Scientists have discovered a link between epilepsy and the biological clock. PhD research by Wytske Hofstra for the VUmc shows that different types of epileptic seizures do not occur by chance…
Facts
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder which manifests itself in the form of attacks. In the Netherlands, the number of epilepsy patients currently estimated at 121,000, a third of these patients continue to have seizures despite adequate drug treatment †
24 hour rhythm
Recent research by Wytske Hofstra and colleagues now shows that there is a certain 24-hour rhythm is having seizures † There also seems to be a relationship between the times of the day and epileptic seizures. In addition, being a morning or evening person (phases of the biological clock) have an influence, because epilepsy patients adjust the times at which they take medication accordingly.
Finally, Hofstra discovered that having epilepsy even influences how someone organizes their day in terms of activities such as sleeping, getting up, being awake , etcetera.
More information about epilepsy>
Epilepsy patients and doctors can benefit a lot from the results of this research. Knowledge about the interaction between the biological clock and epilepsy offers patients the opportunity to better control seizures. For example by the time of medication intake to adapt to the rhythm of attacks or to one's biological clock. In addition, scientists and doctors can better determine when research into seizures can best take place.
