09:44 Clinicians must take a holistic approach in care11:36 Cognitive issues with other causes12:27 Depression doesn’t cause epilepsy!13:51 Cognitive challenges must be addressed with all other symptoms15:14 Terrible experience - what a clinician should not do!15:56 Appointments: topic could be depression or memory - not just seizures16:37 Closing thoughts and thanks  🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/cognition-memory-attention-perception-metacognition-language 🌐 More about Jacob epilepsysparks.com/guests/jacob-pellinen 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

What are some newer types of epilepsy surgery? Today we hear about the new version called Robotic Thermocoagulative Hemispherotomy - for which you need a plaster! Also, what defines epilepsy surgery success? It isn't always just seizure reduction or freedom. Hear  all about it from epilepsy surgeon Prof. Sarat Chandra. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro01:19 Different epilepsy surgery techniques03:26 Endoscopic hemispherectomy07:11 Measuring the success of epilepsy surgery09:04 Improvements in mood09:44 Managing expectations11:03 Robotic Thermocoagulative Hemispherotomy17:02 Future use of lasers and radiofrequency18:14 The monetary price of Robotic Thermocoagulative Hemispherotomies19:06 Closing thoughts and thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsy-sparks-insights/radio-frequency-robotic-thermocoagulative-hemispherotomy 🌐 More about Sarat epilepsysparks.com/guests/sarat-chandra 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

Lots of people are very scared of epilepsy surgery. What are the risks of having it? What are the risks of not having it? Potential benefits? The processes beforehand? Hear all about it from epilepsy surgeon Prof. Sarat Chandra!. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro01:02 Meet Sarat Chandra 01:55 Reasons to get epilepsy surgery05:03 Different types of epilepsy surgery08:19 Fear, full investigations, and consent for epilepsy surgery11:38 Example: Stereoelectroencephalography14:15 Measuring success of an epilepsy surgery and “The burden of normality”16:18 Considering memory18:49 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsy-sparks-insights/neurosurgery-risks-benefits-memory 🌐 More about Sarat epilepsysparks.com/guests/sarat-chandra 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

With neurologist Dr. Manjari Tripathi we hear about the complex world of epilepsy management, focusing on how treatments go beyond medications - including lifestyle changes and innovative surgical options! Join Manjari as she demystifies epilepsy treatments, preventative measures, quality of life, and looking at epilepsy surgery. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro01:03 Meet Manjari Tripathi 01:39 Epilepsy Is More Than Seizure Control: Daily Life, Stigma, and Mental Health 03:38 Diagnosing Epilepsy: Clinical History, EEG, Imaging, and Finding the Cause 05:27 Before Calling Epilepsy Drug-Resistant: Medication Adherence, Lifestyle, and Assessment 08:20 Why Early Referral Matters and How Patients Reach Epilepsy Surgery 11:01 Who Can Have Surgery? Ketogenic Therapy, Yoga, and Other Options When Surgery Isn’t Suitable 14:40 Improving Quality of Life: Exercise, Mental Health, Emotional Support, Family Communication, and Community Inclusion 18:25 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/diagnosis-treatment-mental-health-surgery-yoga 🌐 More about Manjari epilepsysparks.com/guests/manjari-tripathi 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

Why do around 30% of people with epilepsy still have uncontrolled seizures despite decades of new antiseizure medications? Graeme Sills, PhD, explains the leading theories behind drug resistance - and how a better understanding of the brain could transform future epilepsy treatments. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro00:45 Meet Graeme Sills01:29 Introduction to pharmacology and epilepsy02:17 Challenges in epilepsy reatment06:30 Why the drugs don’t work: the drug-transporter hypothesis08:38 Why the drugs don’t work: the network hypothesis09:31 Why the drugs don’t work: the severity and genetic hypothesis10:06 Future directions in epilepsy research13:08 Innovative approaches to research and treatment?17:58 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/pharmacology-past-present-future 🌐 More about Graeme epilepsysparks.com/guests/graeme-sills 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

Could a brain implant do more than reduce seizures? Dr. Vikram Rao explains how responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is changing the treatment of epilepsy, why researchers think it may work differently than first imagined, and how the technology is helping us learn more about the brain than ever before. Could it even help treat conditions beyond epilepsy in the future? Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro01:07 Meet Dr. Vikram Rao02:01 What is RNS (Responsive Neurostimulation)?03:38 Surgery length and battery replacement04:21 Who’s suitable for RNS?05:12 Where RNS wires are placed06:53 RNS: a preventative approach?09:50 RNS data recording benefits12:11 Suitable for focal or generalised epilepsy?12:59 Benefits for DEEs, treatment resistant depression, and OCD?15:15 More information15:55 Safety and further development of RNS18:19 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/rns-responsive-neurostimulation 🌐 More about Vikrkam epilepsysparks.com/guests/vikram-rao 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

Most people think every cell in their body contains exactly the same DNA. It turns out that's not always true. Epilepsy genetics researcher Dr. Stéphanie Baulac explains mosaicism, how tiny genetic mutations can exist in just a small number of brain cells, and why they can cause a type of epilepsy called focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). These discoveries are transforming our understanding of epilepsy and could pave the way for highly targeted treatments in the future. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro00:55 Meet Dr. Stéphanie Baulac01:12 What is focal cortical dysplasia?02:33 Are these genetic mutations inherited?04:17 How can so few cells cause seizures?07:12 What is mosaicism?09:26 What does this mean for families?10:03 What is precision medicine?10:04 Can treatments target only the affected brain cells?12:49 Why were these mutations only discovered recently?14:23 How are these mutations detected?15:09 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/fcd-mosaicism-somatic 🌐 More about Stéphanie epilepsysparks.com/guests/stephanie-baulac 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

Could inflammation and the blood-brain barrier help explain why some seizures remain uncontrolled? Prof. Colin Doherty discusses emerging research into immune activity in epilepsy, how steroids may temporarily improve seizure control, and why future immunotherapies could help some people whose seizures do not respond to current treatments. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro00:31 Precision therapy for autoimmune diseases01:27 Hypothesis: could steroids prevent seizures through mending the leakage of the Blood Brain Barrier? 03:53 Neurologists and researchers need to think about autoimmune04:57 Blood Brain Barrier, steroids and genetics - current study07:01 History: why haven’t we done this research already?08:13 Immunologists: work with us!09:48 Comparison: cancer and immunology12:08 Clinicians and scientists: work with us!13:51 People with an epilepsy and carers: work with us!15:27 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsy-sparks-insights/autoimmune-therapy-blood-brain-barrier 🌐 More about Colin epilepsysparks.com/guests/colin-doherty 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

Could the immune system play a bigger role in epilepsy than many of us realise? Prof. Colin Doherty explains how autoimmune epilepsies challenged the traditional view of epilepsy as purely an electrical disorder. He also discusses antibody-negative autoimmune epilepsy, early immunotherapy studies, and why some people with highly refractory epilepsy may respond to steroid treatment. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro00:44 Not just an “electrical disorder”02:19 30% still don’t have seizure control03:06 Epilepsy surgery04:54 Immunotherapy for epilepsy06:28 Immunotherapy cases10:20 Needing an immunotherapy program12:10 Steroids and profit13:16 Impacts of steroids - safety14:55 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsy-sparks-insights/autoimmune-therapy 🌐 More about Colin epilepsysparks.com/guests/colin-doherty Episode mentioned:🌐 Neurologist Diagnosed With Epilepsy - You'll Love His Positivity - Dr Jim Morrow 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks​

Could medical ketogenic therapy improve more than seizures?! Like anxiety and depression? Dr. Manny Bagary shares how clinciains assess whether ketogenic therapy is working, including its potential effects on anxiety, mood, cognition and quality of life. He also talks about common misconceptions, cholesterol worries, potential pregnancies, and why so many adults with epilepsy still struggle to access specialist ketogenic therapy services. This is episode 2 of 2 with Manny. This episode is sponsored by Kanso, a brand by Dr. Schär, who had no influence over the editorial content or discussion. Learn more about Kanso here: kanso.com/en Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro01:50 When do you know if the ketogenic diet isn’t working?03:40 Impact on quality of life - anxiety, depression, cognition05:45 Misinformation regarding medical ketogenic therapy08:44 Feeling full09:55 When the diet isn’t safe12:20 Secondary benefits of keto diet14:08 Bipolar disorder and the diet14:53 Cholesterol - the elephant in the room18:28 Lack of adult ketogenic diet treatment centres23:19 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/efficacy-safety-mood-availability 🌐 More about Manny epilepsysparks.com/guests/manny-bagary 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks

Medical Ketogenic Therapy can reduce seizures in some people - but how does it actually work?! Dr. Manny Bagary explains the nitty gritty of ketones, interactions, how they might affect brain excitability, what’s going on with neurotransmitters, mitochondria, inflammation, and even the gut microbiome! He also shares how ketogenic therapy might improve cognition, when a person should be offered it, and how it can help with status epilepticus! This is episode 1 of 2 with Manny. This episode is sponsored by Kanso, a brand by Dr. Schär, who had no influence over the editorial content or discussion. Learn more about Kanso here: kanso.com/en Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro01:29 Meet Manny02:03 What are ketogenesis, ketosis, ketone bodies, etc.?04:17 What makes ketosis stop seizures (in some people)?08:00 Impacts on anxiety, depression, cognition and more09:42 Different types of ketogenic diet13:17 Ketogenic therapy for status epilepticus16:31 Ketogenic diet in adults19:10 Forms of treatment - when does the ketogenic diet come in? 22:28 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/ketones-anxiety-depression-status-epilepticus 🌐 More about Manny epilepsysparks.com/guests/manny-bagary 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks

Medical ketogenic therapy has more than 100 years of evidence behind it - so why is it still often treated as a last resort?! Ketogenic dietitian Neha Kaul explains how success can go beyond potential seizure reduction, and how the diet may affect cognition, mood and overall quality of life. Neha also covers common misconceptions, safety concerns, and what it really takes to make the diet work in everyday life. This episode is sponsored by Kanso, a brand by Dr. Schär and had no influence over the editorial content or discussion. Learn more about Kanso here: kanso.com/en Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro01:38 Why is the ketogenic diet not widely used?04:02 Research: supporting people trying the ketogenic diet04:48 What is ketosis?07:15 Other benefits of ketogenic diet08:58 Ketogenic diet for adults - research09:34 Who’s suitable for the diet?12:37 Confusion re the diet14:01 Who responds well to the diet?15:32 Mistakes with the diet are normal18:38 Safety concerns - cholesterol and nutrient deficiencies?22:37 How much fat, protein, and carbs should be consumed? 23:39 Interactions with medications25:32 Benefits vs trade-offs27:47 Understanding personal barriers, support needed29:36 Neurologists & those with an epilepsy: know this32:34 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/ketogenic-diet-support 📖 Jasper's Basics of Epilepsies: academic.oup.com/book/57972/chapter/476213922 🌐 More about Neha epilepsysparks.com/guests/neha-kaul 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary Click here to view the episode transcript. 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks

Signs of focal epilepsy before the seizures start: hear all about it from neurologist and epileptologist Dr. Jacob Pellinen, who shares with us his research and results proving that people can experience things like depression or learning difficulties at school or work before seizure onset. Chapters 📖00:00 Trailer & intro00:44 Meet Jacob02:34 Epilepsy is more than seizures02:54 Later epilepsy diagnosis & The Human Epilepsy Project 03:05 “Later onset focal epilepsy with roots in childhood: Evidence from early learning difficulty and brain volumes in the Human Epilepsy Project” paper 07:29 Anticipating seizure onset08:30 Improving recognition of seizure symptoms09:02 Seizing for years before diagnosis10:33 Learning difficulties not Intellectual Disability13:18 Closing thoughts & thanks 🔗 Episode page and transcript epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/unrecognised-focal-onset-childhood 🌐 More about Jacob epilepsysparks.com/guests/jacob-pellinen 🌐 More Epilepsy Sparks Insights epilepsysparks.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights 🎥 Watch on YouTube youtube.com/@EpilepsySparksInsights 🔤 Don’t understand terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary epilepsysparks.com/glossary 📲 Join us on social media!〰️ LinkedIn epilepsy-sparks〰️ Instagram epilepsysparks〰️ Facebook epilepsysparks〰️ TikTok epilepsysparks〰️ Bluesky epilepsysparks