Chronic Neurological Diseases

Chronic Neurological Diseases

Our activities range from the examination of long-known but still insufficiently understood diseases, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis, to more recent diseases that already pose significant public health risks, such as internet addiction (IA) and the neurological consequences of cyberbullying.

Internet Addiction and Cyberbullying

Internet addiction, affecting approximately 10% of the population, is currently considered the fastest-growing public health issue. Meanwhile, surveys indicate that one in three internet users is exposed to the risks of cyberbullying. These trends suggest the emergence of a public health emergency in digitally advanced countries for which we currently lack adequate responses. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of suicides among young girls in both the United States and the European Union increased by 75%, while suicide attempts rose by 300%. Alarming data also indicate that excessive internet use alone increases the risk of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and body image disturbances, while significantly impairing sleep quality.

Numerous studies worldwide examine the harmful effects of internet use; however, few focus on uncovering the neurocognitive impacts. Researchers at the University of Pécs have previously examined the common neurological changes between internet addiction and traditional substance addictions. The ongoing work within the TINL builds on these findings.

Our research employs modern imaging techniques to investigate the long-term effects of cyberbullying on brain structure and function. Understanding the long-term neurological consequences is essential for gaining deeper insights into the phenomenon and identifying those forms of abuse that pose the greatest challenges to individuals and society. This can also guide the selection of appropriate prevention techniques.

Establishment of Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Myasthenia Gravis Registries

There are currently no national data on the prevalence of epilepsy in Hungary, making the creation of a national registry essential for conducting epidemiological surveys. As a result of our work within the TINL, we have developed a structured questionnaire containing detailed data, enabling comprehensive analyses on a wide range of topics. The detailed data can improve the effectiveness of pharmacological therapies, identify previously unknown drug side effects, and facilitate the development of effective seizure prevention strategies.

If the currently regional Epilepsy Registry were extended nationwide, it would enable broader data collection, fulfilling a critical gap in public health knowledge. In addition to recording patient and clinical data essential for daily clinical practice, we also plan to include questionnaires related to internet addiction, previously used in our research. This expansion would allow for the investigation of the relationship between epilepsy and internet addiction.

Furthermore, we plan to register in the National Epilepsy Registry the data from detailed questionnaires related to all external trigger factors mentioned in the literature. This would enable the most extensive examination of precipitating factors to date. Accurate identification and characterization of these factors in different types of epilepsy could mark significant progress in seizure prevention.

Similarly, we have very limited information about the prevalence of multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis. Answering such epidemiological questions is of enormous national economic significance, as in Hungary, for example, the NEAK spends nearly 34 billion HUF annually on the pharmacological treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis without adequately monitoring the effectiveness of the medication or its compliance with current funding protocols. The Jahn Ferenc South-Pest Hospital and Outpatient Clinic is a key partner of TINL in establishing these registries.