Showing 14 results for Epilepsy
Volume 8, Issue 4 (11-2020)
Abstract
Aims: Children with epilepsy are exposed to oral disease due to the lack of self-care and antiepileptic medicines' side effects. The present study aimed to assess the association between mothers' oral health literacy with a child who has epilepsy and the children's oral health status.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed during the fall and winter of 2017 in Ahvaz, Iran. Mothers of one-hundred 3-6 years' children with epilepsy referred to Golestan hospital were selected through the available sampling method and completed a valid and reliable questionnaire on oral health literacy. The children's oral and dental health was also examined by a dentist to determine decayed, missed, and filled teeth and simplified oral hygiene index. ANOVA and Pearson correlations were used to analyze data in SPSS 15.
Findings: The mean age of mothers, OHI-S index, and the average number of decayed teeth in children were 30.28±4.3, 2.75±0.75, and 2.86±1.65, respectively. Besides, the mean numbers of extracted and filled teeth of children were respectively 0.31±0.48 and 0.19±0.41. A significant relationship was seen between the mother's education and the simplified oral hygiene index. Also, there was a significant relationship between mothers' oral health literacy and decayed, missed, and filled teeth (p<0.005). Moreover, no statistically significant relationship was observed between mothers' oral health literacy and simplified oral hygiene index score (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The present study showed an association between maternal Oral Health Literacy and children's oral health with epilepsy.
Volume 9, Issue 1 (1-2021)
Abstract
Aims: Fathers' low health literacy is one factor contributing to children's poorer oral health. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between the father's oral health literacy and the children's oral health in a sample of children with epilepsy.
Materials & Methods: The present research is a descriptive-analytical study carried out during 2017 in Ahvaz, Iran. One hundred pairs of 3-6 aged children with epilepsy and their fathers referred to a specialized neurologic clinic were included in the study. Children's oral conditions were evaluated by a dentist based on dmft and simplified oral hygiene (OHI-S) indices. A valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire on oral health literacy was filled out by children's fathers. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation using SPSS 15.
Findings: The mean±SD of OHI-S and dmft index were 2.75±0.95 and 3.51±1.97, respectively. Besides, the mean±SD number of decayed, extracted, and filled teeth of children were obtained to be 2.86±1.65, 0.31±0.48, and 0.19±0.41, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the father's oral health literacy and the oral health condition of children; dmft value and OHI-S index, (p<0.005). Pearson correlations showed a weak relationship between the comprehension dimension of OHL and dmft and a moderate relationship between the performance dimension of OHL and dmft (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The study showed a significant relationship of the father's oral health literacy with dmft value and OHI-S score. Therefore, the results highlighted the importance of a family-centered approach to oral health promotion of children with epilepsy and their careers.
Samira Ranjbar, Khosro Khajeh, Javad Mirnajafi-Zadeh, Bahareh Dabirmanesh, Shima Khodaverdian,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (3-2020)
Abstract
Electrical Kindling is one of the most popular epileptic model techniques that cause seizures such as temporal lobe epilepsy. So far, various therapies have been used to treatment of epilepsy. Among these treatments, low-frequency stimulation (LFS) has been widely considered for improving effect on drug-resistant epilepsy, but its mechanism is not well understood. Since calcium entering to the cytoplasm and increasing its concentration is one of the reasons for seizure, metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1), dopamine receptor (D1) and ADPR cyclase (CD38), which increased calcium in the cytoplasm from different pathways, were selected. With this aim that by examining the change in the expression of these genes, we help to clarify the LFS improvement effect. In this study, the hippocampus of rats was used and the changes in genes expression were investigated using real-time PCR technique. The results showed that the expression of all selected genes increased significantly after kindling and then after the LFS the expression of all was returned to sham value. Hence, one of the ways in which LFS interferes may be related to the pathway for calcium entering to the cytoplasm.
Fatemeh Asadi, Hamedreza Goodarzi, Javad Zahiri, Mojtaba Jaafarnia,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (1-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study reports a case of familial episodic coma in which three girls manifesting refractory seizures followed by coma. Targeted gene panel of epilepsy using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique was requested to identified disease -causing variant(s) in the patients.
Materials and Method: After obtaining a written informed consent from our patient, genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood, for identifying mutations in epilepsy genes, at first, coding regions as well as all intron–exon boundaries of the 72 genes were captured by Sure Select Target Enrichment System
V4 kit (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA),
then captured libraries were sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 4000(Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA), sequenced reads were aligned with a reference human genome and Picard tools was used to remove duplicated reads; variant calling was performed using the Genome Analysis Tool Kit (GATK). ANNOVAR was used to annotated variants, then
all variants were filtered out based on minor allele frequency (MAF) <1 % according to data bases of nucleotide including dpSNP, 1000 Genome project. In silico tools was performed to evaluated pathogenicity of variant(s).
Result: According to databases of pathogenicity prediction of gene, no specific mutation in epilepsy genes was found in our patients, but several polymorphisms were reported.
Conclusion: Given polymorphisms in genes related to epilepsy were found in our study, failed to provide us with an acceptable diagnosis of this condition, further research is needed to reveal the cause of the disease.
Key word: episodic coma, NGS, gene panel, epilepsy
Volume 23, Issue 4 (6-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Epilepsy is one of the most complex neurological disease. Despite existence of synthetics drugs for epilepsy, some patients suffer from side effects of available medicine and unresponsiveness of seizures. Use of traditional herbal medicine for treatment of disease is proposed as a therapeutic modality. In attention to components of Hyssopus officinalis L and use of it in folk medicine, the aim of this investigation was to study of the anti-convulsive effects of Hyssopus officinalis L extract on epilepsy
Material and methods: In this experimental study 56 adult male mice divided into 7 groups (n=8) including: 1-control group receiving only Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), 2- sham group receiving distilled water and 5 experimental groups that 30 minutes before PTZ injection received hyssopus by gavages in doses of 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of body weight and diazepam by injection in doses of 2 mg/kg. Kindling was achieved by 12times intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg of body weight of PTZ at every 48 hours.
Results: Data analysis indicated that treatment with hyssopus has a significant effect on chemical kindling that comparable with diazepam. It decreases progress of seizure phases considerably (P˂0.05) and increases latency time of seizure significantly (P˂0.05) but don’t has significant effect on seizure duration.
Conclusion: The results shows extract of Hyssopus officinalis L has anticonvulsant effect on PTZ kindling. Thus, it may to be beneficial for seizure treatment
Volume 24, Issue 3 (7-2021)
Abstract
Epilepsy is among the wide spread neurological disease. Considering that the occurrence of seizures in 20 to 40% of epileptic patients is resistant to drug therapy, many researches are being conducted to reach new methods of epilepsy treatment. The most common epileptic syndrome in adults is temporal lobe epilepsy. In most patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, the structures of the middle temporal lobe, including the hippocampus, are involved in seizure generation and propagation. One of the relatively new therapies for controlling drug-resistant seizures is direct stimulation of the epileptic focus by electrical stimuli. Numerous studies have shown that the application of deep brain electrical stimulation (DBS) has anticonvulsant effect on the epileptic focus, but the mechanism of its anticonvulsant effect is not yet fully understood. Many abnormalities occur following seizures and it can be postulated that DBS may prevent or reduce these abnormalities. One important abnormality is inflammation. Here we briefly reviewed the probable relationships between anticonvulsant action of DBS and inflammation.
Volume 25, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
In epilepsy as a chronic neurological disease, there are significant alterations in the brain network which results in abnormal brain activity. Understanding the exact changes in brain rhythms may help the investigators to find the brain networks activity in health and disease more precisely. In this article, at first we reviewed the findings from recent animal and clinical studies showing that brain rhythms are affected in the epileptic brain. Then, some documents demonstrating the compensative effect of DBS on these oscillations will be discussed. In this article we reviewed the studies in field of epilepsy and brain rhythms. For this purpose we searched the duciments by scientific serach engeens including PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. The electrophysiological studies have indicated significant changes in delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4-7 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (13–30 Hz), and gamma (30–80 Hz) oscilations in the epileptic brain. Recently, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been suggested as a potential and efficient treatment for pharmacoresistant epileptic seizures. The exact mechanism of DBS action is unclear, but some studies demonstrate that one of its probable mechanisms is modulating neural network activity. It seems that the probable compensative alteration in brain rhythms may be considered as a mechanism of DBS anticonvulsant action.
Volume 25, Issue 2 (2-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: All over the world, about one percent of people are affected by one of most complex neurological disorder, epilepsy. Hippoacampus is one of common region of the brain that affected in human epilepsy. Despite existence of multiple synthetic drugs for epilepsy management and control, some patients suffer from treatment-resistant seizures and unwanted side effects of available medicine. Therefore, such safe new drug discovering research is emphasized. Because of traditional herbal medicine use as a therapeutic modality also, regarding to beneficial components Humulus Lupulus (H.L). The aim of current investigation was to assess anti-convulsive effects of cone leaves extracts of H.L extract on chemical kindling model of epilepsy and its neuroprotective effects on CA3 region of hippocampus. Conclusion: Our findings suggest beneficial anticonvulsive effects for cone leaves extracts of H.L on PTZ kindling neuroprotective effects on hippocampus tissue. This medicinal plant may be beneficial for human seizure treatment so more investigation is proposed.
Volume 25, Issue 2 (2-2022)
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) stands as an alternative treatment for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsies. In this study, we investigated the effects of both low- and high-frequency stimulation (LFS and HFS) of the olfactory bulb on locomotor activity and preferences for spending time in the central or border regions. Rats underwent a kindling procedure involving semi-rapid electrical stimulation (6 stimulations per day) of the hippocampal CA1 region. Fully kindled animals received LFS (1 Hz) or HFS (130 Hz) at four time points: 5 min, 6 h, 24 h, and 30 h after the last kindling stimulation. Subsequently, rats were placed in the open field chamber and allowed free, uninterrupted movement within the respective quadrant of the maze for a single 10-minute period. During this time, tracking software recorded movement, and locomotor activity as well as preferences for spending time in the central or border regions were evaluated. Overall, applying DBS in the olfactory bulb at both low and high frequencies decreased exploration time in the center and increased exploration time in the border for the rats. Furthermore, a higher intensity of HFS was more effective than a lower intensity of HFS in reducing anxiety or altering locomotor behavior. According to the results of the present study it may be suggested that applying DBS affects some aspects of the animals’ activity and therefore, the activity monitoring tests have to be done following DBS application.
Volume 25, Issue 3 (4-2022)
Abstract
Novel antiepileptic drugs (AED) are now available. However, many epileptic patients still find the condition difficult to handle. Drug therapy does not work for about one-third of the cases and not all people who will benefit from surgery. The use of electric current as a treatment option has emerged since the late twentieth century. Inhibition of synapse activity is a way that low-frequency stimulation (LFS) prevents epileptic activity. It will enhance the endocytosis of AMPA-type glutamate receptors and activate calcineurin, thereby leading to long-term depression (LTD). High-frequency stimulation (HFS) also contributes to the control of epilepsy by increasing the membrane permeability of neurons. Nonetheless, the detailed mechanisms responsible for these effects are still unknown. More research is required to fine-tune electrical stimulation parameters and yield better results in epilepsy patient care.
Volume 26, Issue 1 (11-2023)
Abstract
Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which arise from the abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Understanding the complex pathobiology of epilepsy is crucial for developing more effective diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic interventions. This comprehensive review examines the current understanding of the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms underlying the epileptic condition. The key pathological mechanisms discussed include neuronal hyperexcitability, imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems, structural and functional changes in the brain, altered ion channel function and ion homeostasis, neuroinflammation, and the influence of genetic factors and epigenetic modifications. Delving into the molecular and cellular underpinnings, the review explores the impact of genetic mutations on ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, the dysregulation of gene expression and epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, as well as the role of synaptic plasticity and network reorganization in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The clinical implications of these pathobiological insights are also discussed, highlighting the potential for novel biomarkers, diagnostic approaches, and targeted therapeutic strategies. The review underscores the importance of personalized medicine and precision treatment, as the heterogeneity of epilepsy necessitates tailored management strategies based on individual patient characteristics. Finally, the article explores ongoing research and future directions in the field, including the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the emergence of innovative technologies to better understand and manage this complex neurological disorder.
Volume 26, Issue 1 (11-2023)
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal activity in the brain. The olfactory system is implicated in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and some areas of the olfactory system may serve as sources of seizures. TLE patients often experience olfactory sensations or auras before seizure onset, and olfactory stimulation has been shown to modulate or suppress seizure activity. The connection between the OB and certain brain areas, including the hippocampus, plays a significant role in the spread and propagation of seizure attacks. The document highlights the anatomical and functional relationship between the OB, entorhinal cortex, and hippocampus, suggesting that the olfactory system is involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
Volume 26, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
Introduction Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are many treatment options available, including drug and non-drug therapies, there is still a need for effective treatments that can help manage seizures.The present study aimed to investigate the intensity-dependent effects of mild electric foot stimulation on seizure intensity following pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)chemical kindling in rats.
Methods: Kindled seizures were induced in rats by repeated injections of PTZ. Twenty-seven male rats were randomly divided into three groups: kindling group, kindling group + 0.1 mA electrical stimulation, and kindling group + 0.01 mA electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation was induced using an electric box equipped with steel rods following acquisition of kindled seizures. The intensity of the mild electric foot stimulation was either 0.1 or 0.01 mA depending on the tested group.
Results: The study found that while mild electric foot stimulation with intensity of 0. 1 mA had proconvulsive effects on PTZ-induced kindled rats, and
decreased the latency to the onset of stage 5 seizure (p<0.05), stimulation with
intensity of 0.01 mA did not have significant effects on seizure parameters.
Conclusion: Obtained results suggested that mild electric foot stimulation may have anticonvulsant effects, but only at certain intensity. This finding has important implications for future research into the use of mild electric foot stimulation as a treatment for epilepsy.
Volume 27, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been developed as a new therapeutic manner for the treatment of neurological disorders, offering a reversible and adjustable alternative to traditional lesion-based surgeries. By delivering targeted electrical stimulation to specific brain regions, DBS modulates neural circuits and restores dysfunctional networks. Beyond its established role in movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, DBS has shown remarkable efficacy in managing epilepsy. Its therapeutic effects are mediated through complex mechanisms, including neurotransmitter modulation, ion channel regulation, and alterations in the brain’s microenvironment. This article explores how DBS leverages these multifaceted processes to revolutionize neuromodulation and offers insights into its expanding potential for treating epilepsy.
Keywords: Deep Brain Stimulation, Epilepsy, Anticonvulsant, Seizure
