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New study finds epilepsy drug could reduce sleep apnoea symptoms

New research has found that a drug used for epilepsy could be used to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea, which affects about one in 20 people, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England, includes symptoms like snoring and it causes a person's breathing to start and stop during the night, with many requiring an aid to help keep their airways open. An international study has identified that taking sulthiame, a drug sold under the brand name Ospolot in Europe, may help prevent patients' breathing from temporarily stopping. This provides an additional option for those unable to use mechanical breathing aids like the Cpap machines. “The standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea is sleeping with a machine that blows air through a face mask to keep the airways open. Unfortunately, many people find these machines hard to use over the long term, so there is a need to find alternative treatments,” Prof Jan Hedner from Sahlgrenska university hospital and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden said. Researchers conducted a randomised controlled trial of almost 300 obstructive sleep apnoea patients across Europe, who did not use Cpap machines. They were divided into four groups and given either a placebo or different strengths of sulthiame. The study measured patients’ breathing, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, eye movements, as well as brain and muscle activity while asleep. It found after 12 weeks, those taking sulthiame had up to 50% fewer occasions where their breathing stopped, and higher levels of oxygen in their blood. However, a bigger study needs to be done to confirm the beneficial effects on a larger group. The findings, were presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Vienna, Austria. Erika Radford, the head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK said the findings were a positive step forward in moving away from having to rely on mechanical breathing equipment. “This potential alternative to the current main treatment would make it easier for people to manage their condition,” she said. Image: Shutterstock

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One Mozart song calms people with epilepsy, and we may know why

A Mozart sonata has been found to have a calming effect on the brains of those with epilepsy, with new research that may explain why. Researchers played Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major K448 to 16 patients hospitalised with epilepsy who did not respond to medication, with hopes that music could become a new avenue of non-invasive treatment. “Our ultimate dream is to define an ‘anti-epileptic’ music genre and use music to improve the lives of those with epilepsy,” <a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/listening-to-mozart-somehow-helped-people-with-epilepsy">said</a> Robert Quon of Dartmouth College and a co-author on the new study. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tT9gT5bqi6Y" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> In the study, the team monitored the brains of the patients using brain implant sensors to detect the occurrence of short but harmful brain events called IEDs, which epileptics suffer between seizures. After 30 seconds of listening to K448, the scientists found that the rate of IEDs decreased, while significant effects were seen in parts of the brain associated with emotion. But, it was when they compared the participants’ responses to the structure of the song that they saw a pattern. The effects of the music seemed to increase during transitions between longer musical phrases, which Dr Quon says may create a sense of anticipation. When the phrase is answered in an unexpected way by the next phrase, it creates “a positive emotional response”. In contrast, patients showed no change in brain activity when listening to other stimuli or songs that weren’t K448, including a Wagner work characterised by changing harmonies but “no recognisable melody”. This isn’t the first time K448 has been shown to have beneficial effects either. In 1993, scientists claimed that people who listened to the song for 10 minutes or more showed improved spatial reasoning skills. Since then, more research has tested its effects on various brain functions and disorders such as epilepsy. The authors of the new study argue that this is the first time that observations have been connected to the song’s structure, which they described as being “organised by contrasting melodic themes, each with its own underlying harmony”. The study, published in <a rel="noopener" href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95922-7" target="_blank">Scientific Reports</a>, noted that additional testing comparing K448 to other pieces may further close in on the song’s therapeutic aspects. Image: Getty

Mind

The unlikely possible cure for epilepsy

A small but highly venomous caterpillar from south-east Queensland might be the source of a new treatment for nervous system disorders like epilepsy. Studies at the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience have pointed to a species of nettle caterpillar called Doratifera vulnerans as a potential candidate for treatments. Andrew Walker, who has been studying the caterpillar’s venom since he found the species four years ago during a field trip, said “it’s strange biology and pain-causing venom fascinated me”. Dr Walker discovered that the insects were common in Queensland’s south-east, and said its defence mechanism saw it release up to 100 venom-producing spines on its back. “Its binomial name means ‘bearer of gifts of wounds’,” he said. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQZk-pJlcT0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQZk-pJlcT0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by IMB (@imbatuq)</a> </div> </blockquote> “I have been stung quite a lot of times by these caterpillars. “So the way the spine releases their venom is that they have closed but very thin and sharp tips,” he explained. “If you just lightly brush them, or touch them, the tips break off and the venom gets injected.” Potential therapeutics The UQ’s team recently published a report in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that found the venom is a source of peptides - smaller versions of proteins - that could be used to treat disorders affecting the nervous system, such as epilepsy. “Previously researchers had no idea what was in the venom nor how they induced pain,” Dr Walker said. “We’re right at the very start of … finding out about [the] venom and the toxins it contains.” Dr Walker said these peptides could be developed into medicines to help control the nervous system. “And [they would] allow us to ameliorate the effects of things like epilepsy, when the nervous system is too active,” he said. “So you want to calm [the nervous system] down a bit or, in other situations, you may want to activate certain parts of it.” Dr Robinson, the scientist responsible for researching which molecules in the venom caused the pain, said toxins have been used to help understand the human cardiovascular and nervous systems for decades. “My research program, for example, is centered on using toxins as tools to understand our sensory system, that is the neurons responsible for detecting and sending pain signals,” he said. “There really is no better place to look for new knowledge than nature.” A new sheep-friendly pesticide Dr Walker said, in addition to its potential therapeutic applications, that the venom could be used in the development of bio-friendly, eco-friendly insecticides to kill parasites in sheep. “First we discovered the structures of the toxins and then that allows us to design ways in the lab to make them,” he said. “Then, if we can make them in the lab, that will allow us to try to characterise them and work out what they do.” Some of the peptides already made in the lab through Dr Walker’s research have shown high potency and a potential to kill nematode parasites that are harmful to livestock. Image: imbatuq / Instagram

Body

Gold Coast family in mourning over 1 in 4,500 death

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> A Queensland family is mourning the loss of an 11-year-old boy who died after sustaining a seizure in his sleep. Jett Somerhayes-Nixon died on ANZAC Day after failing to wake up after the seizure in his sleep. His aunt, Lucy Somerhayes, wrote on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/jettys-sendoff-family-support?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer" target="_blank">family's GoFundMe page</a> that their “Jetty Spaghetti” had autism and was “plagued by seizures over the past few years”. “But although it wasn't easy, he was the happiest little boy, he loved to sing, dance and make everyone laugh... he was at his happiest if everyone was laughing, singing and dancing with him,” Ms Somerhayes wrote. “He has now gone on to 'rave in paradise', but his family needs help right now to help with funeral costs and give him the send-off he deserved, and to help support them whilst they try and face life without their young, happy, smiley, singing boy.” Somerhayes spoke to <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/unbearable-family-mourns-boy-who-died-from-seizure-sleep-003651622.html" target="_blank">Yahoo! News</a> about the loss of her nephew. "It's completely unfair and unbearable that such a massive personality could leave us in such a tragic way," she said. "It's so incredibly quiet without him." Jett suffered from 50 to 60 seizures a day, which led to him being hospitalised as well as needing a wheelchair to get around. However, the family said that Jett hadn't had a major seizure for months before he died. The family believe that Jett died from Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), as the family found out the cause of death on Thursday and want people to be aware. “In general, people living with epilepsy are at a one in 1,000 risk of SUDEP per year,” Epilepsy Australia says. “In children, SUDEP is an even rarer occurrence with the risk as low as one in 4,500. Most, but not all, cases of SUDEP occur during or immediately after a seizure.” Photo credits: <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/unbearable-family-mourns-boy-who-died-from-seizure-sleep-003651622.html" target="_blank">Yahoo! News</a> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

Breakthrough for Alzheimer’s sufferers

New research has found that doses of a drug designed to treat epilepsy may restore normal brain activity in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease. The anti-epilepsy drug Levetiracetam is being tested by researchers to see if it helps with disrupted electrical activity in the brain, which has been seen in both epilepsy and dementia. There’s been increasing evidence in the past decades that seizure-like activity in the brain, experienced by people with epilepsy, also occurs in dementia patients. This is not always seen by doctors, as it is subclinical – it does not always result in a seizure and can only be seen on a brain scan. "In the field of Alzheimer's disease research, there has been a major search for drugs to slow its progression," said Daniel Press, lead researcher and an Instructor of Neurology in the Cognitive Neurology Unit at BIDMC and an Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. "If this abnormal electrical activity is leading to more damage, then suppressing it could potentially slow the progression of the disease." The study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre took a small group of patients in a three-stage trial. Each visit, their brain was scanned to measure electrical activity, before being injected with either an inactive placebo or the anti-seizure drug. The drug was administered in two quantities - the lower dose (2.5mg/kg) or higher dose (7.5 mg/kg). Neither patients nor medical professionals knew who was receiving which. After the injection, the participants underwent more scans and a cognitive test. The researchers found that in the patients who had been given the drug it did normalise abnormal brain waves and electrical activity, but they added that it had not improved cognitive function. Press said: “It’s too early to use the drug widely, but we’re preparing for a larger, longer study.”

Caring

Common misconceptions about epilepsy

Epilepsy is a surprisingly common condition that remains little understood by those who have not experienced it up close. Epilepsy Action Australia has published a list of common myths and misconceptions about epilepsy. In an effort to raise awareness and lower ignorance, we’re sharing with you some of these facts. Myth: Epilepsy is a mental illness. Fact: Epilepsy is not a mental illness, nor does it cause mental illness. Many people become confused because they know that epilepsy affects the brain. Seizures are “a disruption of the electrical activity in the brain”, while conditions such as depression are believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Myth: You can swallow your tongue during a seizure. Fact: This is incorrect. It is physically impossible to swallow your tongue. Do not place anything in the mouth of someone who is experiencing a seizure. This belief likely stems from the fact that a relaxed tongue can roll to the back of the throat and block the airway. When a seizure has stopped, roll the person onto their side (the recovery position) and tilt their head back slightly. Myth: People with epilepsy are not allowed to drive. Fact: People with epilepsy are indeed allowed to drive, as long as their seizures are controlled by medication, or if they fulfil guidelines set for them by their state’s driving authority. Myth: One cannot die from epilepsy. Fact: Unfortunately, this is not true. Seizures can cause deaths by way of drowning, suffocation, burns, falls, and accidents – whether during or after a seizure. Myth: Epilepsy is a disability, creating a barrier to a “normal life”. Fact: Epilepsy is not an insurmountable barrier to personal achievement. Most people with epilepsy have the same range of abilities and intelligence as those of us who don’t. While “a significant number of people with learning difficulties and/or intellectual disability have epilepsy, it does not mean that people with epilepsy necessarily have learning difficulties or intellectual disability.” Myth: Epileptic seizures cause individuals to lose consciousness and convulse. Fact: Seizures take many forms, and can present as a brief loss of awareness, confusion or disorientation, all the way through to major convulsions. Myth: A person having a seizure should be restrained. Fact: No restraint will stop or slow down a seizure. Doing so will likely agitate or harm the individual in question – not help them. The only time you should move a person during a seizure is if they are in harm’s way – on/near a busy road, or near a staircase or pool. Myth: Epilepsy is rare. Fact: Epilepsy is actually, “the most common serious neurological condition in the world today”. It can occur on its own or be associated with other brain-affecting conditions like autism, dementia, or cerebral palsy. Epilepsy affects up to 2 per cent of Australians. If you would like to read more about epilepsy, you can visit <a href="http://www.epilepsy.org.au/sites/default/files/Seizure%20Smart%20-%20Exploding%20Myths%20About%20Epilepsy.pdf" target="_blank">Epilepsy Action Australia</a>.<a href="http://www.epilepsy.org.au/sites/default/files/Seizure%20Smart%20-%20Exploding%20Myths%20About%20Epilepsy.pdf)"> </a> Which of these myths did you believe until today?

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New study finds epilepsy drug could reduce sleep apnoea symptoms

One Mozart song calms people with epilepsy, and we may know why

The unlikely possible cure for epilepsy

Gold Coast family in mourning over 1 in 4,500 death

Breakthrough for Alzheimer’s sufferers

Common misconceptions about epilepsy