A recent practice guideline provides updated evidence-based conclusions and recommendations regarding in utero effects of anti-seizure medications and folic acid supplementation on the prevalence of major congenital malformations, adverse perinatal outcomes, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Dr. Parthvi Ravat interviewed Dr. Alison Pack about the guideline, which was produced by the American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

Review the practice guideline: Teratogenesis, perinatal, and neurodevelopmental outcomes after in utero exposure to antiseizure medication (Neurology, May 2024)

Other studies mentioned in the episode:
Risk of major congenital malformations and exposure to antiseizure medication monotherapy (JAMA Neurology, March 2024)

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.

The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Some historic names for epilepsy have been derogatory and stigmatizing. An older term for “epilepsy” in Malay means “mad pig disease.” Neurologists in Malaysia collaborated to change the word to a medically accurate term. Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Chong Tin Tan about the origins of the older term and how the new term was introduced.

Resources:
Name of epilepsy: Does it matter? - 2012 - Neurology Asia

Announcement of a new Chinese name for epilepsy - Lau - 2011 - Epilepsia

Changing name of epilepsy in Korea; cerebroelectric disorder (noi‐jeon‐jeung,뇌전증,腦電症) - Kim - 2014 - Epilepsia

Renaming Korean epilepsy: Where are we? - Epilepsy & Behavior

Awareness, knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy in Malaysia: A perspective of undergraduates in a private university | African Journal of Neurological Sciences

Overcoming the stigma of epilepsy in Asia // International League Against Epilepsy

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.

The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

With all the best intentions, undertakings in global neurology can include assumptions and biases that lead to unforeseen negative consequences. Sharp Waves spoke with Drs. Melody Asukile and Deanna Saylor about their recent article on the perils and pitfalls of global neurology. They discussed specific examples of some of these unforeseen consequences and talked about the ingredients for productive, ethical, and sustainable global neurology initiatives.

Resources:
Asukile M et al. The Perils and Pitfalls of Global Engagement (JAMA Neurology)

Global Neurology: Advancing Neurological Care Worldwide (YouTube)

DiBiase R et al. Evaluation of Three Cohorts of the First Neurology Postgraduate Training Program in Zambia (P4-8.001) (Neurology)

Zambia League Against Epilepsy

Epilepsy care in Zambia: “Now that we have neurologists, we will have a voice” (ILAE Sharp Waves episode)

Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (World Health Organization)

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.

The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.