Journal of epilepsy research最新文献

{"title":"Anti-Leucine-Rich Glioma-Inactivated 1 Encephalitis Presenting with An Atypical, Protracted Course of Cognitive Decline.","authors":"Su Min Park, Jung-Ju Lee","doi":"10.14581/jer.26007","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.26007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autoimmune encephalitis typically presents with an acute or subacute onset of cognitive decline, altered mental status, and seizures. Here, we report a case of anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 encephalitis characterized by an atypically protracted period of cognitive decline, followed by the delayed onset of seizures. We describe the clinical characteristics, unique neuroimaging findings, and the patient's response to treatment. By discussing the implications of this unusual clinical trajectory, we aim to enhance diagnostic awareness and prevent potential misdiagnosis in cases with atypically prolonged presentations.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"16 1","pages":"41-44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13287563/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Melatonin Prolonged-Release May Improve Insomnia and Depression in Epilepsy Patients.","authors":"Dong Won Kwack, Dong Wook Kim","doi":"10.14581/jer.26006","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.26006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that is highly prevalent among patients with epilepsy. Despite the known benefits of melatonin for insomnia and its potential anticonvulsive effects, clinical evidence regarding its efficacy in epilepsy patients with comorbid insomnia remains limited. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prolonged-release (PR) formulation of melatonin in epilepsy patients with insomnia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We prospectively enrolled 34 adult patients with epilepsy from March 2024 to February 2025. The insomnia severity index (ISI) and the Korean version of the Neurological Disorders of Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (K-NDDI-E) were assessed before and after 12 weeks of melatonin PR intake. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Changes in seizure status before and after treatment were analyzed using McNemar's test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 25 patients (nine males, mean age 53.5±11.6 years) completed the study. Of these, 23 had focal-onset seizures and two had generalized-onset seizures. After 12 weeks of treatment, ISI scores significantly improved from 16.0±4.4 to 12.2±5.2 (<i>p</i>=0.001). Similarly, K-NDDI-E scores showed a significant reduction from 11.3±4.2 to 9.8±3.2 (<i>p</i>=0.041). Seizure status remained unchanged following treatment, with no statistically significant difference observed before and after melatonin PR administration (<i>p</i>=1.000). No patients discontinued the medication due to seizure aggravation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings demonstrate that melatonin PR effectively improves both sleep quality and depression in epilepsy patients with insomnia. These results suggest that melatonin PR could be a potential therapeutic option for managing comorbid insomnia and depression in patients with epilepsy.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"16 1","pages":"36-40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13287564/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148320998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Extraoperative Subdural Grid Electrode Stimulation for Primary Motor Cortex Localization in Medically Intractable Epilepsy.","authors":"Panu Boontoterm, Siraruj Sakoolnamarka, Karanarak Urasyanandana","doi":"10.14581/jer.26004","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.26004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Extraoperative subdural grid electrode (SDE) implantation with cortical stimulation mapping (CSM) is a cornerstone of presurgical evaluation in medically intractable epilepsy, enabling localization of epileptogenic and eloquent cortex. Precise identification of the primary motor cortex (PMC) is essential to minimize postoperative motor deficits, particularly in pediatric patients. This study evaluated the clinical utility of extraoperative CSM for PMC localization and examined factors associated with stimulation amplitude thresholds in a large cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively reviewed 297 patients with medically refractory epilepsy who underwent SDE implantation with extraoperative CSM. Motor mapping was performed using standardized stimulation parameters. Postoperative motor outcomes were assessed and correlated with preservation of mapped PMC. Associations between stimulation amplitude thresholds and demographic, clinical, radiological, pathological, and antiseizure medication (ASM)-related factors were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The PMC was successfully identified in all patients. Although motor responses were most commonly localized to the precentral gyrus, atypical PMC localization was observed in 11.1% of patients. Preservation of mapped PMC was associated with a significantly lower rate of persistent postoperative motor deficits. Younger age demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with stimulation amplitude threshold (<i>p</i>=0.001), with children younger than 7 years requiring higher stimulation amplitudes. This association remained significant after controlling for ASM burden.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Extraoperative CSM using SDEs is a reliable and clinically impactful method for PMC localization in medically intractable epilepsy. Functional motor areas may deviate from classical anatomical landmarks, underscoring the necessity of direct functional mapping.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"16 1","pages":"23-30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13287565/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary Validation of the Epileptic Seizure Trigger Questionnaire for Perceived Seizure Triggers in Adults with Epilepsy.","authors":"Lucas Lima Najar, Marleide da Mota Gomes","doi":"10.14581/jer.26003","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.26003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Seizure triggers-such as stress, sleep deprivation, and missed medication-are commonly reported by patients with epilepsy. Understanding these perceived triggers is critical for patient counseling and preventive strategies. However, no validated self-report instrument exists to systematically assess them. To develop and conduct a preliminary psychometric evaluation of the epileptic seizure trigger questionnaire (EST-Q).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study with 100 adults with active epilepsy recruited from two public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The initial 12-item questionnaire was refined into an 11-item instrument after removing one poorly performing item. Psychometric evaluation was conducted exclusively on the seven-item core module, after exclusion of four items with high non-response rates. Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency assessment, and item response theory (IRT). Given the modest sample size, confirmatory factor analysis and IRT findings were interpreted as exploratory and preliminary.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The seven-item core suggested a predominantly unidimensional structure (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin=0.578; variance explained=29.7%), with borderline internal consistency (α=0.699; ω=0.681), which is adequate for group-level research but insufficient for individual clinical decisions, and moderate to high item discrimination. The four excluded items remain clinically relevant but were unsuitable for psychometric evaluation due to limited applicability.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The EST-Q shows promise as a standardized tool for assessing perceived seizure triggers. These preliminary findings support its potential utility, but validation in larger, multicenter cohorts is needed to confirm its factor structure, reliability, and generalizability before routine clinical use.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"16 1","pages":"18-22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13287432/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of <i>KCNT1</i>-Related Epilepsy in Infancy.","authors":"Fatema K, Akhter Ku, Alam St, Paul Bc, Ahmed S, Islam Ka, Ferdousi J","doi":"10.14581/jer.26005","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.26005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong><i>KCNT1</i>, a gene which encodes sodium gated potassium channels, is associated with a spectrum of epilepsies and neurological disorders. This study has been done to overview the phenotype and genotype of <i>KCNT1</i> related epilepsies in infancy.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Neurology, Bangladesh Medical University. Detailed history taking and clinical examinations were done. Electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were done in each patient. The classification and description of seizures and epilepsy was done according to the international league against epilepsy guideline. Genetic test was done by targeted next-generation sequencing.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>This study included six patients with developmental epileptic encephalopathy with <i>KCNT1</i> gene mutation. The children had various types of seizures, mostly focal seizure, focal with bilateral tonic-clonic seizure, epileptic spasm and status epilepticus. Most patients had global developmental delay with normal birth history. In all patients, whole exome sequencing was done and <i>KCNT1</i> mutation had been found.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study describes the genotype and phenotype of <i>KCNT1</i> related epilepsy in infancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"16 1","pages":"31-35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13287431/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-Management Intervention for Adults with Epilepsy: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Seung Ae Kim, Dong Wook Kim","doi":"10.14581/jer.26001","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.26001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating self-management interventions for adult patients with epilepsy, examine their characteristics and effects, and suggest suitable intervention strategies for clinical application. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in five databases: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. RCTs published between January 2019 and October 2024 were included. Eight eligible studies were selected and analyzed in terms of intervention content, duration, frequency, delivery method, and outcome measures, including quality of life, self-management ability, and self-efficacy. Among the eight included studies, statistically significant improvements were reported in quality of life in three studies (37.5%), self-management ability in three studies (37.5%), and self-efficacy in two studies (25.0%). Interventions conducted over 6 months with biweekly or weekly sessions tended to show more favorable outcomes. Face-to-face education and telephone-based support were commonly used and were associated with positive results. Digital interventions, such as mobile applications, showed limited effectiveness when used alone but tended to be more effective when interactive features were included. These findings suggest that a hybrid approach combining initial face-to-face education with ongoing telephone or digital support may be appropriate for adults with epilepsy. A 6-month intervention period with regular biweekly or weekly sessions may be optimal. For digital tools, interactive components should be integrated to sustain engagement and enhance outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"16 1","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13287433/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geographic Disparities in People with Epilepsy: Differences in Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life.","authors":"Lisa Tan, Rachel Branning, Haitong Yu, Nicole Fiorelli, Jessica Black, Clara Adeniyi, Maegan Tyrrell, Farren Briggs, Gena R Ghearing, Martha Sajatovic","doi":"10.14581/jer.26002","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.26002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Approximately 19% of the U.S population live in rural locales, which are disproportionally afflicted by health disparities. While people with epilepsy (PWE) living in rural areas may have difficulties receiving appropriate care, little is known about differences in PWE due to geography. This study evaluated whether clinical and demographic characteristics among PWE differed by geographic region to better characterize potential differences in care and outcomes faced by rural people with epilepsy (RPWE).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional baseline data analysis from an epilepsy self-management clinical trial examined quality of life, functional status, self-management, self-efficacy, depression, and social support. The independent variable of interest was geography of residence (categorized using Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC): metro areas [RUCC 1-3], adjacent to metro areas [RUCC 4, 6, 8], and rural [RUCC 5, 7, 9]). Amongst covariates were other social determinants of health (SDOH): income and education. Multivariable linear regression models were conducted, including the three SDOH and other covariates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Adjusting for likely confounders, geography was independently associated with three outcomes: the epilepsy self-efficacy scale (ESES) scores, quality of life in epilepsy (QOLIE-31) total scores, and QOLIE-31 cognition sub scores. RPWE had lower ESES scores (<i>p</i>=0.045), lower QOLIE-31 total scores (<i>p</i>=0.025), and lower QOLIE-31-cognition sub scores (<i>p</i>=0.043) compared to urban PWE. On average, RPWE had an 11-point lower QOLIE-31 total score.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>RPWE have lower self-efficacy, worse quality of life, and perceived cognitive functioning compared to urban PWE. These geographic disparities may reflect disparities in access to epilepsy care that are associated with worse outcomes among RPWE.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"16 1","pages":"8-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13287434/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Valproate on Serum BDNF and MMP-9 in Pediatric Epilepsy.","authors":"Anand Borisagar, Rachna Gupta, Manish Narang, Sumita Halder, Mohit Mehndiratta","doi":"10.14581/jer.25012","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.25012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>In recent years, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) have garnered interest for their involvement in epilepsy. This study evaluated the serum levels of BDNF and MMP-9 in pediatric patients with epilepsy compared to healthy controls and assessed the effect of valproate on serum BDNF and MMP-9.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Children aged 1 year to 12 years, diagnosed with epilepsy (n=30), and age-matched healthy controls (n=30) were included. All participants were followed up for 16 weeks and assessed for changes in serum BDNF and MMP-9 levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Children with epilepsy had significantly lower BDNF and higher MMP-9 levels compared to healthy controls at baseline. Following 16 weeks of treatment with valproate, BDNF levels were increased significantly (<i>p</i><0.001), and MMP-9 levels decreased significantly (<i>p</i><0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings suggest the involvement of BDNF and MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Serum BDNF and MMP-9 levels were increased and decreased, respectively, following valproate treatment in children with epilepsy. Hence, BDNF and MMP-9 could be potential biomarkers in pediatric epilepsy. Large sample sizes and long-term studies are warranted to confirm the findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"15 2","pages":"104-113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12718850/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145812278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Utility of Magnetoencephalography in Epilepsy Evaluation: A Qualitative Systematic Review.","authors":"Hee-Sun Kim, Jessie Lee, Cheong-Heun Jeong, Yong Seo Koo","doi":"10.14581/jer.25010","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.25010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a non-invasive neurophysiological technique offering high spatial resolution for localizing epileptogenic zones in epilepsy, especially when traditional electroencephalography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is inconclusive. A systematic evaluation of MEG's diagnostic and prognostic utility within combination strategies is crucial, particularly in countries like South Korea with limited MEG access. We conducted a qualitative systematic review of nine studies (n=354 focal epilepsy patients) to evaluate MEG's clinical performance in presurgical workup. Databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, KoreaMed, KMbase, RISS) were searched. Data extraction focused on localization accuracy and surgical outcomes (Engel class I); risk of bias was assessed using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-2. MEG alone achieved up to the mid-70% range; however, integration with other modalities (e.g., with positron emission tomography/high-density electroencephalography) significantly improved both localization and surgical outcomes. Pediatric focal cortical dysplasia patients showed Engel class I outcomes of 67-87%. Most studies had low-to-moderate bias. Only one MEG system is operational in South Korea (introduced 2023), limiting accessibility. Canadian economic evaluations, despite higher initial costs, suggest MEG is long-term cost-effective, improving quality-adjusted life years. MEG offers complementary diagnostic value in epilepsy evaluation and surgical planning, enhancing localization and outcome prediction, especially for pediatric and MRI-negative patients. Considering this clinical utility, national support for MEG equipment and its regional expansion in South Korea is crucial to ensure equitable access and optimal patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"15 2","pages":"83-92"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12718839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145812272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psoas Syndrome Following a Generalized Seizure.","authors":"Yoonjeong Na, Jung-Ju Lee, Byung-Kun Kim, Kyusik Kang, Woong-Woo Lee, Ilhan Yoo, Namoh Kim, Michelle Sojung Youn","doi":"10.14581/jer.25013","DOIUrl":"10.14581/jer.25013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Psoas syndrome is a rare form of muscle irritation that causes pain and weakness in the lower extremities. A 52-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complaints of having had a seizure and weakness in the left lower extremity. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed reversible thickening of the left psoas muscle, consistent with psoas syndrome. We report a case of psoas syndrome following a generalized seizure and discuss its clinical characteristics and differential diagnoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":73741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of epilepsy research","volume":"15 2","pages":"114-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12718820/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145812209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}