by Playfuls Staff |
30th April 2007
Canadian scientists created an animal model of infantile spasms, advancing the search for new treatments for children [more] suffering epileptic seizures.
Infantile spasms are a specific type of epileptic seizures seen in infancy and early childhood that typically last 1 to 5 seconds and occur in clusters, ranging from two to 100 spasms at a time. There are few treatments.
Dr. O. Carter Snead III and Dr. Miguel Cortez, both of the University of Toronto, report in separate studies developing a mouse model that produces effects closely resembling human infantile spasms. The mouse model also responded to current treatments, including adrenocorticotrophic hormone, ACTH, in a similar manner.
"Infantile spasms can last for months to years in children. Having an animal model that resembles this long duration is likely to be useful for analyzing the evolution of this disease, and how it is best treated in different stages," said Snead.
"Since children with this disorder often develop it without any apparent cause, such a mouse model will also improve the likelihood of finding new treatments," added Cortez.
Both studies are to be presented Wednesday in Boston during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.
© 2007 UPI
