Sharp Waves: ILAE's epilepsy podcast

By ILAE

What's Sharp Waves: ILAE's epilepsy podcast 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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Sharp Waves: ILAE's epilepsy podcast episodes:

06.24.2024
Investigating pediatric epilepsy in Nigeria: Dr. Edwin Trevathan
In 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...
06.10.2024
Consensus recommendations for epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (Jeavons syndrome): Dr. Kelsey Smith
A 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...
05.27.2024
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: Managing more than seizures - Dr. Scott Demarest
Besides 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...
05.13.2024
Seizure action plans as educational tools: Dr. Lucretia Long
Seizure 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...
04.29.2024
The Human Intracerebral EEG Platform and the power of big data: Dr. Philippe Ryvlin
What 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...
04.15.2024
Reproductive health counseling in adolescents with epilepsy: Dr. Elizabeth Harrison and Dr. Laura Kirkpatrick
Counseling 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...
04.01.2024
Changing epilepsy care through entrepreneurship: Dr. Mark Cook
People 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...
03.18.2024
Maximizing health-related quality of life after pediatric epilepsy surgery: Dr. Mary Lou Smith
Is 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...
03.04.2024
Clinical neurophysiology training: The present and the future - Dr. Sandor Beniczky
EEG 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...
02.19.2024
Neonatal seizures: Guidelines and consensus-based recommendations: Dr. Ronit Pressler
Seizures 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...
02.05.2024
Bringing epilepsy out of the shadows: How far have we come? Dr. Edward (Ted) Reynolds
In 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...
01.22.2024
"Talking about things that no one else will talk about": Torie Robinson, host of Epilepsy Sparks Insights
For 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...
01.08.2024
Neurology researcher and parent advocate: Dr. Luis Oliviera and the v-ATPase Alliance
Dr. 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,...
12.03.2023
The Idea of Epilepsy: Dr. Phillip Pearl and Dr. Simon Shorvon
The 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...
11.20.2023
First seizure from sleep - What is the risk of recurrence? Dr. Elaine Pang
Are 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...
11.06.2023
Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and epilepsy: Dr. Raphael Mechoulam
Dr. 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...
10.23.2023
Autism and epilepsy: Dr. Colin Reilly and Dr. Stéphane Auvin
Nearly 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...
10.09.2023
Dravet syndrome and the influence of the genome: Dr. Sanjay Sisodiya
Dravet 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...
09.25.2023
Attorney turned author pens an epilepsy-focused novel: Sara Staggs
Sara 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...
09.11.2023
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, seizures, and epilepsy: Dr. Brin Freund
We'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. Support...
08.28.2023
Research recap: Modified Atkins diet and health-related quality of life - Dr. Magnhild Kverneland
Diet 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...
08.14.2023
Statins and epilepsy: Dr. Emilio Russo & Dr. Tony Marson
Some 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...
07.31.2023
Caring for someone with functional seizures: Shannon Guinard's story
Functional 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...
07.17.2023
Circadian rhythms and epilepsy Part II: Dr. Maxime Baud
Do 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:...
07.03.2023
Circadian rhythms and epilepsy Part I: Dr. Mark Quigg
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...
06.19.2023
An update on SUDEP and SUDEP counseling: Dr. Suvasini Sharma
Sudden 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...
06.05.2023
Artificial intelligence and epilepsy: Dr. Christian Bosselmann
Discussions 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...
05.21.2023
Neurocysticercosis and epileptogenesis: Dr. Hector Garcia
Neurocysticercosis - 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...
05.07.2023
How and why to address medication adherence: Dr. Avani Modi and Dr. Desiree Williford
Most 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...
04.23.2023
Africa's plans for improving epilepsy care: Action Amos
ILAE 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...
04.10.2023
Managing epilepsy in older adults: Dr. Loretta Piccenna & Dr. Rebecca O'Dwyer
Dr. 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,...
03.27.2023
Postpartum morbidity and rehospitalization in women with epilepsy: Research recap
Dr. 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...
03.13.2023
Moving epilepsy care closer to home: Dr. Gagandeep Singh & Dr. Meenakshi Sharma
Can 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,...
02.27.2023
Epilepsy care in Ukraine: Dr. Olha Tychkivska
How has the crisis in Ukraine affected people with epilepsy and their families, as well as the physicians who care for them? Dr. Alina Ivaniuk speaks with Dr. Olha Tychkivska about the volunteer efforts to provide anti-seizure medication to people...
02.13.2023
"Living with epilepsy should not be a secret": Jessie Nyirenda
Jessie Nyirenda's seizures began in her early teens. She was dismissed as attention-seeking and told she might be cursed. Years later, Jessie discovered information about her condition through library research and was formally diagnosed. She now works as a financial...
02.13.2023
Addressing epilepsy stigma from the ground up: Mary Secco
Stigmatizing people with epilepsy is a form of discrimination, and it can affect all aspects of someone's life: school, family life, work, friendships, relationships, and marriage. The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), ILAE's partner organization, consulted people with epilepsy and their...
01.30.2023
Sleep and epilepsy: Dr. Birgit Frauscher
Bidirectional 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...
01.09.2023
Dr. Andres Kanner: A career journey bridging neurology and psychiatry
Dr. Andres Kanner is one of the best known researchers in the behavioral aspects of epilepsy, and has authored more than 300 papers and book chapters. Dr. Kanner sat down with ILAE to talk about his original goal of becoming an...
12.13.2022
Multi-centre Epilepsy Lesion Detection (MELD) Project: Dr. Konrad Wagstyl
Improving lesion detection in people with drug-resistant epilepsy is crucial for optimal surgical outcomes. The MELD Project is an open-science consortium using deep learning principles to develop automated lesion detection of clinical MRI data. Dr. Maryam Nabavi Nouri spoke with...
11.29.2022
Career development profile: Dr. Caroline Neuray
Dr. Alina Ivaniuk talks with Dr. Caroline Neuray about her career path from medical school to industry CEO. (It's not as direct as it sounds!) They discuss the power of peer mentoring, ways to improve medical education, finding the courage...
11.14.2022
NORSE/FIRES: International recommendations for diagnosis and treatment
First-line immunotherapy and the ketogenic diet are two main recommendations for treatment of NORSE/FIRES of unknown cause, according to results from an international consensus group published in Epilepsia. Dr. Maryam Nabavi Nouri interviews first author Dr. Ronny Wickstrom. For cases with unknown...
11.01.2022
Nursing in epilepsy care: Roles, value, and the road ahead
Nurses have been called the "glue" of epilepsy care, but their value and impact aren't always appreciated. The ILAE Nursing Section welcomes nurses from every country to help advocate for a better understanding of what nurses do, how their care...
10.18.2022
Research recap: Infant motor and mental development in women with epilepsy - Dr. Sanjeev Thomas
Does in utero exposure to anti-seizure medication affect motor and mental development? A study using data from the Kerala Registry of Epilepsy in Pregnancy included more than 1,300 infants. Those exposed to valproate monotherapy, as well as any polytherapy, had...
10.04.2022
Epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease: Dr. Andrew Cole & Dr. Alice Lam
What are the associations between Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy? Dr. Patricia Saletti interviews Dr. Andrew Cole and Dr. Alice Lam. Recent studies have revealed intriguing connections between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, including a bidirectional increased risk and subclinical seizures in people...
09.19.2022
Career development profile: Dr. Meriem Bensalem-Owen
Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviews Dr. Meriem Bensalem-Owen about growing up in Algeria, attending medical school during a civil war, moving to the United States for training, and starting Kentucky's first epilepsy fellowship program. Dr. Bensalem-Owen directs the epilepsy program at...
09.07.2022
Autoimmune-associated epilepsy: Dr. Claude Steriade
What 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...
08.23.2022
Socioeconomic status and epilepsy incidence: Maloney et al., Epilepsia
We talk with the authors of a recent study that found a higher incidence of epilepsy in more socially deprived areas of County Cork, Ireland. How was the dataset compiled, and what are the implications of their findings? Read the full...
08.08.2022
Career development profile: Dr. Fabio Nascimento
Dr. Alina Ivaniuk talks with Dr. Fábio Nascimento about his medical training and the factors contributing to his successful and varied career path. Dr. Nascimento became the director of Washington University’s Adult Tuberous Sclerosis Center Clinic in summer 2022, after...
07.25.2022
New epilepsy syndrome classifications: Dr. Elaine Wirrell & Dr. Kate Riney
What does it take to define and classify 39 epilepsy syndromes? Dr. Elaine Wirrell chaired the ILAE task force that undertook this charge in 2017. Through in-person meetings, Zoom calls, emails, and gallons of coffee, the group of international experts...
07.05.2022
Sex hormones and epilepsy: Dr. Andrew Herzog
As many as two-thirds of women with epilepsy have seizures that fluctuate with their menstrual cycles. Called catamenial epilepsy, the phenomenon has three distinct patterns. In this episode of Sharp Waves, Dr. Bruna Nucera talks with Dr. Herzog about the...

What's Sharp Waves: ILAE's epilepsy podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Sharp Waves: ILAE's epilepsy podcast episodes:

Investigating pediatric epilepsy in Nigeria: Dr. Edwin Trevathan

Consensus recommendations for epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (Jeavons syndrome): Dr. Kelsey Smith

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: Managing more than seizures - Dr. Scott Demarest

Seizure action plans as educational tools: Dr. Lucretia Long

The Human Intracerebral EEG Platform and the power of big data: Dr. Philippe Ryvlin

Reproductive health counseling in adolescents with epilepsy: Dr. Elizabeth Harrison and Dr. Laura Kirkpatrick

Changing epilepsy care through entrepreneurship: Dr. Mark Cook

Maximizing health-related quality of life after pediatric epilepsy surgery: Dr. Mary Lou Smith

Clinical neurophysiology training: The present and the future - Dr. Sandor Beniczky

Neonatal seizures: Guidelines and consensus-based recommendations: Dr. Ronit Pressler

Bringing epilepsy out of the shadows: How far have we come? Dr. Edward (Ted) Reynolds

"Talking about things that no one else will talk about": Torie Robinson, host of Epilepsy Sparks Insights

Neurology researcher and parent advocate: Dr. Luis Oliviera and the v-ATPase Alliance

The Idea of Epilepsy: Dr. Phillip Pearl and Dr. Simon Shorvon

First seizure from sleep - What is the risk of recurrence? Dr. Elaine Pang

Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and epilepsy: Dr. Raphael Mechoulam

Autism and epilepsy: Dr. Colin Reilly and Dr. Stéphane Auvin

Dravet syndrome and the influence of the genome: Dr. Sanjay Sisodiya

Attorney turned author pens an epilepsy-focused novel: Sara Staggs

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, seizures, and epilepsy: Dr. Brin Freund

Research recap: Modified Atkins diet and health-related quality of life - Dr. Magnhild Kverneland

Statins and epilepsy: Dr. Emilio Russo & Dr. Tony Marson

Caring for someone with functional seizures: Shannon Guinard's story

Circadian rhythms and epilepsy Part II: Dr. Maxime Baud

Circadian rhythms and epilepsy Part I: Dr. Mark Quigg

An update on SUDEP and SUDEP counseling: Dr. Suvasini Sharma

Artificial intelligence and epilepsy: Dr. Christian Bosselmann

Neurocysticercosis and epileptogenesis: Dr. Hector Garcia

How and why to address medication adherence: Dr. Avani Modi and Dr. Desiree Williford

Africa's plans for improving epilepsy care: Action Amos

Managing epilepsy in older adults: Dr. Loretta Piccenna & Dr. Rebecca O'Dwyer

Postpartum morbidity and rehospitalization in women with epilepsy: Research recap

Moving epilepsy care closer to home: Dr. Gagandeep Singh & Dr. Meenakshi Sharma

Epilepsy care in Ukraine: Dr. Olha Tychkivska

"Living with epilepsy should not be a secret": Jessie Nyirenda

Addressing epilepsy stigma from the ground up: Mary Secco

Sleep and epilepsy: Dr. Birgit Frauscher

Dr. Andres Kanner: A career journey bridging neurology and psychiatry

Multi-centre Epilepsy Lesion Detection (MELD) Project: Dr. Konrad Wagstyl

Career development profile: Dr. Caroline Neuray

NORSE/FIRES: International recommendations for diagnosis and treatment

Nursing in epilepsy care: Roles, value, and the road ahead

Research recap: Infant motor and mental development in women with epilepsy - Dr. Sanjeev Thomas

Epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease: Dr. Andrew Cole & Dr. Alice Lam

Career development profile: Dr. Meriem Bensalem-Owen

Autoimmune-associated epilepsy: Dr. Claude Steriade

Socioeconomic status and epilepsy incidence: Maloney et al., Epilepsia

Career development profile: Dr. Fabio Nascimento

New epilepsy syndrome classifications: Dr. Elaine Wirrell & Dr. Kate Riney

Sex hormones and epilepsy: Dr. Andrew Herzog