Sharp Waves: ILAE's epilepsy podcast
Sharp Waves is the official epilepsy podcast of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). It features stories about people living with epilepsy, as well as the physicians and researchers who study the condition. The podcast covers the latest research, challenges in diagnosis and treatment, and global issues related to epilepsy.
Episodes
First seizure from sleep - What is the risk of recurrence? Dr. Elaine Pang -encore episode (2023)
Send comments and feedbackAre people who have their first seizure during sleep at greater or lesser risk for future seizures, compared with people who have their first seizure when they're awake? Dr. Laurent Sheybani interviews Dr. Elaine Pang, author of a 2023 paper in Epilepsia that analyzed data from 1,312 adults visiting a first-seizure clinic.This episode also discusses a 2015 evidence-b
Tumor associated epilepsy: Dr. Katie Peters
Send comments and feedback In this episode of Sharp Waves, host Nancy welcomes renowned neurologist and neuro-oncologist Dr. Katie Peters from the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center to discuss the important connection between brain tumors and epilepsy. Dr. Peters shares her expertise on how brain tumors can contribute to seizure disorders, the challenges patients face, and the latest approach
Epilepsy and functional/dissociative seizures: Dr. Wesley Kerr and Dr. Shruti Iyer
Send comments and feedbackIn this Sharp Waves podcast episode “Epilepsy and Functional/Dissociative Seizures,” Wesley Kerr, MD, PhD, a statistician and epileptologist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, joins Shruti Iyer, MD, a third year neurology resident at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, to discuss their recently published study on categorizing the probability of epilepsy in p
Autism and epilepsy: Dr. Colin Reilly and Dr. Stéphane Auvin -encore episode (2023)
Send comments and feedbackNearly one-third of people with autism also have epilepsy. Researchers aren't sure why. For people on the spectrum, epilepsy can prompt unique challenges. Seizure symptoms can be misinterpreted as common autistic behaviors. Treatment may also be difficult due to the stress of a clinical setting, or the impact of anti-seizure medications on autism symptoms. Currently,
Autoimmune-associated epilepsy: Dr. Claude Steriade - encore episode (2022)
Send comments and feedbackWhat is autoimmune-associated epilepsy, and how is it different from acute seizures with an autoimmune cause? How can clinicians best diagnose and treat these conditions? Sharp Waves reporter Dr. Maryam Nabavi-Nouri spoke with Dr. Claude Steriade.Claude Steriade, MD, CM is originally from Quebec City, Canada. She completed medical school at McGill University in Montreal,
Sleep and epilepsy: Dr. Birgit Frauscher - encore episode (2023)
Send comments and feedbackBidirectional links between epilepsy and sleep have been known for thousands of years. Despite nearly a century of research using EEG investigations, the relationships are still not well understood.Dr. Laurent Sheybani interviewed Dr. Birgit Frauscher, an epileptologist and sleep specialist at the Montreal Neurological Institute. They discussed what is known about sleep p
Seizure action plans as educational tools: Dr. Lucretia Long - encore episode (2024)
Send comments and feedbackSeizure action plans can help people with epilepsy manage their seizures and address emergencies. They often are aimed at a subset of people with epilepsy, particularly children. Dr. Lucretia Long discusses how seizure action plans can be used to engage and educate all people with epilepsy, as well as their families and the larger community.Seizure action plan examples: E
ILAE Updated seizure classification Part 2: Prof. Eugen Trinka
Send comments and feedbackWe discuss the response to the updated classification of seizures with Prof. Eugen Trinka, including why the changes were made and how the changes are being explained and socialized. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: info@ilae.orgThe International League Against Epileps
"Living with epilepsy should not be a secret": Jessie Nyirenda - encore episode (2022)
Send comments and feedbackCelebrating International Epilepsy Day (Feb 9) with an episode of strength and hope! Jessie Nyirenda's seizures went undiagnosed for years. She was told she was misbehaving, possessed, and bewitched. She finally diagnosed herself after reading about epilepsy in a library. Taking anti-seizure medication and joining an epilepsy support group changed Jessie's life
EpiCARE: The European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies
Send comments and feedbackA network of more than 60 expert epilepsy teams across Europe: That's EpiCARE. The network aims to improve care for rare and complex epilepsies and reduce inequalities in access to the best diagnostic and treatment practices and investigational tools. Sharp Waves talked to EpiCARE coordinator Dr. Alexis Arzimanoglou about what EpiCARE is, what it isn't, and how
Intellectual disability and epilepsy: A patient-centered perspective
Send comments and feedbackAbout 1 in 5 people with an intellectual disability (ID) also have epilepsy; among those with profound ID, 1 in 2 also will have epilepsy. In general, people with an ID have higher mortality rates and more chronic conditions than people without an ID; they also face significant health care disparities. Researchers interviewed people with both epilepsy and an ID to underst
Acute symptomatic seizures: Dr. Marian Galovic
Send comments and feedbackWhile as many as 1 in 3 first seizures are acute symptomatic seizures, these seizures receive relatively little attention during training. Dr. Ching Soong Khoo speaks with Dr. Marian Galovic about the etiology and management of acute symptomatic seizures and how they may inform outcomes and future epilepsy risk.Mentioned during the episode:The SeLECT Consortium predictepi
Dravet Syndrome: Dr. Ingrid Scheffer
Send comments and feedbackThe latest on Dravet syndrome: Diagnosis, genetic testing, comorbidities, treatment, and more. Dr. Parthvi Ravat interviews Dr. Ingrid Scheffer. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: info@ilae.orgThe International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent associ
Drug-resistant epilepsy: Dr. Patrick Kwan
Send comments and feedbackAbout one-third of people with epilepsy will continue having seizures despite medications. What is the clinical definition of drug-resistant epilepsy? Why does it occur, and is it possible to predict? Dr. Cecilie Nome interviews Dr. Patrick Kwan.Relevant papers:Definition of drug resistant epilepsy: Consensus proposal by the ad hoc Task Force of the ILAE Commission on The
Normalizing depression in epilepsy: Screening, diagnosis, treatment - Dr. Rosa Michaelis
Send comments and feedbackNearly 1 in 4 people with epilepsy experiences depression, which affects quality of life, seizure control, and adherence to treatment. Depressive symptoms - including suicidality - are one of the strongest predictors of poor quality of life in people with epilepsy, and they can be overlooked or minimized both by people with epilepsy and by clinicians. Sharp Waves spoke wi
A novel patient-reported outcome measure for epilepsy: The impacts of seizures and treatment
Send comments and feedbackIs there a fast, simple way to measure whether someone with epilepsy is doing "better" or "worse" compared with a past clinic visit? Not really. Seizure count is often considered a standard, but multiple small seizures may have less impact on someone's life than a single generalized tonic-clonic seizure. In this episode, we talk with authors of a
Social work in epilepsy: Closing the treatment gap and improving quality of life - Dr. Rugare Mugumbate
Send comments and feedbackClosing the epilepsy treatment gap relies heavily on social and cultural acceptance of epilepsy as a brain disorder that can be managed with medication or other therapies. Dr. Rugare Mugumbate discusses the five disadvantages faced by people with epilepsy, as well as the important role of social workers and the need to focus on lessons learned from previous pilot projects
Somatic genetic epilepsies: Dr. Christian Bosselmann
Send comments and feedbackSomatic genetic epilepsies arise from mutations that occur early in fetal development. They are usually only detectable by genetic sequencing of tissue. For these epilepsies, the timing of the mutation is key: For example, research has shown that focal cortical dysplasia type IIB and hemimegaloencephaly are genetically the same disease, but arise from somatic mutations at
Research recap: Empiric immunotherapy for highly refractory epilepsy: Dr. Elisabeth Doran
Send comments and feedbackIn a retrospective study of 31 patients with highly refractory epilepsy, 29% had more than a 50% reduction in seizures for at least 12 months after being treated with immunotherapy. Three of these patients became seizure free. Other than a trend toward a diagnosis of focal epilepsy, researchers did not identify any specific features predictive of treatment response. Sharp
Genetic testing: Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) - Dr. Gemma Carvill
Send comments and feedbackWhat are variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in epilepsy genetic testing? How are they defined, and can those definitions change over time? Sharp Waves talks with Dr. Gemma Carvill as part of our genetic testing series.RESOURCESStandards for interpreting variants (American College of Medical Genetics)Gene ReviewsClinVarGeneMatcherGnomadClinGenILAE genetic literacy se
What's new in status epilepticus: Dr. Eugen Trinka
Send comments and feedbackThis episode covers a wide scope of issues, including treatment options, treatment response, prognosis and the role of seizures versus the underlying etiology, most common etiologies for different age groups, new-onset refractory status (NORSE), and the prevalence and special considerations of non-convulsive status epilepticus. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informati
Valproate and reproductive risks in women and men with epilepsy: Dr. Tony Marson
Send comments and feedbackIn use since the 1970s, valproate is highly effective for genetic generalized epilepsies and some forms of pediatric epilepsy. The medication also is associated with a 10% risk of birth defects in children exposed to it in utero, as well as a 30% to 40% risk of neurodevelopmental issues, including autism. Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Tony Marson about the reproductive risks
ILAE Updated seizure classification: Dr. Sandor Beniczky
Send comments and feedbackILAE's updated seizure classification position paper was published in Epilepsia in April 2025. Sharp Waves talked with Dr. Sandor Beniczky about the updates and how they will impact research and clinical care.The position paper is open access and available online. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Le
Documentary filmmaker confronts epilepsy in a new memoir: Stacia Kalinoski
Send comments and feedbackSeizures cost Stacia Kalinoski her career in broadcast journalism and forced her to give up running. In her new memoir, Kalinoski recounts her journey from first seizure in college to epilepsy surgery years later, describing her seizures, struggles with medication, and challenges coming to terms with her epilepsy.Kalinoski's book, Racing Uphill, is available July 1,
Work-life balance: Dr. Sheryl Haut
Send comments and feedbackWork-related stress and burnout are common in physicians, with rates of burnout estimated between 25% and 60%. These stresses impact physician health, patient care, and health care systems as a whole. Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Sheryl Haut about strategies to identify work stress and mitigate burnout. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not
The role of microglia in epilepsy: Hero, villain, or both? Dr. Amy Brewster
Send comments and feedbackMicroglia can have protective and also potentially harmful effects in the brain. They seem to be involved in dampening the nervous system during acute seizures – but also appear to play a role in neuronal loss and cortical thinning. Dr. Cecilie Nome spoke with Dr. Amy Brewster about the many faces of microglia and the current understanding of their role in epilepsy and se
Language models reveal concerns of people with epilepsy in online discussions
Send comments and feedbackMany of the most common concerns of people with epilepsy are topics they don't usually talk about with physicians. This is one of many findings of a study using AI to analyze more than 55,000 posts about epilepsy on Reddit. Sharp Waves spoke with the study's first author and two epilepsy advocates about the results and how they could help initiate important pati
Music, epilepsy, and the brain: Dr. Phillip Pearl & Prof. Nigel Osborne
Send comments and feedbackMusic can affect emotions, spark memories, and influence mood. In cases of musicogenic epilepsy, music can trigger seizures. In other cases, music may reduce seizure frequency. Dr. Cecilie Nome talks with Dr. Phillip Pearl and Prof. Nigel Osborne about the power of music and its effects on the brain.Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not a
Genetic testing for epilepsy in low-resource regions
Send comments and feedbackIn lower- and middle-income countries, raising awareness of genetic etiologies in epilepsy and genetic testing options may ultimately shift national priorities toward making genetic testing part of the standard of care. Dr. Parthvi Ravat spoke with Dr. Jo Wilmshurst and Dr. Alina Esterhuizen about initiatives to increase awareness of genetics and genetic testing in epilep
Emergency diagnosis and treatment of status epilepticus
Send comments and feedbackAs a neurological emergency, status epilepticus (SE) requires timely diagnosis and treatment. A US study found that 10% of people with SE were not diagnosed by emergency services. Among those who were diagnosed in an ambulance, 20% did not receive any first-line treatment, while others received lower-than-recommended doses. Sharp Waves spoke to senior author Dr. Elan Gute
Folic acid supplementation in women with epilepsy
Send comments and feedbackFolic acid supplementation is recommended for all women with epilepsy who may become pregnant. However, there is no agreed-upon dose for women with epilepsy taking antiseizure medication, and there may be risks of high-dose (>1 mg/day) folic acid supplementation. Dr. Bruna Nucera spoke with Dr. Marte Helene Bjørk about the risks and benefits of folic acid supplementati
High-frequency oscillations and epilepsy: Clinical and basic science perspectives
Send comments and feedbackHigh-frequency oscillations (80 to 500 Hz) are being studied as biomarkers of epileptogenic areas in the brain, as well as markers to be used in epilepsy surgery. Dr. Cecilie Nome leads a discussion about clinical research on HFOs and areas of uncertainty, as well as the importance of basic research in helping to understand this phenomenon.Publications mentioned during th
Finding epilepsy genes: Dr. Allan Bayat
Send comments and feedbackThere are potentially hundreds of "epilepsy genes" - but what is an epilepsy gene? How do researchers discover these genes and associate them with epilepsy? Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Allan Bayat, a pediatric neurologist in Denmark focused on rare monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only,
Genetic testing for epilepsy surgery: Dr. Pat Moloney
Send comments and feedbackIn the second episode of our genetics and epilepsy series, Sharp Waves explores how genetic insights can inform considerations and outcomes of epilepsy surgery. Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviews Dr. Patrick Moloney, currently an epilepsy genomics fellow at the Chalfont Center for Epilepsy at University College London.Selected publications:Do germline genetic variants influence
Genetic testing in epilepsy: Who, how, and why? Dr. Ilona Krey
Send comments and feedbackThis first episode in a multipart series on genetics in epilepsy covers the basics of genetic testing. Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviews Dr. Ilona Krey, a physician and researcher at the Institute of Human Genetics at Leipzig University Medical Center. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we'
Epilepsy surgery outcomes: Two experiences with life-changing consequences
Send comments and feedbackChristina Rezek and Brad Levy each have daughters who underwent epilepsy surgery, with dramatically different results. Sharp Waves talked with them about the journeys to and through epilepsy surgery, the consequences, and what they have learned.Brad Levy is a founder of Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland, a free event held every November in Anaheim, California, USA. Vis
Heart health and SUDEP in people with epilepsy: Dr. Katia Lin and Dr. Guilherme Fialho
Send comments and feedbackSharp Waves spoke with a neurologist and a cardiologist who are part of a team researching the interactions among seizures, heart function, heart health, and SUDEP. Learn more about their research.Selected publications from Drs. Lin & Fialho and colleagues:Determining factors of electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with epilepsy: A case-control study (2017,
Exercise and epilepsy: Research and myths
Send comments and feedbackIn 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 2
Practice guideline on outcomes after in utero exposure to anti-seizure medications: Dr. Alison Pack
Send comments and feedbackA 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 produ
Changing the term for "epilepsy" in Malaysia: Why and how? Dr. Chong Tin Tan
Send comments and feedbackSome 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 mat
Global neurology: Pitfalls and purpose - Dr. Melody Asukile and Dr. Deanna Saylor
Send comments and feedbackWith 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 th
Epilepsy comorbidities present before diagnosis: Research recap with Remy Pugh and Dr. Chris Tailby
Send comments and feedbackSome 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 neurop
Reflections on the life and career of Dr. Juhn Wada (1924-2023)
Send comments and feedbackJuhn 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 util
Astrocytes and epilepsy: Dr. Peter Bedner
Send comments and feedbackPreviously 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 developm
From epilepsy patient to epilepsy surgeon: Dr. Ashok Pillai
Send comments and feedbackDr. 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
The epileptic heart: Seizures and cardiac risk factors - Dr. Trudy Pang and Dr. Richard Verrier
Send comments and feedbackRecent community-based studies suggest that people with chronic epilepsy have three times the risk of sudden cardiac death, compared with the general population. The studies also found that two-thirds of the cases of cardiac arrest in people with epilepsy did not occur directly before, during, or after a seizure. How do seizures affect the heart, both acutely and chronica
The bumpy road from pediatric to adult epilepsy care: Dr. Danielle Andrade
Send comments and feedbackWhen a child with epilepsy ages out of pediatric healthcare, the shift to adult epilepsy care can be complex. Planning this transition and coordinating care can prevent gaps that can affect quality of life and possibly lead to health crises. A recent survey of people with epilepsy treated inside and outside of academic medical centers found that transition care was lackin
Investigating pediatric epilepsy in Nigeria: Dr. Edwin Trevathan
Send comments and feedbackIn northern Nigeria, as in many other low- and middle-income countries, more people need epilepsy treatment than traditional medical care can support. Dr. Edwin Trevathan discusses projects in that region aimed at identifying children with undiagnosed epilepsy and improving access to care, as well as research to better understand the risks and prognosis of pediatric statu
Consensus recommendations for epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (Jeavons syndrome): Dr. Kelsey Smith
Send comments and feedbackA recent publication outlined areas of consensus on the recommended management, treatment options, and prognosis for epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia, also known as Jeavons syndrome. Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviewed Dr. Kelsey Smith about the results and how consensus was reached.They discuss which medications are recommended as first-line treatment, possible non-pharmacologic
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: Managing more than seizures - Dr. Scott Demarest
Send comments and feedbackBesides seizures, people with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies experience a wide variety of symptoms, including sleep problems, vision problems, and behavioral issues. Dr. Scott Demarest discusses how neurologists may be able to address some of these, improving outcomes and quality of life. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and no
Seizure action plans as educational tools: Dr. Lucretia Long
Send comments and feedbackSeizure action plans can help people with epilepsy manage their seizures and address emergencies. They often are aimed at a subset of people with epilepsy, particularly children. Dr. Lucretia Long discusses how seizure action plans can be used to engage and educate all people with epilepsy, as well as their families and the larger community.Seizure action plan examples: E
The Human Intracerebral EEG Platform and the power of big data: Dr. Philippe Ryvlin
Send comments and feedbackWhat is the Human Brain Project and how might it advance epilepsy research? Dr. Maryam Nouri speaks with Dr. Philippe Ryvlin about the project in terms of the Human Intracerebral EEG Platform and how compiling these unique data from around the world could lead to new breakthroughs and understanding of epilepsy.The Human Intracerebral EEG Platform is an open-source platfor
Reproductive health counseling in adolescents with epilepsy: Dr. Elizabeth Harrison and Dr. Laura Kirkpatrick
Send comments and feedbackCounseling of teens and young adults with epilepsy about reproductive issues is not happening often enough. Conversations about pregnancy are almost non existent. Sharp Waves spoke with authors of a recent paper that details these findings and discusses possible solutions.Read the study: A retrospective textual analysis of sexual and reproductive health counseling for ado
Changing epilepsy care through entrepreneurship: Dr. Mark Cook
Send comments and feedbackPeople with epilepsy don't always know when they have had a seizure - and yet establishing seizure frequency is a key part of epilepsy management. When Dr. Mark Cook's father was diagnosed with epilepsy, Dr. Cook realized that a system to identify and predict seizures could improve care and change people's lives. Dr. Parthvi Ravat talks with him about entre
Maximizing health-related quality of life after pediatric epilepsy surgery: Dr. Mary Lou Smith
Send comments and feedbackIs surgery for pediatric epilepsy "worth it"? What factors determine quality of life in families with a child who has epilepsy? Dr. Kette Valente talks with Dr. Mary Lou Smith, whose work has implications for clinical treatment decisions, as well as expectations for the impact of treatments in children with epilepsy. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informatio
Clinical neurophysiology training: The present and the future - Dr. Sandor Beniczky
Send comments and feedbackEEG training varies within countries as well as between them; in many countries, there is no training available. Dr. Bruna Nucera talks with Dr. Sandor Beniczky about the present and future of clinical neurophysiology training, including a recent review that calls for harmonizing this type of training across the globe. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purp
Neonatal seizures: Guidelines and consensus-based recommendations: Dr. Ronit Pressler
Send comments and feedbackSeizures are common in neonates, but there is substantial management variability. The Neonatal Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) developed evidence-based recommendations about anti-seizure medication management in neonates in accordance with ILAE standards. Dr. Emma Carter speaks with first author Dr. Ronit Pressler about the guidelines and re
Bringing epilepsy out of the shadows: How far have we come? Dr. Edward (Ted) Reynolds
Send comments and feedbackIn the 1990s, there was more funding for leprosy research in the United Kingdom than for epilepsy research. It was around that time that Dr. Edward (Ted) Reynolds, then president of ILAE, recognized that as a global problem, epilepsy required global solutions. His idea blossomed into the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy and established a partnership among ILAE, the World
"Talking about things that no one else will talk about": Torie Robinson, host of Epilepsy Sparks Insights
Send comments and feedbackFor her podcast, Epilepsy Sparks Insights, Torie Robinson interviews epilepsy clinicians and scientists from around the world. Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 10, Torie is working to share knowledge with people with epilepsy, their families, and the public. Her episode topics range widely, from the biochemistry of epilepsy, to the importance of epilepsy nurses, to epilepsy
Neurology researcher and parent advocate: Dr. Luis Oliviera and the v-ATPase Alliance
Send comments and feedbackDr. Luis Oliviera is parent to a son with an ultra-rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. He's also a researcher with the Michael J. Fox Foundation. He created an organization bringing parents and researchers together to better understand his son's disorder, which is part of a group of disorders caused by rare mutations in v-ATPase genes. Dr. Olivie
The Idea of Epilepsy: Dr. Phillip Pearl and Dr. Simon Shorvon
Send comments and feedbackThe Idea of Epilepsy, published in 2023, covers the history of epilepsy from multiple perspectives over the past 160 years. It ends with a tantalizing question: Does epilepsy actually exist? Dr. Phillip Pearl interviews author Dr. Simon Shorvon about why and how he wrote the book and what it has to offer clinicians, researchers, and non-scientists alike.More about The Ide
First seizure from sleep - What is the risk of recurrence? Dr. Elaine Pang
Send comments and feedbackAre people who have their first seizure during sleep at greater or lesser risk for future seizures, compared with people who have their first seizure when they're awake? Dr. Laurent Sheybani interviews Dr. Elaine Pang, author of a 2023 paper in Epilepsia that analyzed data from 1,312 adults visiting a first-seizure clinic.This episode also discusses a 2015 evidence-b
Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and epilepsy: Dr. Raphael Mechoulam
Send comments and feedbackDr. Raphael Mechoulam was an organic chemist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the father of cannabis research. His team was the first to elucidate the structure of cannabidiol, or CBD. Dr. Mechoulam passed away in March 2023. This episode is a remastering of a conversation between Dr. Mechoulam and Dr. Meir Bialer, held in 2018 at the 13th European Congress on E
Autism and epilepsy: Dr. Colin Reilly and Dr. Stéphane Auvin
Send comments and feedbackNearly one-third of people with autism also have epilepsy. Researchers aren't sure why. For people on the spectrum, epilepsy can prompt unique challenges. Seizure symptoms can be misinterpreted as common autistic behaviors. Treatment may also be difficult due to the stress of a clinical setting, or the impact of anti-seizure medications on autism symptoms. Currently
Dravet syndrome and the influence of the genome: Dr. Sanjay Sisodiya
Send comments and feedbackDravet syndrome is a rare, severe epilepsy caused by changes in a gene called SCN1A. The changes cause the gene to stop functioning normally. But not everyone with this type of genetic change develops Dravet syndrome, and people with Dravet also have a wide range of clinical characteristics, which can't be fully explained by these changes. What else is going on? We s
Attorney turned author pens an epilepsy-focused novel: Sara Staggs
Send comments and feedbackSara Staggs was a civil rights attorney and pregnant with her second child when her doctors told her to stop practicing law: her seizures had become too frequent. Staggs' 2023 novel, Uncontrollable, fictionalizes her experiences with epilepsy and provides insight into how epilepsy affects families, careers, and relationships. Staggs talked with Dr. Alina Ivaniuk abou
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, seizures, and epilepsy: Dr. Brin Freund
Send comments and feedbackWe'll frame today's talk around a paper recently published in the European Journal of Neurology: "The incidence and risk factors associated with seizures in cerebral amyloid angiopathy." With us today is the first author of the article, Dr. Brin Freund. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical adv
Research recap: Modified Atkins diet and health-related quality of life - Dr. Magnhild Kverneland
Send comments and feedbackDiet treatments are often used with the aim of reducing seizure frequency and severity — but they may have other benefits as well. Findings from a recent study conducted in Norway suggest that dietary treatments may normalize emotional symptoms and that health-related quality of life (HRQOL) might be an indicator of successful diet treatment in the future. Joy Mazur spoke
Statins and epilepsy: Dr. Emilio Russo & Dr. Tony Marson
Send comments and feedbackSome published data suggest that besides their effect on cholesterol, statins also may play a neuroprotective role in some neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Dr. Bruna Nucera interviews Dr. Anthony Marson and Dr. Emilio Russo about whether and how to test statins as potential anti-epileptogenic drugs. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only
Caring for someone with functional seizures: Shannon Guinard's story
Send comments and feedbackFunctional seizures, also known as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), resemble epileptic seizures. Unlike epilepsy, they are not prompted by any electrical activity in the brain. People with functional seizures live with stigma, stress, and emotional and financial burden — and so do their care partners.Joy Mazur spoke with Shannon Guinard, who cares for her husband
Circadian rhythms and epilepsy Part II: Dr. Maxime Baud
Send comments and feedbackDo seizures have daily, weekly, monthly, or other rhythms? In Part 2 of our two-part series on circadian rhythms, Dr. Laurent Sheybani talks with Dr. Maxime Baud about the latest research on circadian and multidien rhythms in epilepsy. Selected publications: Seizure cycles in focal epilepsy - MG Leguia, et al. (2021) JAMA NeurologyEndogenous multidien rhythm of epilepsy i
Circadian rhythms and epilepsy Part I: Dr. Mark Quigg
Send comments and feedback The cyclic properties of seizures have been known for more than 100 years, but does everyone with epilepsy have a seizure pattern? What can be learned from seizure diaries, RNS data, and animal models, and how can this information guide further research and clinical care? Dr. Laurent Sheybani talks with Dr. Mark Quigg about circadian rhythms in epilepsy.Selected publicat
An update on SUDEP and SUDEP counseling: Dr. Suvasini Sharma
Send comments and feedbackSudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) affects about one out of every 1.000 people with epilepsy. Despite its rarity, SUDEP is important to discuss, but some physicians are wary of having the conversations. Dr. Emma Carter spoke with Dr. Suvasini Sharma about SUDEP, why it's important to inform patients and families about it, and how to manage risk factors.The
Artificial intelligence and epilepsy: Dr. Christian Bosselmann
Send comments and feedbackDiscussions of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT are everywhere. How will this technology affect epilepsy research and care? What are the dangers and pitfalls, and what do we need to know when designing research studies that use AI technology?Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviewed Dr. Christian Bosselmann, an epilepsy precision medicine research fellow at the Cleveland Clinic, a
Neurocysticercosis and epileptogenesis: Dr. Hector Garcia
Send comments and feedbackNeurocysticercosis - an infection of the brain by a pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) – is one of the most common causes of seizures worldwide. People with neurocysticercosis have incidentally ingested tapeworm eggs, which are found in the feces of people who have tapeworms in their digestive systems (a condition called taeniasis). The eggs can migrate to any organ and form l
How and why to address medication adherence: Dr. Avani Modi and Dr. Desiree Williford
Send comments and feedbackMost people with epilepsy have difficulty always taking their medications as prescribed. How can clinicians and patients talk about the issue and find solutions? Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Avani Modi and Dr. Desiree Williford, authors of a recent study on pediatric adherence in epilepsy.During the episode, Dr. Modi mentions online resources that can help individuals and f
Africa's plans for improving epilepsy care: Action Amos
Send comments and feedbackILAE spoke with Action Amos, from the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) about plans and strategies for improving epilepsy care across Africa. Leveraged by the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders, four "trendsetter" countries are taking a variety of approaches to engage governments, increase public awareness, and en
Managing epilepsy in older adults: Dr. Loretta Piccenna & Dr. Rebecca O'Dwyer
Send comments and feedbackDr. Anca Arbune interviews two authors of a recent critical review on managing epilepsy in the elderly, developed by the ILAE Commission on Epilepsy in Older Adults. They discuss choosing an anti-seizure medication, monitoring cognitive changes, assessing quality of life, status epilepticus, the potential of epilepsy surgery, and the need for more research. Listeners inte
Postpartum morbidity and rehospitalization in women with epilepsy: Research recap
Send comments and feedbackDr. Bruna Nucera interviewed Dr. Andrea Cheng-Hakimian about a retrospective study that included 28 years of data from women with epilepsy who gave birth in Washington State.This US study compared the relative occurrence of selected pregnancy outcomes and postpartum rehospitalizations among women with and without epilepsy and their infants. It used linked hospital records
Moving epilepsy care closer to home: Dr. Gagandeep Singh & Dr. Meenakshi Sharma
Send comments and feedbackCan we improve epilepsy outcomes by bringing care closer to home? A cluster randomized trial compared home care with community health workers to standard clinic care.ILAE spoke with Dr. Gagandeep Singh and Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, authors of the study publication, which was published in Epilepsia Open.Twenty-four clusters, each comprising 10 people with epilepsy, were random
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The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
The Bread and Banter Podcast
Solved Murders - True Crime Stories
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
Stand In The Circle
Doctor Zhivago Slow Read
