Epilepsy Currents Podcast By SAGE Publications Ltd. cover art

Epilepsy Currents

Epilepsy Currents

By: SAGE Publications Ltd.
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Epilepsy Currents Podcasts will bring you all the features you know and love about the journal in an innovative format you can take with you wherever you go. The primary content of Epilepsy Currents consists of commentaries written by our expert editorial board on recent high-impact research papers in Epilepsy. Each podcast episode will highlight one of these recent publications and the accompanying commentary. High-yield topics of interest to our engaged epilepsy community will be presented and discussed by one of our contributing editors and the original authors to give you an in-depth, rigorous, and personal view of current topics in epilepsy and the people behind them. Topics will include both clinical and basic sciences, emphasizing bringing our larger community together around the mission we share: To advance research, education, and practice for all professionals working in epilepsy.2022 Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Epilepsy Currents - Episode 11 -"TRADEOFFS: What Are Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Missing?"

    Epilepsy Currents - Episode 11 -"TRADEOFFS: What Are Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Missing?"
    Apr 9 2026
    Join Dr. Bermeo in a conversation with Dr. Danielle Becker, Dr. Jacqueline French and Dr. Ammar Kheder as they discuss the article, "TRADEOFFS: What Are Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Missing?" Click here to read the article. This podcast was sponsored by UCB. We'd like to acknowledge Epilepsy Currents podcast editor Dr. Adriana Bermeo-Ovalle, contributing editor Dr. Rohit Marawar, and the team at Sage. The episode focuses on epilepsy outcomes that matter beyond seizure counts alone, using two 2025 papers and a related commentary to rethink how success should be measured in epilepsy care. Validation of the Seizure-Related Impact Assessment Scale by Dr. French and authors introduces a brief patient-reported tool that captures how many days are lost to seizures and how many are lost to treatment side effects. More Than Seizure Control: Multi-Dimensional Outcome Reporting in Epilepsy (MORE) as a patient-centered framework, redefining success in treatment by Dr. Kheder proposes a broader framework that combines seizure control, quality of life, and the patient's own experience of treatment. The commentary by Dr. Becker, TRADE-OFFS: What Are Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Missing?, ties these ideas together by emphasizing that better seizure control is not always a true success if it comes with worse cognition, mood, fatigue, or day-to-day functioning. The overall message is that epilepsy treatment should be judged not only by fewer seizures, but by whether life is actually better. Key Takeaways Seizure counts alone do not capture treatment success Across the discussion, a major point was that patients often care just as much, or more, about cognition, mood, side effects, independence, work, driving, and daily function as they do about seizure frequency. SERIAS measures the real-life impact of seizures and side effects Validation of the Seizure-Related Impact Assessment Scale highlights a simple tool that asks how many days, or parts of days, were disrupted by seizures and separately by treatment-related adverse effects. This helps clinicians see the net impact of treatment rather than focusing only on seizure reduction. MORE broadens outcome measurement beyond seizure control More Than Seizure Control: Multi-Dimensional Outcome Reporting in Epilepsy (MORE) as a patient-centered framework, redefining success in treatment proposes a structured way to combine seizure control, quality of life, and patient experience, so that meaningful improvement is recognized even when seizure reduction is modest. The commentary frames these issues as trade-offs TRADE-OFFS: What Are Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Missing? emphasizes that every treatment decision should consider what is gained and what is lost. A patient may have fewer seizures but worse fatigue, worse memory, heavier medication burden, or new social and functional problems. These approaches could improve both clinic care and research trials The discussion suggests that tools like SERIAS and frameworks like MORE could help with medication decisions, surgical counseling, neuromodulation follow-up, and clinical trials by capturing outcomes that matter most to patients in everyday life. Adriana Bermeo-Ovalle, MD (Host): What if the most difficult part of living with epilepsy is not the seizures? Most people living with epilepsy report being more burdened by stigma, social limitations, and psychiatric comorbidities than by seizures themselves. So, the real question becomes: how do we measure the impact of epilepsy and the success of our treatments beyond side effects and seizure counts? UCB is the proud sponsor of Episode 11 of Epilepsy Currents Podcast. I am the senior podcast editor for Epilepsy Currents, the official journal of the American Epilepsy Society. Today, we will be discussing the epilepsy outcomes beyond seizures with a phenomenal panel of speakers. Let me first introduce our own Epilepsy Currents contributing editor, Dr. Danielle Becker, who's a recurrent guest in our Epilepsy Currents podcast. Dr. Becker wrote a commentary titled TRADE-OFFS: What Are Patient‑Reported Outcome Measures Missing? This commentary was published in October 2025. Dr. Becker, welcome back. Danielle Becker, MD, MS: Thank you so much for having me. Host: It is also my pleasure to welcome Dr. Jackie French, senior author of one of the studies which inspired that commentary published in Neurology in August 2025, titled Validation of the Seizure-Related Impact Assessment Scale. Dr. French is Professor of Neurology in the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Founder and Director of the Epilepsy Study Consortium and leader of multiple initiatives in our epilepsy community. Dr. French, welcome. It is a pleasure to have you. Jacqueline French, MD: It's great to be here. Thanks a lot for inviting me. Host: And last but not least, I am very happy to introduce Dr. Ammar Kheder, who wrote a second paper referenced also in Dr. Becker's...
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    30 mins
  • Epilepsy Currents - Episode 10 -"The Impact of Perceived Epilepsy Stigma"

    Epilepsy Currents - Episode 10 -"The Impact of Perceived Epilepsy Stigma"
    Jul 29 2025
    Join Dr. Marawar in a conversation with Dr. Danielle Becker and Dr. Martha Sajatovic, as they discuss the article, "The Impact of Perceived Epilepsy Stigma" Click here to read the article. This podcast was sponsored by the American Epilepsy Society through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This activity is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,500,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. We'd like to acknowledge Epilepsy Currents podcast editor Dr. Adriana Bermeo-Ovalle, contributing editor Dr. Rohit Marawar, and the team at Sage. Summary In a baseline analysis from the CDC-funded SMART self-management trial, Dr. Martha Sajatovic's team evaluated 120 adults with uncontrolled epilepsy using the 10-item Epilepsy Stigma Scale. Higher perceived stigma was not tied to seizure frequency or most demographics; instead it clustered around a short list of modifiable factors: being single, receiving little social support, scoring low on the Epilepsy Self-Efficacy Scale, and reporting poorer day-to-day functioning. Dr. Danielle Becker's accompanying commentary argues that these "big three" drivers—self-efficacy, social isolation, and depression—form a hidden clinical burden as real as any EEG abnormality and should be addressed as routine vitals in epilepsy care. Both authors highlight peer-led programs such as SMART, which blend nurse facilitation with a trained person-with-epilepsy co-leader, as a scalable way to lift self-confidence, expand support networks, and ultimately blunt stigma's impact. Key Takeaways Core Correlates of Stigma: In the SMART cohort, the strongest independent predictors of high stigma scores were low social support, low self-efficacy, and poorer functional status; seizure count and most demographic variables showed no significant link.Self-Efficacy Is Central—and Modifiable: Lower confidence in managing seizures (self-efficacy) tracked closely with higher stigma. Boosting patients' belief that they can control triggers, medications, and disclosure decisions is a direct route to stigma reduction.Depression Magnifies Stigma's Weight: Undiagnosed or undertreated depression deepens perceived stigma and worsens quality-of-life scores, underscoring the need for systematic mood screening and at least initial SSRI therapy while specialty referrals are arranged.Peer-Led Self-Management Programs Work: Evidence-based curricula such as SMART (eight weekly Zoom sessions co-led by a nurse and a trained person with epilepsy) consistently raise self-efficacy scores, increase rescue-plan use, and shrink stigma—benefits that persist when agencies or clinics adopt the program.Clinic & Policy Action Points: Ask about stigma, self-efficacy, and mood at every visit; offer a printed or electronic referral to a vetted self-management course or local support group; and advocate for payer coverage of these programs so that addressing stigma becomes as routine—and reimbursed—as ordering an MRI. Dr Rohit Marawar (Host): [00:00:00] Picture this scenario. Two patients leave clinic on the same day. One with excellent seizure control, yet feeling ashamed to mention their diagnosis. The other with daily seizures, but surrounded by supportive friends who see them not their epilepsy. Those contrasting stories sit at the heart of today's conversation about stigma and invisible force as real as any spike and view on an EEG. Welcome to Epilepsy Currents podcast, the podcast for Epilepsy Currents Journal, exploring the latest research and expert commentaries from the world of epilepsy. I'm your host and associate editor for the podcast, Rohit Marwar. To unpack why stigma still sticks, and more importantly, what we can do about it. We are joined by two leading voices. First is Dr. Martha Stoic, first author of the article, clinical Correlates of Perceived Stigma Among People Living With Epilepsy, enrolled in a Self-Management Clinical Trial. Published in Epilepsy and Behavior Journal in [00:01:00] 2024. She's a professor and director of the Neurological and Behavioral Outcome Center, university Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Welcome Dr. Wick. Dr Martha Sajatovic: Thank you. Dr Rohit Marawar (Host): Then we have Dr. Daniel Baker, whose commentary, the stigmatizing impact of perceived epilepsy stigma. Puts those findings in a broader public health frame. Dr. Becker is the division director of epilepsy and associate professor of neurology at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Welcome, Dr. Becker. Dr Danielle Becker: Thank you for having me. Dr Rohit Marawar (Host): Great to have both of you on our podcast today. Let's dive in. To kick things off, Could you give us a quick ...
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    27 mins
  • Epilepsy Currents - Episode 9 - "Genetic Testing in Epilepsy: Improving Outcomes and Informing Gaps in Research"

    Epilepsy Currents - Episode 9 - "Genetic Testing in Epilepsy: Improving Outcomes and Informing Gaps in Research"
    Dec 17 2024
    Join Dr. Bermeo in a conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Gerard, and Dr. Christa Habela, as they discuss the article, " Genetic Testing in Epilepsy: Improving Outcomes and Informing Gaps in Research ". Click here to read the article. This podcast was sponsored by Marinus Pharmaceuticals. We'd like to acknowledge Epilepsy Currents podcast editor Dr. Adriana Bermeo-Ovalle, contributing editor Dr. Rohit Marawar, and the team at Sage. In episode nine of the Epilepsy Currents podcast, Dr. Adriana Bermeo discusses the evolving role of genetic testing in epilepsy with Dr. Krista Habela and Dr. Elizabeth Gerard. They explore how genetic insights are enhancing diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the rapid advancements and future potential of this field. Key Takeaways Technological Advances: Since the first epilepsy gene discovery in 1997, technological advancements such as next-generation sequencing have dramatically accelerated gene identification, enhancing genetic testing's accessibility and effectiveness.Basic Genetic Concepts Clarified: Dr. Gerard explains critical genetic components—genes, chromosomes, and exomes—and their relationship to different genetic tests, providing a foundational understanding crucial for grasping how genetic variations impact epilepsy. Diagnostic Yield and Personalized Treatment: Genetic testing varies in diagnostic yield based on patient-specific factors like age of onset and associated conditions. Higher yields in targeted groups underscore its role in developing precise, personalized treatment plans.Impact on Patient Understanding and Future Testing: Genetic testing not only aids in diagnosis but also provides patients and caregivers with valuable explanations for the conditions, reducing uncertainty and informing better treatment choices. The future of genetic testing in epilepsy includes potential advancements in gene therapy and precision medicine, aiming to develop targeted treatments based on specific genetic profiles. Overcoming Barriers to Integration: Challenges like insurance coverage, the availability of genetic counseling, and the need for provider education must be overcome as genetic testing becomes integral to standard epilepsy care. This integration promises to streamline diagnostics and potentially reduce the need for other invasive tests. Adrianna Bermeo-Ovalle, MD (Host): Why do I have epilepsy? What causes epilepsy? Are my children or other family members at increased risk of developing epilepsy as well? These are some of the most frequent questions I hear in the clinic these days. In a healthcare environment which turns more and more towards personalized medicine, genetics presents a unique opportunity to answer some of our patients most pressing questions. Today, we will explore the current indications and use of genetic testing in epilepsy and we'll take a peek into the future of epilepsy diagnosis and care.  Marinus Pharmaceuticals is the proud sponsor of episode number nine of Epilepsy Currents podcast. I am your host, Adriana Bermejo. I am the senior podcast editor for Epilepsy Currents, the official journal of the American Epilepsy Society. Let me first welcome Dr. Christa Habela. Dr. Habela is a Child Neurologist, Epileptologist, and the Director of the Long Term EEG Monitoring Program and the Epilepsy Genetics Clinic at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Habela is the author of the review, Genetic Testing in Epilepsy, Improving Outcomes and Informing Gaps in Research. This article was published online first on March of 2024 in Epilepsy Currents. Dr. Habela, thank you for joining us today. Christa Whelan Habela, MD, PhD: Thank you so much for having me. Host: It is also my pleasure to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Zoe Gerard. Dr. Gerard is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and the Founding Director of the Women in Epilepsy Program, as well as the Adult Epilepsy Genetics Clinic at Northwestern. Dr. Gerard, thank you for being with us. Elizabeth E. Gerard, MD: Thank you so much for having me. It's my pleasure to be here. Host: Dr. Habela, your review starts with a very nice historical perspective, a historical overview of the development of genetic testing in epilepsy. Can you please help us understand how did we get where we are today? Christa Whelan Habela, MD, PhD: It has always been generally thought that epilepsy was a genetic disorder, even prior to any discovery of epilepsy genes. And the first gene associated with epilepsy was only discovered in 1997, and this was for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and then from 1997 to 2007, only 10 more genes were discovered, and this was because we were using, very robust, but very slow and expensive Sanger Sequencing. Early in the 2000s, the first untargeted genomic testing, came into clinical use, and this was the chromosomal microarray. This can be thought of as a very high resolution karyotype, and allowed us to look for ...
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    30 mins
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