Publications by authors named "Fowzia Siddiqui"

Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the effectiveness of brivaracetam as an add-on therapy for epilepsy patients, showing it can significantly reduce seizure frequency.
  • Conducted in Pakistan with 543 participants, the research revealed that treatment-naive individuals benefited more, achieving higher rates of seizure freedom compared to those resistant to earlier treatments.
  • Results indicate that brivaracetam, particularly in combination with other medications like divalproex sodium or levetiracetam, can lead to positive outcomes in managing epilepsy over a 90-day period.
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Background And Aim: Epilepsy stands out as one of the most prevalent neurological conditions. Brivaracetam (BRV) is a noteworthy antiseizure medication (ASM) distinguished by its pronounced and selective interaction with the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) within the brain. Prior investigations, including regulatory trials, post-marketing assessments, and comparative meta-analyses, have consistently underscored BRV's equivalency in efficacy and superior tolerability when pitted against other antiseizure drugs.

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Introduction And Aims: Symptomatology of epilepsy and its' associated alteration in brain processes, stigma of experiencing seizures, and adverse sequelae of anti-epileptics have been demonstrated to impact behaviour and exacerbate psychopathology. This study examines the role of dysfunctional schema modes in People with Epilepsy (PWE) and their association with psychiatric symptoms.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 108 PWE treated with anti-epileptics for at least one year and with no history or mental disorder or psycho-active substance use.

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Introduction: Cortical dysplasia carries significant morbidities such as seizures and delayed milestones. Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) causes refractory epilepsy with various seizure types depending on the location and extent of the dysplasia. FCD in the temporal region and the insular cortex may cause ictal bradycardia (IB) and ictal asystole (IA).

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A broad set of conditions may present with an exaggerated startle reflex in clinics. This, combined with the overall rarity of these disorders, may pose diagnostic uncertainty in the mind of the treating physician. Herein, we report a case of a patient who presented to us with the complaint of exaggerated startle reflex and outline a simple approach towards characterisation of these disorders.

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Objectives: The burden of neurological diseases in developing countries is rising although little is known about the epidemiology and clinical pattern of neurological disorders. The objective of this study was to understand the burden of disease faced by neurologists a in tertiary care setting.

Results: A prospective observational study was conducted of all presentations to neurology clinics at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi over a period of 2 years.

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Background. Developing countries, home to 80% of epilepsy patients, do not have comprehensive epilepsy surgery programs. Considering these needs we set up first epilepsy surgery center in Pakistan.

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Objective: Our main objective was to use videoconferencing as a primary means to: a) assist in launching an epilepsy surgery program in Pakistan; 2) participate in case conferences on complex epilepsy patients in each country.

Methods: Extensive testing using both point to point and bridged integrated service digital network (ISDN) and internet protocol (IP) connections was carried out using bandwidths of 384-768 kilobits per second (kbps). Videoconferences between sites were arranged two to three weeks in advance and connections were tested a day prior to the scheduled conference.

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