Epilepsy Sparks Insights

Neuroscientist Deborah Kurrasch talks about her cool research into the epilepsies using zebrafish! She explains the challenges faced in acceptance of using zebrafish as a model system for epilepsy research and shares how we need to explore new mechanisms of action if we are going to figure out how to help the remaining 30% of people who cannot (yet!) have their seizures controlled using anti-seizure medications!

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🔗 Website & more about Deborah: 👇🏻

https://torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/deborah-kurrasch-zebra-fish-dee-pharma 

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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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Adult Neurologist Naluca Mwendawe-Beckford chats about her work in Zambia, focusing on the challenges of treating epilepsy in a low-resource setting. She highlights the limited access to diagnostic tools and medications, the roles of neurologists and traditional healers (and how they can work together!), and the importance of education and awareness in combating stigma. Naluca also shares her plans for an epilepsy registry and the need for policy advocacy to improve care for individuals with epilepsy in Zambia.

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🔗 Website & more about Naluca: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/naluca-beckford-epilepsy-awareness-zambia

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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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Helen Scharfman, a professor at NYU and a research scientist, discusses her extensive research on the epilepsies; particularly focusing on mossy cells in the temporal lobe! She explains the significance of these cells in understanding seizures and anxiety, and the potential for future treatments/preventions! Helen emphasises the importance of patient involvement in research and the international, collaborative nature of scientific discovery!

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🔗 Website & more about Helen: 👇🏻

https://torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/helen-scharfman-mossy-cells-international-research 

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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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Epileptologist Zarine Mogal has changed the world for many affected by the epilepsies in Pakistan! She shares her incredibly impactful 3 decades in diagnoses, care, and social acceptance - through her comprehensive epilepsy program. Zarine highlights the importance of sustained epilepsy awareness with insights on measuring the impact of campaigns, the challenges faced in healthcare, and the future directions for improving epilepsy care in Pakistan. 

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🔗 Website & more about Zarine: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/zarine-mogal-epilepsy-pakistan-stigma-treatment-gap 

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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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Psychiatrist Andrea Cipriani discusses his work in clinical psychiatry and research, focusing on mood disorders and the importance of personalised treatment! He highlights the GALENOS project, which aims to synthesise existing data to improve mental health outcomes, and chats about the need for a shift from a medication-centered approach to one that prioritises quality of life and community care. Andrea also advocates for collaboration between clinicians and community support systems to enhance patient care and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment.

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🔗 Website & more about Andrea: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/andrea-cipriani-galenos-mental–health-research-outcomes-psychiatry 

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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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Sometimes people with an epilepsy take their own lives - and this is more common that many realise. Psychiatrist & researcher Prof. Andrea Cipriani joins Torie to talk of the psychiatric symptoms of the epilepsies, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and even suicide; expressing the need for joined-up care between neurology and psychiatry, and why lived experience must shape treatment, management, and where possible; prevention. It’s a powerful call for holistic, person-centred support!

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🔗 Website & more about Andrea: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/andrea-cipriani-suicide-lived-experience-biopsychosocial-model-care

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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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Genetic epilepsies are way more complex than we thought!! Clinical neurologist and physician-scientist Prof. Sam Berkovic chats with Torie all about the differences between inherited, de novo, and somatic forms, challenges in diagnoses, impacts on families, and societal stigma. However, Sam also shares the exciting, positive advancements in genetic research, how understandings have far, far improved over the past few years, and how cool, effective international collaboration in research has led to and shall lead to further advancements in precision medicine!

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🔗 Website & more about Sam: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/sam-berkovic-genetic-epilepsy-developments 

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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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Torie chats with neurologist Sanja Gluscevic about SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) - a critical, often avoided topic! Sanja provides statistics and how to minimise risk factors. Sanja emphasises the need for effective communication between clinician and patient and/or caregiver, plus highlights holistic approaches to minimising SUDEP risk, including managing mood and sleep, and the importance of adherence to medication!

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🔗 Website & more about Sanja: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/sanja-gluscevic-minimising-sudep-risk 

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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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Neuropsychologist  Prof. Gus Baker discusses clinical neuropsychology in relation to epilepsy! He highlights the significant morbidities associated with epilepsy, such as depression and anxiety, and really emphasises the importance of understanding the mental health aspects of epilepsy. Gus and Torie also chat about the role of clinicians in addressing these comorbidities and the need for PWE education and empowerment to improve quality of life!

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🔗 Website & more about Gus: 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/gus-baker-neuropsychology-anxiety-depression-psychosis 

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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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Epileptologist Prof. Graeme Jackson talks about the cool Australian Epilepsy Project - including the integration of advanced technology, including MRI and AI to improve patient outcomes and quality of life! The project aims to transform the traditional approach to epilepsy treatment by utilising telehealth and data analysis to provide personalised care. Graeme emphasises the importance of addressing mental health alongside seizure control and expresses aspirations for the project's global impact!

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🔗 Website & more about Graeme 👇🏻

https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/graeme-jackson-australian-epilepsy-project-mri

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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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