Pediatric Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: What Have we Learned From Animal and Human Studies, and Can we Prevent it?
Several factors, such as epilepsy syndrome, poor compliance, and increased seizure frequency increase the risks of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Animal models have revealed that the mechanisms of SUDEP involve initially a primary event, often a seizure of sufficient type and severity, which occurs in a brain, which is vulnerable to SUDEP due to either genetic or antecedent factors. This primary event initiates a cascade of secondary events starting, as some models indicate, with cortical spreading depolarization that propagates to the brainstem where it results in autonomic dysfunction. (Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology)
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - May 23, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Rebecca L. Holt, Eric Arehart, Arsen Hunanyan, Nina A. Fainberg, Mohamad A. Mikati Source Type: research
Effect of Seizures on the Developing Brain and Cognition
Epilepsy is a complex disorder, which involves much more than seizures, encompassing a range of associated comorbid health conditions that can have significant health and quality-of-life implications. Of these comorbidities, cognitive impairment is one of the most common and distressing aspects of epilepsy. Clinical studies have demonstrated that refractory seizures, resistant to antiepileptic drugs, occurring early in life have significant adverse effects on cognitive function. Much of what has been learned about the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive impairment following early-life seizures has come from animal m...
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - May 23, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Gregory L. Holmes Source Type: research
Pediatric SUDEP: What Have we Learned from Animal and Human Studies and Can we Prevent it?
Several factors, such as epilepsy syndrome, poor compliance and increased seizure frequency increase the risks of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Animal models have revealed that the mechanisms of SUDEP involve initially a primary event, often a seizure of sufficient type and severity, which occurs in a brain which is vulnerable to SUDEP due to either genetic or antecedent factors. This primary event initiates a cascade of secondary events starting, as some models indicate, with cortical spreading depolarization which propagates to the brainstem where it results in autonomic dysfunction. (Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology)
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - May 23, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Rebecca L. Holt, Eric Arehart, Arsen Hunanyan, Nina A. Fainberg, Mohamad A. Mikati Source Type: research
Should we Treat EEG Discharges in the Clinic or in the ICU, and if so when and how?
The important question that often emerges in the clinic is how aggressive the therapy of non-convulsive status epilepticus and electrical status epilepticus in sleep ought to be and how continuous the discharges in each of these two entities should be before therapy is aimed at them. Additionally, as the use of EEG monitoring continues to expand to include the clinic and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) populations, it is important to identify epileptiform patterns that warrant identification and treatment. (Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology)
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - May 23, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: James J. Riviello Source Type: research
Pediatric Epileptic Encephalopathies: Pathophysiology and Animal Models
Epileptic encephalopathies are syndromes in which seizures or interictal epileptiform activity contributes to or exacerbates brain function, beyond that caused by the underlying pathology. These severe epilepsies begin early in life, are associated with poor lifelong outcome, and are resistant to most treatments. Therefore, they represent an immense challenge for families and the medical care system. Furthermore, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the epileptic encephalopathies are poorly understood, hampering attempts to devise novel treatments. (Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology)
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - May 23, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Li-Rong Shao, Carl E. Stafstrom Source Type: research
Endocrinological Abnormalities in Autism
A number of chemical messengers, such as various hormones and hormone-like substances, along with neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are directly or indirectly linked with the encoding of social behavior via their action at the amygdala, hippocampus, and other related brain structures known to be involved in different aspects of social development. It is thought that any imbalance in the secretion and action of these chemicals may lead to defective or abnormal social behaviors that are the hallmarks of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). (Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology)
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - April 15, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Francesco De Luca Source Type: research
Endocrinological Abnormalities in Autism
A number of chemical messengers, such as various hormones and hormone-like substances, along with neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are directly or indirectly linked with the encoding of social behavior via their action at the amygdala, hippocampus, and other related brain structures known to be involved in different aspects of social development. It is thought that any imbalance in the secretion/action of these chemicals may lead to defective or abnormal social behaviors that are the hallmarks of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). (Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology)
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - April 14, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Francesco De Luca Source Type: research
In Memoriam: Steven LeRoy Linder, MD (1945–2015)
I had the honor of knowing Steven LeRoy Linder, for 38 years; I had the pleasure of working with him for 30 years. My friend, partner, and colleague passed away on June 10, 2015 after a 15-month battle with lymphoma. (Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology)
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - March 9, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Roy D. Elterman Source Type: research
In Memoriam: Steven LeRoy Linder, MD (1945 –2015)
I had the honor of knowing Steven LeRoy Linder, for 38 years; I had the pleasure of working with him for 30 years. My friend, partner, and colleague passed away on June 10, 2015 after a 15-month battle with lymphoma. (Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology)
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - March 8, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Roy D. Elterman Source Type: research
Evolution of Surgical Management for Intractable Epileptic Spasms
The understanding and management of epileptic spasms has considerably evolved since the mid 19th century. The realization that epileptic spasms can be generated from a focal brain lesion played a pivotal role in the development of neurosurgical management for intractable forms of this epilepsy. During pre-surgical planning, the addition of functional FDG PET imaging has further refined the electroencephalographic localization of epileptogenic lesions. In some cases, neurosurgical resection of a focus that is co-localized by the FDG PET scan and electroencephalography can lead to partial or complete reversal of developmenta...
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - February 16, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Salman Rashid, Harry T. Chugani Source Type: research
Evolution of Surgical Management for Intractable Epileptic Spasms
The author will have to provide one. (Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology)
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - February 16, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Salman Rashid, Harry T Chugani Source Type: research
Medical Comorbidities in Pediatric Headache
Comorbid conditions frequently occur in pediatric headaches and may significantly affect their management. Comorbidities that have been associated with pediatric headaches include attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder, autism, developmental disabilities, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, obesity, infantile colic, atopic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. The goal of this article is to elucidate common comorbidities associated with pediatric headache, thereby empowering child neurologists to identify common triggers and tailor management strategies that address headache and associated co...
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - February 3, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Howard Jacobs, Samata Singhi, Jack Gladstein Source Type: research
