Epilepsy affects more than 50 million people. Every day. Sharp Waves brings you stories about people with epilepsy, physicians treating epilepsy, and researcher...
In this episode, we explore the science behind exercise as an adjunct treatment for epilepsy and debunk some common myths (spoiler alert: With very rare exceptions, exercise does NOT increase seizure risk). Dr. Ayushe Sharma talked with Dr. Jane Allendorfer, Dr. Halley Alexander, and Brian Wiedmeyer, who participated in an exercise research study.The episode refers to a 2016 report by the ILAE Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy - that report is freely available online at this link.Some of the other research papers mentioned in the episode are listed below.The relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in people with epilepsy: A systematic review Effects of physical exercise in people with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis Role of Physical Exercise as Complementary Treatment for Epilepsy and other Brain Disorders Epilepsy and exercise: An experimental study in female rats Effects of an exercise program on health of people with epilepsy: A randomized clinical trialA strength exercise program in rats with epilepsy is protective against seizuresEffectiveness of Yoga Intervention in Reducing Felt Stigma in Adults With Epilepsy Impact of exercise as a complementary management strategy in people with epilepsy: A randomized controlled trial Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
--------
33:56
Practice guideline on outcomes after in utero exposure to anti-seizure medications: Dr. Alison Pack
A recent practice guideline provides updated evidence-based conclusions and recommendations regarding in utero effects of anti-seizure medications and folic acid supplementation on the prevalence of major congenital malformations, adverse perinatal outcomes, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Dr. Parthvi Ravat interviewed Dr. Alison Pack about the guideline, which was produced by the American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.Review the practice guideline: Teratogenesis, perinatal, and neurodevelopmental outcomes after in utero exposure to antiseizure medication (Neurology, May 2024)Other studies mentioned in the episode: Risk of major congenital malformations and exposure to antiseizure medication monotherapy (JAMA Neurology, March 2024) Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
--------
23:41
Changing the term for "epilepsy" in Malaysia: Why and how? Dr. Chong Tin Tan
Some historic names for epilepsy have been derogatory and stigmatizing. An older term for “epilepsy” in Malay means “mad pig disease.” Neurologists in Malaysia collaborated to change the word to a medically accurate term. Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Chong Tin Tan about the origins of the older term and how the new term was introduced.Resources:Name of epilepsy: Does it matter? - 2012 - Neurology AsiaAnnouncement of a new Chinese name for epilepsy - Lau - 2011 - Epilepsia Changing name of epilepsy in Korea; cerebroelectric disorder (noi‐jeon‐jeung,뇌전증,腦電症) - Kim - 2014 - EpilepsiaRenaming Korean epilepsy: Where are we? - Epilepsy & Behavior Awareness, knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy in Malaysia: A perspective of undergraduates in a private university | African Journal of Neurological Sciences Overcoming the stigma of epilepsy in Asia // International League Against Epilepsy Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
--------
11:48
Global neurology: Pitfalls and purpose - Dr. Melody Asukile and Dr. Deanna Saylor
With all the best intentions, undertakings in global neurology can include assumptions and biases that lead to unforeseen negative consequences. Sharp Waves spoke with Drs. Melody Asukile and Deanna Saylor about their recent article on the perils and pitfalls of global neurology. They discussed specific examples of some of these unforeseen consequences and talked about the ingredients for productive, ethical, and sustainable global neurology initiatives.Resources:Asukile M et al. The Perils and Pitfalls of Global Engagement (JAMA Neurology)Global Neurology: Advancing Neurological Care Worldwide (YouTube)DiBiase R et al. Evaluation of Three Cohorts of the First Neurology Postgraduate Training Program in Zambia (P4-8.001) (Neurology)Zambia League Against Epilepsy Epilepsy care in Zambia: “Now that we have neurologists, we will have a voice” (ILAE Sharp Waves episode)Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (World Health Organization) Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
--------
28:08
Epilepsy comorbidities present before diagnosis: Research recap with Remy Pugh and Dr. Chris Tailby
Some people with epilepsy also experience memory and learning issues, as well as depression or anxiety. A small study in Australia screened people for these conditions at a first seizure clinic before any anti-seizure medications had been prescribed. Compared with a control group, the people at the first seizure clinic had higher rates of all of these cognitive and neuropsychological issues.The study is published in Epilepsia Open. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: [email protected] International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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.