Sharp Waves: ILAE's epilepsy podcast

ILAE
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MEDICINE
Sharp Waves: ILAE's epilepsy 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.

  1. NOV 11

    Exercise and epilepsy: Research and myths

    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 ...

    34 min

  2. OCT 28

    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 pra...

    24 min

  3. OCT 14

    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 ...

    12 min

  4. SEP 30

    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 a...

    28 min

  5. SEP 16

    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 onl...

    20 min

  6. SEP 2

    Reflections on the life and career of Dr. Juhn Wada (1924-2023)

    Juhn Atsushi Wada was a Japanese–Canadian neurologist known for research on epilepsy and human brain asymmetry, including his description of the Wada test to assess cerebral hemispheric dominance of language function. The Wada test is the gold standard for establishing cerebral dominance and is conducted worldwide prior to epilepsy surgery. He became a pioneer in the utilization of the kindling model of epilepsy, which permitted controlled studies of the development of epilepsy in the laborat...

    37 min

  7. AUG 19

    Astrocytes and epilepsy: Dr. Peter Bedner

    Previously thought to be mere connective tissue and support for neurons, astrocytes are now understood to have many functions in the nervous system that are linked with seizures and epilepsy. Dr. Cecilie Nome spoke with Dr. Peter Bedner about astrocytes' involvement in epilepsy and how identifying and resolving astrocyte dysfunction is a new frontier in drug development.Relevant articles:de Ceglia R., et al. 2023. Specialized astrocytes mediate glutamatergic gliotransmission in the CNS. Natur...

    24 min

  8. AUG 5

    From epilepsy patient to epilepsy surgeon: Dr. Ashok Pillai

    Dr. Ashok Pillai is a professor of neurosurgery and neuroscience associated with Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India. He underwent epilepsy surgery after a diagnosis of epilepsy in his mid-30s. Dr. Pillai received his undergraduate degree and medical training in the United States before returning to Kochi in 1999. He experienced ecstatic seizures for nearly a decade before he was diagnosed. His personal experience with epilepsy and epilepsy surgery led him to train as an e...

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

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