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Papers by Karen Ballaban-gil

Pediatric Neurology, 2013

West syndrome constitutes the most frequent of all seizure types in infants with Down syndrome. W... more West syndrome constitutes the most frequent of all seizure types in infants with Down syndrome. We retrospectively reviewed records of 12 infants with Down syndrome and West syndrome, accounting for 5% of 239 infants with West syndrome from a comprehensive epilepsy database during a 17-year period. All demonstrated classic hypsarrhythmia on video electroencephalograms. One had clinically responded to clonazepam, and one was not treated because the parents refused any treatment. Seven of 10 infants demonstrated a complete response to high-dose natural adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Four (57%) of these seven infants relapsed. Relapses occurred as long as 2 years after cessation of the initial presentation of infantile spasms. At most recent follow-up (median age, 5 years), 8/12 (67%) were seizure-free, and seven were off any medications. Two of three nonresponders manifested intractable epilepsy and profound mental retardation. Developmentally, 6/8 who could be assessed met criteria for autistic spectrum disorder. Close follow-up is necessary even after successful initial treatment, because relapses are frequent and can occur as long as 2 years later.

$Research paper thumbnail of Protocol for ACTH Administration in Refractory Childhood Seizures: Educational Strategies$

Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, Dec 1, 1995

American journal of medical genetics, Feb 7, 2000

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a distinct epileptic syndrome with a complex mode of inherit... more Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a distinct epileptic syndrome with a complex mode of inheritance. Several studies found evidence for a locus involved in JME on chromosome 6 near the HLA region. Recently, Elmslie et al. [1997] reported evidence of linkage in JME to chromosome 15q14 assuming a recessive mode of inheritance with 50% penetrance and 65% linked families. The area on chromosome 15q14 encompasses the location of the gene for the alpha-7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This could fit the hypothesis that there are two interacting loci, one on chromosome 6 and on chromosome 15 or that there is genetic heterogeneity in JME. In an independent dataset of JME families, we tested for linkage to chromosome 15 but found little evidence for linkage. Moreover, families with more than one family member affected with JME provide a lodscore of 3.4 for the HLA-DR/DQ haplotype on chromosome 6. The lodscore for these same families on chromosome 15q14 is &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;-2 assuming homogeneity and the maximum lodscore is 0.2 assuming alpha =.25. Only one of these families has a negative lodscore on chromosome 6 and a positive lodscore of 0.5 on chromosome 15q14. Our results indicate that this possible gene on chromosome 15 plays at most a minor role in our JME families. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:49-52, 2000.

Current Pain and Headache Reports, Aug 28, 2014

Primary stabbing headache (PSH) is an under-recognized primary headache disorder, which often goe... more Primary stabbing headache (PSH) is an under-recognized primary headache disorder, which often goes undiagnosed. It is mainly characterized by its ultrashort stabbing quality and can be easily overlooked both by patients and providers as it is often not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life. However, PSH may be severe and require therapy, and it is important for providers to recognize this headache type, both in adult and pediatric populations, as well as to be able to distinguish it from secondary headache disorders. PSH also may be more common than previously thought.

Pediatric and adolescent medicine, Apr 20, 2015

Humana Press eBooks, 2004

American Journal of Electroneurodiagnostic Technology, Dec 1, 2002

... 42 181-209, 2002 © ASE TI lowa Language and Behavioral Disturbances Associated with Epileptif... more ... 42 181-209, 2002 © ASE TI lowa Language and Behavioral Disturbances Associated with Epileptiform EEGs Aristea S. Gaianopoulou, MD, Ph.D.,1-4 Jorge Vidaurre MD,"»4 Kathryn lvlcvicar, MD,'i4 Karen Ballaban-Gil MD,1-5 and Solomon L. Moshé, MD'*4 Departments ...

Pediatrics and Neonatology, Jul 1, 2023

Neurology, Apr 5, 2016

Objective: To describe and assess the effectiveness of a formal scholarly activities program for ... more Objective: To describe and assess the effectiveness of a formal scholarly activities program for an adult and pediatric neurology residency program. Background: The ACGME requires scholarly activity for all residents but implement and assessment studies are needed to properly gauge the success of these initiatives. Methods: Starting in 2011, all graduating residents were required to complete at least one form of scholarly activity broadly defined to include peer reviewed publications and/or presentations at scientific meetings of formal mentored research projects. The scholarly activity program was administered by the associate residency-training director and included an expanded journal club, guided mentorship, a required grand rounds platform presentation, and annual awards for the most scholarly and seminal research findings. We hypothesized that scholarly output and mentorship for residents graduating in 2011-2015 (post-program) would exceed that of graduates in 2005-2009 (pre-program). Results: Scholarship participation increased from the pre-program baseline (24/53, 45.3[percnt]) to the post-program period (46/56, 82.1[percnt], p<0.0001). Total scholarly output more than doubled from 43 activities pre-program (0.92/resident) to 111 post-program (2.38/resident, p=0.0003). The mean activities per resident increased for published abstracts (0.15±0.41 to 1.23±1.39, p<0.0001), manuscripts (0.75±1.37 to 0.98±1.38, p=0.39) and book chapters (0.02±0.14 to 0.18±0.61, p=0.06). Proportions of resident participation increased for case reports (20.8[percnt] vs 66.1[percnt], p<0.0001) and clinical research (17.0[percnt] vs 37.5[percnt], p=0.017) but were similar for laboratory research and topic reviews. Rates of residents as first authors increased but not significantly (72.1[percnt] vs 81.1[percnt], p=0.22). Individual faculty mentors increased from 36 pre-program to 44 post-program. Conclusions: Our multifaceted program, designed to encourage resident and faculty engagement in scholarship, was associated with increased scholarly output and an expanded mentorship pool. The program was particularly effective at encouraging presentations at scientific meetings. Longitudinal analysis will determine whether such a program portfolio inspires an increase in academic careers involving research. Disclosure: Dr. Robbins has received personal compensation for activities with Medlink and Prova Education. Dr. Haut has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda, Upsher Smith, Neurelis as a consultant. Dr. Lipton has received personal compensation for activities with Allergan, American Headache Society, Autonomic Technologies, Boston Scientific, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cognimed, Colucid, Eli-Lilly, eNeura Therapeutics, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Teva, and V Dr. Milstein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ocava has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ballaban-Gil has nothing to disclose. Dr. Moshe has received research support from UCB Pharma. Dr. Mehler has nothing to disclose.

John Wiley & Sons, Ltd eBooks, Jul 19, 2013