Is there a Link between Seizures and Metabolism? Study

A recent study explores the possible connection between metabolic defects and seizures. Researchers have found that diet may influence some individual's susceptibility to this health issue. The findings also showed that a common diabetes drug may be used in treating epilepsy disorders.

Researchers were able to study fruit fly movement via webcams in order to better examine the issue.

"This technique has allowed us to identify a number of metabolism-altering drugs that affect seizure susceptibility," said Dr. Daniel Kuebler, the principal investigator behind the experiment, in a press release. "It has opened up a new line of research looking at the effect dietary modifications have on seizure susceptibility."

The researchers also found that the drug metformin, which is usually used to treat type II diabetes, could potentially reduce the intensity of seizures.

"Video tracking systems have been used widely to analyze Drosophila melanogaster movement and detect various abnormalities in locomotive behavior. [But] while these systems can provide a wealth of behavioral information, the cost and complexity of these systems can be prohibitive for many labs," the article notes, via the release.

Researchers are currently using the drug-screening technique in order to better investigate the potential of metabolic causes.

"It is well known that certain diets, such as the ketogenic diet, have effects on seizures, but there is little agreement on the mechanism behind this diet," said Dr. Kuebler, "This technique allows us to better address this question."

More information regarding the video demonstration of this method can be found via the Journal of Visualized Experiments.