Message from ACNN President

Precision epilepsy treatment moves toward individualized ASOs One of the most clinically exciting recent papers is a Nature Medicine study describing individualized antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for children with SCN2A-related developmental epileptic encephalopathy. The investigators developed mutation-specific ASOs designed to correct the molecular consequences of individual SCN2A variants. Importantly, the work moves beyond the concept of precision medicine toward patient-specific molecular therapy, with implications for other genetic epilepsies. Why it matters for pediatric neuroscience nursing Genetic diagnosis may increasingly identify a treatable molecular mechanism, rather than simply provide an explanation. Nurses and APPs will increasingly be involved in education around individualized genetic therapies and longitudinal monitoring. Key Reference Kim-McManus, O., Mignon, L., Douville, J., et al. (2026). Individualized antisense oligonucleotides for SCN2A-related developmental epileptic encephalopathy. Nature Medicine, 32 , 2838–2845. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-026-04527-y. . What happens when the father takes valproate? A large study published this month in Neurology examined whether paternal valproate exposure around conception is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders or congenital malformations in offspring. Researchers analyzed more than 2.5 million children in Taiwan, including 1,701 whose fathers had been prescribed valproate during the three months before conception. After adjustment for multiple confounders—and in a sibling comparison—the investigators found no significant association between paternal valproate exposure and autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, tic disorders, or congenital malformations. This is particularly interesting because the reproductive safety concerns surrounding valproate have historically focused heavily on maternal exposure. Important caveat: This study does not change the well-established concerns regarding valproate exposure during pregnancy. The authors also emphasize limitations, including variable follow-up duration and the need for additional studies in other populations. Key Reference Feng, Y.-C. A., et al. (2026). Paternal valproate exposure and offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes. Neurology . Published August 19, 2026. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000218375. The brain environment can drive pediatric brain tumor biology A recent Nature Neuroscience paper provides another important advance in understanding pediatric brain tumors. Researchers identified a signaling pathway involving neuroligin-3 (NLGN3), CSPG4 and PIEZO1 that links neuronal activity with oligodendrocyte precursor cell biology and glioma proliferation. The study demonstrates that neuronal activity isn't simply something occurring around a tumor—the neural environment can actively influence tumor-cell behavior. The finding is particularly relevant to pediatric neuro-oncology because high-grade gliomas and diffuse midline gliomas remain among the most challenging childhood brain tumors. The authors describe how gliomas can exploit mechanisms normally involved in glial plasticity and myelination. This represents a broader shift in neuro-oncology: The tumor is not an isolated mass—it is part of a dynamic neural ecosystem. That concept could eventually lead to treatments targeting neuron–tumor interactions, rather than tumor cells alone. Key Reference Kim, Y. S., Gillespie, S. M., Geraghty, A. C., et al. (2026). Neuroligin-3–CSPG4 interaction maintains oligodendrocyte precursor cell progenitor state and promotes glioma proliferation through mechanotransduction. Nature Neuroscience . Published August 6, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-026-02397-8. 

Early EEG changes may predict response to ketogenic diet in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy A new study examined EEG changes shortly after children with drug-resistant epilepsy started a ketogenic diet. The investigators found that early electroencephalographic changes were associated with subsequent clinical response. This is particularly relevant to epilepsy nurses who educate families starting ketogenic therapy. It highlights the potential value of early EEG biomarkers alongside clinical seizure monitoring , and reinforces the importance of coordinated follow-up between families, nursing teams, dietitians, epileptologists, and EEG services. ACNN Takeaway Could early EEG changes help us identify which children are most likely to benefit from ketogenic therapy? Key Reference Early Electroencephalographic Changes After Ketogenic Diet Therapy in Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy. Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy. 2026. Point-of-care EEG is gaining attention in pediatric emergency care A study recently published evaluated clinical selection of point-of-care EEG (POC-EEG) for children presenting to a pediatric emergency department with seizures or altered mental status. This is an especially relevant development for neuroscience nurses because rapid EEG availability could potentially shorten the time to recognition of nonconvulsive seizures and status epilepticus . ACNN Takeaway As POC-EEG becomes more accessible, neuroscience nurses may increasingly be involved in identifying appropriate patients, initiating monitoring, troubleshooting equipment, and recognizing when escalation is needed. Key Reference Toro-Perez J, et al. Components of generalized onset seizures with focal evolution progressing to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures using quantitative electroencephalography in children: Focal or generalized? Epilepsia. 2026. Pediatric epilepsy workforce development is getting attention A new article in Pediatric Neurology examines training pathways, workforce distribution, and professional development in pediatric neurology. This is particularly relevant to ACNN given the ongoing need to develop and retain a highly skilled pediatric neuroscience workforce. There is an important opportunity here to broaden the conversation beyond physician workforce numbers to include nursing, APPs, epilepsy specialists, EEG technologists, educators, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Key Reference Training pathways, workforce distribution, and professional practice of child neurologists in Brazil: A cross-sectional study with implications for access. Pediatric Neurology. Published online August 6, 2026. Emerging technology stories worth watching Two new preprints are exploring AI approaches to epilepsy: EpiLENS uses patient-specific intracranial EEG patterns to improve localization of the epileptogenic zone across different patients and centers. Another new study explores deep-learning analysis of EEG biomarkers in Fragile X syndrome , focusing on alpha and gamma activity.