Tom Jenson, a postdoc researcher at UCL Institute of Neurology, chats about his research on astrocytes and their role in neuronal communication. He explains the differences between astrocytes and neurons, the challenges of using human brain tissue for research, and shares preliminary results from his studies on calcium signaling in astrocytes! The conversation also touches on the creative aspects of scientific research and the beauty of visualising brain cells through microscopy.

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🔗 Website & more about Tom: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/tom-jensen-astrocytes-neurons-epilepsy-neuroscience

Adults with an intellectual disability and an epilepsy have many of the same needs as those without the former - but things can take longer to figure out - hence, care and patience are crucial from clinicians! Neuropsychiatrist Mike Kerr shares how what to many may seem like small gains can have huge, positive impacts on the Quality of Life of people with an ID and an epilepsy. This is part 2 of 2 with Mike.

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🔗 Website & more about Mike 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/mike-kerr-intellectual-disability-epilepsy-communications-health 

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Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻

https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 

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Neuropsychiatrist Mike Kerr talks about the intersection of epilepsy and Intellectual Disability, the complexities of communication, the need for tailored communication strategies, the needs of individuals and caregivers, and the importance of building relationships in healthcare! Mike and Torie also touch on new treatments and the overall quality of life for the people affected.

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🔗 Website & more about Mike 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/mike-kerr-intellectual-disability-epilepsy-community 

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Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻

https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 

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Tobias Engel talks about potentially preventing seizures and epilepsy caused by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)! He discusses his study into the P2X7 receptor's role in TBI and its potential to reduce inflammation, seizures, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, and mood disorders. Tobias also speaks of the potential for improved quality of life for those with TBI-related epilepsy in the future.

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🔗 Website & more about Tobias: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/tobias-engel-p2x7-receptor-tbi-epilepsy 

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Post-doc researcher Mastaneh Torkamani-Azar discusses her research on drug-resistant epilepsy, focusing on the innovative techniques being developed to improve diagnosis and treatment. The conversation covers the challenges of drug resistance in epilepsy, the importance of advanced neuroimaging and histopathology, and the potential impact of this research on patient outcomes and quality of life. Mastaneh emphasises the collaborative nature of the project and the significance of integrating various data types to enhance clinical decision-making.

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🔗 Website & more about Mastaneh: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/mastaneh-torkamani-azar-data-epilepsy-making-diagnoses-more-precise 

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Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 

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Neurobiologist Leszek Kaczmarek discusses his extensive research in molecular neurobiology, particularly focusing on the role of the MMP-9 protein in learning, memory, and epilepsy! He explains how MMP-9 is linked to synaptic plasticity and epilepsy, autism, and various mental health disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol addiction. Kaczmarek also shares insights into future research directions and the potential for drug development to prevent epilepsy.

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🔗 Website & more about Leszek : 👇🏻

www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/leszek-kaczmarek-brain-mind-connection 

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Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 

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Research Fellow Georgia Cook explains the challenges of and positive impacts of positive, effective communication upon patient and family Quality of Life, the importance of qualitative research engagement and how it compliments quantitative research, and strategies to improve patient communication in an epilepsy trial. This is part 2 of 2 with Georgia.

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🔗 Website & more about Georgia: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/georgia-cook-communication-barriers-in-epilepsy-research

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Paediatric neurologist, scientist, and PPI Lead Julia Jacobs and Torie Robinson discuss the role of individuals with Lived Experience in research, particularly in the context of the iNeuron project, which focuses on epilepsy, stroke, and dementia. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by basic science research, the importance of knowledge translation, and the benefits of engaging young researchers. The conversation emphasises the shared experiences across different diseases and the motivation that comes from personal connections in research.

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🔗 Website & more about the study: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/julia-jacobs-ineuron-lived-experience-basic-science 

Research Fellow Georgia Cook chats about the importance of effective communication between researchers and lay-people in epilepsy research - using the CASTLE study as a great example! She speaks of how the way that patients and families think and prioritise can be different to that of researchers, the vicious cycle between sleep disruption and epileptic seizures, the impacts of COVID upon the study, and why clinicians - neurologists, epileptologists, and epilepsy nurses - must pay attention to sleep in PWE! This is part 1 of 2 with Georgia.

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🔗 Website & more about Georgia: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/georgia-cook-tightrope-of-communication 

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Manuel Toledo and Torie chat about the importance of but also the challenges in traveling for many people with an epilepsy, including medication management, sleep patterns, and knowing the healthcare systems in different countries! The chat highlights the need for preparation and safety tips for traveling with epilepsy, as well as the significance of sharing experiences to improve patient care.vvvvv

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🔗 Website & more about Manuel 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/manuel-toledo-travelling-epilepsy

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Don’t understand all the terms used? Check out the Epilepsy Sparks Glossary! 👇🏻 https://www.epilepsysparks.com/glossary 

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