on controlling epilepsy through electrical stimulation of the brain
A Yale researcher studying the use of electrical stimulation to control brain excitability in patients with epilepsy has received one of the first New Therapy Grants Program awards from The Epilepsy Project.
The researcher -- Dr. Idil Cavus, assistant professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurosurgery at the School of Medicine -- has preliminary findings showing that seizure suppression is correlated to the frequency of the electrical stimulation: that low frequency (1 Hz) and high frequency (130-133 Hz) appear safe and efficacious, while mid-range frequency is not.
Currently available implantable stimulation devices are successful at treating movement disorders, but have been ineffective at controlling many types of epileptic seizures. The results of this study will determine if stimulation frequency is a factor in efficacy. It also will serve as a guide for further comprehensive studies involving other stimulation sites, excitability measures, duration of stimulus, repetitive stimulation, and other possible endpoints.
The Epilepsy Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of epilepsy patients. Cavus is one of three inaugural grant recipients of the New Therapy Grants Program, which is the organization's joint translational research initiative with the Epilepsy Foundation. A total of $300,000 was awarded. Grant recipients were chosen based on evidence of a clear translational pathway to bring in new therapies to patients with epilepsy and on the quality, mission, and practical application of the proposed research.
"Our mission is to condense the time it takes to develop and commercialize new epilepsy therapies by identifying and supporting cutting-edge scientific research in this field," says May Liang, executive director of The Epilepsy Project. "The Epilepsy Research Foundation, our joint venture with the Epilepsy Foundation, is an avenue for us to provide philanthropic funding to advance pioneering translational research projects in epilepsy through our collaborative New Therapy Grants Program."
T H I S
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
Center will promote study of customers
Organist Martin Jean appointed new ISM director
Yale scientists hailed for research on H20
In Focus: Information Technology Services
Guarding your computer (and yourself) against scam and spam
ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPSAlexander is appointed the Saden Professor
Thomas named Williams Brothers Professor
Clark designated Cullman Adjunct ProfessorTo Do Justice
Exhibit explores life and work of 'Peter Pan' creator
Former NSF director named as Bass Environmental Scholar
Event celebrates life and legacy of poet James Merrill
Belgian illustrated books are focus of exhibit, symposium
Noted historian of African slavery to give inaugural Davis Lecture
Study: Marijuana bears same risks as smoking cigarettes
Grant will fund study of novel stroke treatment
Center for Faith and Culture launches new lecture series
Seminar to explore affirmative action around the globe
Yale Entrepreneurial Society adds new biotechnology category . . .
Grant will further researcher's work on . . .
Yale takes on Harvard in 'friendly' competition: a Blood Drive Challenge
IN MEMORIAMDr. Marshall Edelson, proponent of the 'therapeutic community'
Irene Adams, office administrator for the Yale Boswell Editions
PULSE features literary, artistic works with theme of medicine
Yale Boooks in Brief
Campus Notes
Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News
Bulletin Board|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines
Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs|News Releases|
E-Mail Us|Yale Home