Matthew C. Walker (United Kingdom)

University College London UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
Matthew Walker is Professor of Neurology at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, and a Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. He graduated from Cambridge University in Physiology and then completed his medical training at St Thomas' Hospital, London, and his PhD at University College London. He has published over 250 peer-reviewed papers on both laboratory and clinic research including studies into the mechanisms regulating brain excitability, epilepsy surgery, status epilepticus and novel treatments of epilepsy. He was an Associate Editor of Brain and of Epilepsia, and he is presently Associate Editor of Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders. He is President of the British Branch of International League against Epilepsy (ILAE), Chair of the trustees of Epilepsy Research UK, Secretary of ILAE-Europe and co-Chair of the ILAE task force on translational Research. He was made an ILAE ambassador for epilepsy in 2013.

Author Of 1 Presentation

 Conference Calendar
Scientific Session: T (Topics)

EPILEPSY ON THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Session Type
Scientific Session: T (Topics)
Session Name
80 - HEAD INJURY AND CRITICAL CARE NEUROLOGY - CRITICAL CARE NEUROLOGY SESSION (ID 26)
Date
03.10.2021, Sunday
Session Time
09:30 - 11:00
Room
Topic C
Lecture Time
09:53 - 10:16
Presenter
  • Matthew C. Walker (United Kingdom)

Abstract

Abstract Body

Epilepsy is relevant in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), either because someone is transferred into ICU because of their seizures (usually status epilepticus) or they develop seizures/status epilepticus whilst in the ICU. The main challenge in the latter situation is the diagnosis of the seizures (many of which are non-convulsive). Indeed, it has been estimated that 8% of people in ICU in coma with no clinical signs of seizure activity are in electrographic status epilepticus, indicating the important role that EEG can play in the management of coma. However, even with EEG, it is important to differentiate seizure activity from interictal activity or EEG signatures of encephalopathies/cerebral damage. The detection and diagnosis of seizures in people in coma depends upon strict EEG criteria and the length of the EEG recordings. There have been no treatment trials in this population, and the prognosis of status epilepticus in coma is usually poor.

In people transferred to ICU in status epilepticus, aetiology is key to determining prognosis and appropriate treatments. The identification of autoimmune and inflammatory aetiologies has transformed treatment protocols and approaches. In addition, there have been multiple new antiseizure medications and novel brain simulation therapies. Despite, these advances, the prognosis of super-refractory status epilepticus (status epilepticus that continues for 24 hours or more after the use of anaesthetic therapy), remains poor and the use of prolonged anaesthesia in such patients has significant associated morbidities. However, preclinical work has indicated other potential treatments approaches that may offer significant benefits.

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Presenter of 1 Presentation

 Conference Calendar
Scientific Session: T (Topics)

EPILEPSY ON THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Session Type
Scientific Session: T (Topics)
Session Name
80 - HEAD INJURY AND CRITICAL CARE NEUROLOGY - CRITICAL CARE NEUROLOGY SESSION (ID 26)
Date
03.10.2021, Sunday
Session Time
09:30 - 11:00
Room
Topic C
Lecture Time
09:53 - 10:16
Presenter
  • Matthew C. Walker (United Kingdom)

Abstract

Abstract Body

Epilepsy is relevant in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), either because someone is transferred into ICU because of their seizures (usually status epilepticus) or they develop seizures/status epilepticus whilst in the ICU. The main challenge in the latter situation is the diagnosis of the seizures (many of which are non-convulsive). Indeed, it has been estimated that 8% of people in ICU in coma with no clinical signs of seizure activity are in electrographic status epilepticus, indicating the important role that EEG can play in the management of coma. However, even with EEG, it is important to differentiate seizure activity from interictal activity or EEG signatures of encephalopathies/cerebral damage. The detection and diagnosis of seizures in people in coma depends upon strict EEG criteria and the length of the EEG recordings. There have been no treatment trials in this population, and the prognosis of status epilepticus in coma is usually poor.

In people transferred to ICU in status epilepticus, aetiology is key to determining prognosis and appropriate treatments. The identification of autoimmune and inflammatory aetiologies has transformed treatment protocols and approaches. In addition, there have been multiple new antiseizure medications and novel brain simulation therapies. Despite, these advances, the prognosis of super-refractory status epilepticus (status epilepticus that continues for 24 hours or more after the use of anaesthetic therapy), remains poor and the use of prolonged anaesthesia in such patients has significant associated morbidities. However, preclinical work has indicated other potential treatments approaches that may offer significant benefits.

Hide