ADAM23 Gene Variants May Contribute to Focal Epilepsy
This study looked at a specific gene called ADAM23 and its potential role in causing focal epilepsy, which is a type of seizure disorder.
Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
This hub covers drug-resistant epilepsy: When seizures aren’t controlled after trying two appropriate medicines. Research-backed next steps on diet therapies, devices, surgery evaluation, and safety.
What you’ll find in this topic:
- Plain-language summaries of new epilepsy studies
- What the research means for real life
- Practical questions to ask your neurologist
- Related topics you can explore next
Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: What Families Usually Want to Know
- What “drug-resistant” means (and what it doesn’t)
- When to ask for an epilepsy center referral
- Treatment options beyond meds (diet, devices, surgery)
- How to think about risk, safety, and quality of life
Options Beyond Medication in Plain English
- Ketogenic diet / modified Atkins: Nutrition therapy that can reduce seizures
- VNS / RNS / DBS: Devices that modulate brain activity
- Surgery evaluations: Tests to see if seizures start in one removable area
- Rescue meds: Fast meds for clusters/prolonged seizures
- Sleep + triggers: Sometimes a meaningful lever (especially in teens)
Related Topics
Drug-Resistant Epilepsy FAQ
When should we consider surgery?
If seizures aren’t controlled after two meds, it’s worth at least an evaluation at an epilepsy center.
Is VNS a “last resort?”
Not necessarily. Some familiar consider it earlier depending on seizure type and goals.
Can seizures still improve later?
Yes. Treatment response can change over time, and combinations/approaches matter.
What should we track?
Seizure frequency, triggers, sleep, missed meds, side effects, and rescue med use.
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New Treatment Reduces Seizures in Dogs with Epilepsy
Researchers studied the effects of a new treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy.
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New Biomarkers Found for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Using Imaging
Researchers conducted a systematic review to explore how advanced imaging techniques can identify neuro-inflammatory biomarkers in people with epilepsy who do not respond to medication.
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New Standards for Measuring Recovery in Epilepsy and Mental Health
Researchers studied how to create a standard way to measure recovery in adults with epilepsy who also have depression or anxiety.
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Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Genetics | Imaging & EEG | New Studies | Pediatrics
7T MRI Improves Lesion Detection in Pediatric Epilepsy
This study looked at how well ultra-high field 7T MRI works for children with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
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New Insights on Treating Epilepsy in CDKL5 Disorder
Researchers studied the effectiveness of antiseizure medications (ASMs) for treating epilepsy in children with Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a serious condition that often leads to drug-resistant seizures.
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New Tool Predicts Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Children with TSC
This study focused on children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) who experience epilepsy.
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Understanding MRI-Negative Epilepsy and Its Challenges
This study looked at people with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who had negative MRI results, meaning no visible lesions were found on their scans.
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Automated Algorithms Improve Detection of Epilepsy in Children
This study focused on finding better ways to detect focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCD type II) in children, a condition that can cause severe epilepsy that doesn’t respond to medication.
