DR. STEPHEN C. LATTANZI, M.D.

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This study looked at three newer medications for epilepsy: lacosamide (LCM), brivaracetam (BRV), and perampanel (PER). It found that 86.1% of people taking lacosamide continued their treatment after 12 months, compared to 79.1% for brivaracetam and 75.4% for perampanel. Understanding these differences helps doctors choose the right medication for their patients, particularly considering long-term use and side effects. Who this helps: Patients with epilepsy.

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This study looked at how to predict the likelihood of developing epilepsy in patients who had a severe type of seizure called new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) due to autoimmune encephalitis. Out of 70 participants, over half (54.3%) developed epilepsy during an average follow-up of 53 months. The researchers created a simple scoring system, called the DAME score, which effectively predicts this risk; it accurately identified those at risk 87.1% of the time. Who this helps: This benefits patients with autoimmune encephalitis and their doctors by providing a tool to anticipate and manage the risk of epilepsy.

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This study looked at how consistently different epilepsy experts diagnose and classify seizures in adults. The researchers found that there was a high level of agreement among the experts: they achieved scores of about 94% for diagnosing seizures and 96% for diagnosing epilepsy. However, there was less agreement on more detailed classifications, indicating that improvements are needed for more specific diagnoses. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and helps ensure patients receive more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments for epilepsy.

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This study looked at how well four different medications (brivaracetam, cenobamate, lacosamide, and perampanel) work for adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy, a condition where seizures are hard to control with standard treatments. Researchers analyzed data from almost 2,000 patients and found that cenobamate led to a 50% or greater reduction in seizures for 54.4% of patients at six months, outperforming the other medications, which had lower response rates: brivaracetam at 30.7%, perampanel at 27.8%, and lacosamide at 28.7%. However, cenobamate also had the highest rate of side effects among the medications studied. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from drug-resistant focal epilepsy by identifying a more effective treatment option.

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This study focused on improving the quality of data collected in clinical trials for stroke rehabilitation by using digital tools. Researchers created a digital system that includes 28 standardized measures to evaluate patients' recovery in areas like movement, thinking, and quality of life. The system reduces errors in data collection and allows for better tracking of patient progress over time, making it easier for researchers to gather reliable information, which is crucial for testing new rehabilitation treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation and the healthcare professionals involved in their recovery.

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This research paper examines new treatments for epilepsy that are currently being developed. Despite existing medications, about one-third of people with epilepsy don’t respond to them, and these drugs often come with side effects. The study highlights various new approaches, including innovative medications, gene-targeted therapies, and therapeutic devices, all aimed at not just managing seizures but also addressing the underlying causes of the condition. Some of these treatments show early promise, which could offer real hope to many individuals with epilepsy who struggle with current options. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy, especially those who do not respond to existing treatments.

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This study looked at the challenges faced by patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), their caregivers, and healthcare providers. It found that DRE significantly impacts patients' quality of life, including their ability to work and manage daily tasks, with most patients reporting high seizure frequencies (20 seizures a month compared to just 5 for some others). While patients and caregivers prioritize complete seizure freedom, only about one-third of healthcare providers were satisfied with the current treatments available, highlighting a disconnect between what patients want and what doctors focus on in treatment. Who this helps: This study benefits patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and their caregivers by highlighting their needs and concerns in treatment discussions.

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This research paper reviews the use of a midazolam 10 mg autoinjector for treating a serious condition called convulsive status epilepticus, which requires quick action to prevent serious harm or death. The study found that this autoinjector allows for fast and easy delivery of the medication without needing an IV, improving the chances of prompt treatment in emergencies. This is significant because it can help save lives by making it quicker and simpler for non-medical personnel to administer necessary medication during a seizure. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing seizures and the healthcare providers who treat them in emergency situations.

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This study looked at brain injury in patients experiencing a severe type of seizures called new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE). Researchers found that a specific protein, neurofilament light chain (NfL), was about 10 times higher in the cerebrospinal fluid of NORSE patients compared to those with other types of seizures, indicating much more brain damage. This matters because high NfL levels can help identify patients who are at risk of poor recovery, highlighting the need for quick and effective treatment during this critical time. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with NORSE and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This research paper looked into the problem of seizures caused by alcohol use and how they should be managed in different healthcare settings. The authors found that consistent treatment is lacking and outlined a detailed plan for diagnosing and treating these seizures, emphasizing the importance of supervised detoxification and ongoing support. Effective management can improve patient recovery and lower the chances of seizures happening again. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing alcohol-related seizures and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined whether adding a procedure called emergent carotid stenting (eCAS) to a treatment called endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) helps patients who have a specific type of stroke caused by tandem lesions in the front part of their brain. Researchers looked at over 4,000 patients and found that those who received eCAS had better functional outcomes after 90 days compared to those who did not have the stenting procedure, with the odds of achieving a good recovery increasing by about 30%. Importantly, this treatment did not significantly increase the risk of serious bleeding in the brain. Who this helps: This research benefits stroke patients experiencing tandem lesions and the doctors treating them.

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This research focuses on Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a severe epilepsy disorder that starts in childhood. Recent advances in imaging and genetic testing have improved how we diagnose LGS, revealing that many previously unclear cases may have specific causes. The study highlights the need for better treatment strategies and support, especially as patients transition to adulthood, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among medical professionals and families to improve care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with LGS and their families.

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This study looked at how a method called Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) can assess body hydration and composition in 87 patients recovering from a stroke. It found that many of these patients had high fluid overload and low muscle mass, which is important because it affects their recovery. Specifically, malnourished patients showed a significant difference in their body composition compared to healthier patients, while BIVA effectively identified those who were making better recovery progress. Who this helps: This research benefits patients in post-stroke rehabilitation and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined a new liquid form of the anti-seizure medication Zonisamide (ZNS) to help adults and older teens with epilepsy who have trouble swallowing pills. The findings showed that this oral suspension works just as well as the traditional capsule form, making it easier for these patients to take their medicine regularly. This matters because better adherence to treatment can lead to improved seizure control. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy, especially those who have difficulty swallowing capsules.

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This study looked at how well cenobamate (CNB), a medication for epilepsy, worked when added to the treatment of adults with focal-onset seizures. Out of 92 participants, 64.1% experienced a significant drop in their number of seizures after 12 months, with 42.0% having a positive response and 13.6% being completely seizure-free. These findings are important because they suggest that CNB can be effective for many patients when used alongside other anti-seizure medications, although half of the participants experienced side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Who this helps: This research benefits patients struggling with uncontrolled focal epilepsy who may need additional treatment options.

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This study looked at how well two different types of treatment—adding a new medication or replacing the current one—work for women aged 10 to 50 with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) who have not responded to their first treatment. Researchers tracked 249 women and found that about 33% of those who added a new drug and 35% who switched medications continued to have seizures, indicating no big difference between the two approaches. The findings are important because they suggest that both strategies are similar in effectiveness and can help women manage their epilepsy, especially those concerned about future pregnancies. Who this helps: This helps women with epilepsy, particularly those who are considering pregnancy.

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This study looked at how effective the medication brivaracetam is for treating seizures in people with epilepsy who also have intellectual disabilities. The research included over 1,000 participants, out of which 253 had intellectual disabilities. The results showed that 10.3% of those with intellectual disabilities became seizure-free compared to 18.4% of those without, and 28.9% of those with intellectual disabilities experienced a significant reduction in seizures, versus 40% of those without, indicating both groups benefit but those without disabilities tend to do slightly better. Who this helps: This information helps patients with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities, their families, and doctors seeking effective treatments.

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This study looked at how well cenobamate, a new medication for treating focal seizures, works in real life over 24 weeks. Researchers found that monthly seizures dropped by about 60% for participants, with over half experiencing a significant reduction in seizures and 11% being completely seizure-free. Additionally, fewer patients needed to take multiple other medications alongside cenobamate, which simplifies their treatment. Who this helps: This benefits adults with uncontrolled focal epilepsy.

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This study looked at the nutritional health of patients who had strokes and were going through rehabilitation. Researchers measured things like body composition and food intake before rehabilitation and again six weeks later, finding that proper nutrition is crucial for recovery. By closely monitoring nutrition, the goal is to prevent complications that can arise from malnutrition and loss of muscle strength in these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from strokes and their healthcare teams.

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This study looked at how well machine learning models can predict if patients who have a first seizure after status epilepticus (SE) will experience another seizure within two years. Out of 386 patients, about 35% had a recurrence, and the Random Forest model was the most accurate in predicting this, with a success rate of about 69%. This research is important because it shows that new technology, like artificial intelligence, can be more effective than traditional methods in forecasting seizure recurrence, which may help in patient management. Who this helps: This benefits patients who experience status epilepticus and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to manage anti-seizure medications for patients with severe kidney failure who are on dialysis. It found that dialysis significantly affects how these medications are cleared from the body, meaning doctors need to adjust doses to avoid making patients sick while still controlling their seizures. Currently, there are no official guidelines for this process, and more research is needed to create effective treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy who are also undergoing dialysis.

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This study focused on drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), which affects about one in three people with epilepsy, and aimed to redefine how it is understood and treated. Italian epilepsy experts agreed that successful treatment should not only be about controlling seizures, but also improving patients' quality of life and addressing their individual needs. The findings stress the importance of personalized care and collaboration among healthcare providers to better assist patients. Who this helps: Patients with epilepsy and their doctors.

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The PERMIT Extension study looked at how well a medication called perampanel works for people with epilepsy when taken with other seizure medications. It included over 5,000 patients with focal or generalized seizures. The study found that those with focal seizures had better chances of being seizure-free when taking perampanel with certain types of medications, specifically those that bind to a specific protein (41.7% success rate) compared to others (24.8% success rate). This research is important as it helps doctors choose the best combination of treatments for their patients. Who this helps: Patients with epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how rehabilitation affects walking ability in 21 patients who had surgery for soft tissue tumors in their legs. The results showed that after rehabilitation, patients significantly improved their ability to perform daily activities and showed better walking speed, stride length, and movement in their joints. These improvements are important because they enhance patients' overall independence and quality of life after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from lower-limb soft tissue sarcomas.

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This research looks at the role of a protein called FSAP in blood clotting and the breakdown of clots. It found that FSAP helps create thrombin, which is essential for clotting, mainly by disabling a specific inhibitor (TFPI). It also accelerates the breakdown of clots by converting certain proteins into more active forms, leading to thinner and more easily broken down fibers. Understanding FSAP's functions is important because it could improve our knowledge of blood-related diseases and treatment methods. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers who are studying blood clotting disorders and developing treatments.

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This study looks at how epilepsy, which affects about 50 million people globally, is often linked to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, but these issues are frequently overlooked in treatment. Researchers found that there are significant gaps in care, such as underdiagnosis of mental health problems and a lack of resources, and they recommend integrating mental health care into epilepsy treatment. They propose solutions like regular mental health screenings and better communication between specialists to improve the overall well-being of people with epilepsy. Who this helps: This benefits patients with epilepsy and their families, as well as healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study looked at how patients with status epilepticus (a serious type of seizure) are treated, comparing standard benzodiazepines (BDZ) with other antiseizure medications (non-BDZ) as the first line of treatment. Researchers found that almost 74% of patients received BDZ, and those who did had a lower 30-day death rate of 25.9% compared to 35.3% for non-BDZ treatments. However, when considering other factors, the type of first treatment did not significantly change the mortality rates, especially for certain patients with non-convulsive status epilepticus. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating patients with status epilepticus, guiding them in selecting effective therapies.

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This study looked at how men and women recover from strokes during rehabilitation, focusing on their physical function, mental abilities, and nutrition. It found that 52.4% of women were malnourished compared to 33.3% of men, and after six weeks of rehabilitation, women had higher levels of oxidative stress and poorer physical recovery. The results indicate the need for tailored treatment approaches for men and women to improve recovery outcomes after a stroke. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in creating effective rehabilitation plans for stroke patients.

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This study looked at how sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass and strength, affects recovery in white patients after a stroke. Researchers found that out of 87 patients, those with sarcopenia scored lower on functional and cognitive tests after six weeks of rehabilitation compared to those without sarcopenia. Specifically, sarcopenic patients had a score of 0 for walking ability, while non-sarcopenic patients scored 3, and for daily living tasks, sarcopenic patients scored 40 compared to 57 for non-sarcopenic patients. These findings show that sarcopenia can significantly hinder recovery, making it crucial to identify and address this condition early in rehabilitation. Who this helps: This helps patients who have had a stroke and their rehabilitation teams.

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This study focused on patients with Soft Tissue Sarcomas (rare tumors) who underwent surgery and assessed how a personalized rehabilitation program affected their recovery. The rehabilitation program combined traditional physiotherapy with robotic technology and was designed to improve motor skills and quality of life. Results showed significant improvements in patients' functional status, pain levels, and overall quality of life after rehabilitation, demonstrating that tailored therapy can make a meaningful difference. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from Soft Tissue Sarcomas.

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This study focused on the experiences and outcomes of women with epilepsy during pregnancy and childbirth. It found that while cesarean sections are more common in these women, having epilepsy doesn’t automatically mean they need one, and their pregnancies carry higher risks of complications. Importantly, breastfeeding is recommended even though there is a slight risk of medication effects on the baby, as the benefits of breastfeeding are greater. Who this helps: This information is valuable for pregnant women with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different parts of the brain communicate with each other in six patients who had surgery to remove the corpus callosum, which is the main bridge between the two halves of the brain. The researchers found that these patients still showed some level of communication between the brain hemispheres, especially in basic sensory areas, with the two sides working together in 80% of those cases, even though most complex brain areas only activated on one side. This is important because it shows that the brain can still adapt and share information even after significant structural changes. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy who have undergone this type of surgery and their doctors in understanding brain function post-surgery.

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This study looked at the relationship between a specific treatment for a type of stroke and the risk of developing epilepsy afterwards. Researchers found that out of 327 patients treated, 35.5% experienced what was called "futile recanalization," meaning they didn't improve despite the treatment being technically successful. Among those with futile recanalization, 76.9% went on to develop post-stroke epilepsy, showing a strong link that puts patients at much higher risk. Who this helps: This information benefits patients who have had a stroke and their doctors in managing treatment and monitoring for complications like epilepsy.

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This study looked at how effective and safe cenobamate is for adults with focal-onset epilepsy who aren’t well-controlled with other medications. The results showed that after 12 weeks, participants had a 52.8% reduction in their monthly seizure frequency, with 55% experiencing a significant drop in seizures and 15% becoming seizure-free. This is important because it offers hope for people with epilepsy who have tried multiple medications without success. Who this helps: This helps patients with uncontrolled focal-onset epilepsy.

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This study looked at a rare condition called transient cortical blindness (TCB) that can occur after medical imaging procedures using contrast dyes. Researchers reviewed information from 115 patients and found that TCB can happen soon after the procedure, often within 30 minutes, and usually resolves within a day. Higher doses of the contrast material and injections in specific areas of the brain were linked to a higher risk of developing TCB. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and medical professionals who perform imaging procedures, as well as patients undergoing these tests.

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This study looked at the risk of suicide and related events in people taking antiseizure medications (ASMs) for neurological disorders. While there is a concern that these medications could lead to suicidal thoughts or actions, the review found that the overall risk is very low and not well-defined. It is important for doctors to monitor patients closely and consider individual risk factors when prescribing these medications to ensure safety. Who this helps: This helps patients using antiseizure medications and their doctors.

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This study looked at how stimulating the median nerve on one side of the body affects brain activity on the same side and the opposite side. Researchers found that stimulating the median nerve on one side significantly reduced brain responses on the same side when done shortly before the opposite side was stimulated, showing a strong connection between the two sides of the brain. This matters because it helps us understand how the brain processes touch and how information is shared between its two halves. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors studying sensory processing and brain connectivity.

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This study looked at how well cenobamate works when added to the treatment of adults with focal epilepsy that doesn’t respond to other medications. The results showed that patients taking cenobamate had a 52% chance of reducing their seizure frequency by at least half, compared to 24% for those on a placebo, and a 16% chance of being completely seizure-free versus 5% on placebo. However, patients taking cenobamate also had a higher chance of experiencing side effects (77% compared to 67%). Who this helps: This research benefits adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.

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This study looked at two anti-seizure medications, lamotrigine (LTG) and levetiracetam (LEV), in women of childbearing age who have juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE). Researchers found that LTG was better than LEV at keeping patients on their medication and preventing treatment failure, with a 99.2% probability that LTG was superior in effectiveness. This matters because it helps identify a safer and more effective option for women managing epilepsy during their reproductive years. Who this helps: This helps female patients with juvenile absence epilepsy.

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This study looked at how well cenobamate works in addition to other medications for adults with focal epilepsy. Researchers followed 236 patients for a year and found that 78.8% continued taking cenobamate after 12 months, and 57.5% experienced a significant drop in seizure frequency. Importantly, the total number of other seizure medications patients took decreased by an average of 22.2%. Who this helps: This benefits adults with difficult-to-treat focal epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on rare and complex types of epilepsy, which involve seizures and are often misunderstood. Experts, including neurologists and patient advocates, worked together to agree on key issues related to these conditions and came up with 16 important statements. Among their findings, they highlighted the need for more research on how common these rare epilepsies are and stressed the importance of early treatment with specific medications and therapies to improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rare epilepsies and their caregivers, as well as healthcare providers working in this field.

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This study looked at how effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is for adults with functional seizures compared to standard medical treatment alone. The findings showed that CBT nearly doubled the chances of patients achieving seizure freedom (about 2 times more likely), reduced anxiety levels, and improved overall quality of life, although it did not significantly affect depression symptoms. This is important because it shows that CBT can be a valuable addition to the treatment plan for people dealing with functional seizures, improving their daily lives. Who this helps: This helps patients with functional seizures and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well a scoring system called SeLECT 2.0 predicts the risk of developing epilepsy after a stroke. Researchers discovered that by using the severity of the stroke after treatment instead of at admission, the prediction accuracy improved significantly—65 out of 1,094 patients (about 5.9%) had unprovoked seizures a median of 10 months after their stroke. This is important because better predictions can help doctors identify which patients are at risk for epilepsy, allowing for timely monitoring and treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have had a stroke, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at factors that predict whether patients with status epilepticus (a severe seizure condition) will develop refractory status epilepticus (RSE), which is harder to treat. Out of 705 patients studied, 33% progressed to RSE, which significantly increased the risk of dying within 30 days. The study found that impaired consciousness before treatment was the strongest predictor of developing RSE, with a 90.8% risk if certain factors were present. Who this helps: This helps doctors identify high-risk patients early so they can provide better treatment.

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This study looked at two types of remote rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from arm disabilities after a stroke: one that used a robotic device and one that did not. It involved 30 patients, and after 5 weeks, both groups showed improvements in their perceived disability, but those in the non-robotic group experienced a bigger average improvement of 6.09% compared to 0.76% for the robotic group. The findings suggest that telerehabilitation can make stroke recovery more accessible and effective, enhancing patients' quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits stroke survivors seeking better recovery options.

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This study looked at how frailty and a specific blood sugar measurement (stress hyperglycemia ratio, or SHR) relate to recovery after a type of stroke in older patients. Researchers found that out of 155 patients over 65, those classified as frail had worse outcomes, with 76% being considered robust and recovering better. Specifically, higher frailty scores were linked to more successful recovery in three months, while SHR was linked to poorer outcomes in robust patients. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers in treating older stroke patients by highlighting the importance of assessing frailty and blood sugar levels for better recovery predictions.

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This study focused on patients with soft tissue sarcomas (cancerous tumors) in their limbs who often need significant surgery and rehabilitation. Researchers developed a specific rehabilitation program tailored to the type of surgery each patient underwent, and after completing the program, 31 patients showed significant improvements: there were better scores in daily living activities, pain management, and walking speed. This matters because it helps create a structured recovery plan that can enhance patients' overall recovery and quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from limb surgeries due to soft tissue sarcomas.