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Epilepsy News 2013
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May 2013
Epilepsy volunteer speaks out during National Epilepsy Week
Epilepsy Society volunteer Moira Copeland urges people to talk about epilepsy during National Epilepsy Week
Epilepsy data system may lead to better treatments
Scientists are working on a project which they hope will help medical professionals deliver more highly personalised treatments to people with epilepsy using analytics technology.
Understanding your medication
New research from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society reveals a need for patients to better understand their medicines to improve their health and reduce medicines waste.
Brain implant device to predict seizures
Epilepsy expert Professor Ley Sander welcomes new device but warns it is still very invasive for people with epilepsy.
Epilepsy drug link to skin and eye problems
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a drug safety alert regarding the epilepsy medication Potiga also called ezogabine, which is known as Trobalt or retigabine in the UK.
April 2013
Epilepsy Society's chief executive retires
Epilepsy Society’s chief executive Graham Faulkner is standing down after more than a decade at the top.
Drug trial for treatment of tuberous sclerosis
A new trial is underway at Cardiff University to see if a tumour-shrinking drug can improve the memory and thought processes of adults with tuberous sclerosis, which can cause epilepsy.
Epilepsy gene discovery welcomed
Professor Sanjay Sisodiya, Epilepsy Society’s head of genetics, has welcomed the discovery of a gene associated with the most common form of epilepsy.
Report raises concerns abbout benefits assessment
A new report published today by the Disability Benefits Consortium raises concerns about the delivery of the new Personal Independence Payment(PIP)assessment.
Hope for new epilepsy drugs
Epilepsy expert Professor Ley Sander gives a cautious welcome to pioneering research which offers hope for the development of new treatments for people with epilepsy.
Lil Wayne blames seizures on stress
New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne blames his recent seizures on stress, lack of rest and overworking himself.
March 2013
Light therapy for people with epilepsy
Bright light therapy – commonly used to treat seasonal affective disorder – can reduce levels of depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy, according to new research published online today by the British Journal of Psychiatry.
Peer support could help combat epilepsy stigma
Support groups could help combat epilepsy stigma in much of the developing world, according to a new study led by a Michigan State University (MSU).
New driving regulations for people with epilepsy
New DVLA driving regulations for people with epilepsy came into effect ony 8 March 2013.
Epilepsy exhibition at National Portrait Gallery
Three life size portraits of people living with epilepsy went on show ony 7 March 2013 at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Research centre declared open
History was made on Friday 1 March as medical directors officially opened Epilepsy Society's new research centre.
February 2013
New NICE standards for epilepsy
NICE has today (28 February) published new quality standards for the epilepsies in adults, young people and children.
New research centre to open
Medical staff look forward to the official opening of the new research centre.
Understanding Personal Indepence Payment (PIP)
A new pocket guide for people with epilepsy to help get to grips with the government's new PIP.
Mums urged to join epilepsy register
Calls for GPs to encourage mums to be with epilepsy to sign up to a central pregnancy register to guard against birth defects.
Carers need help
An Epilepsy Society survey carried out in 2011 showed that carers looking after someone with epilepsy often neglect their own health needs to care for a loved one.
Prince charles meets young girl with epilepsy
Children at Great Ormond Street Hospital, including a young girl with epilepsy, had a special visitor today (21 February) when the Prince of Wales toured the wards.
Carers need help
An Epilepsy Society survey carried out in 2011 showed that carers looking after someone with epilepsy often neglect their own health needs to care for a loved one.
River Island epilepsy awareness raising campaign
River Island – the high street fashion retailer - is supporting leading epilepsy charities, Epilepsy Society and Young Epilepsy with an online awareness raising campaign.
GPs report decline in childhood epilepsy
Epilepsy Society’s medical director, Professor Ley Sander believes the downwards trend is most likely due to better pre-natal and peri-natal care and delivery.
New report links epilepsy drug to autism risk
Children whose mothers take the drug sodium valproate while pregnant are at significantly increased risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
January 2013
MPs debate epilepsy
MP Kate Hoey spoke about Epilepsy Society's bus campaign and other important issues affecting people with epilepsy in a House of Commons debate last night (29 January).
Fibre-optic light signals research
Neuroscientists say fibre-optic light signals may stop epileptic seizures.
Unexpected disability benefit changes
Disability benefit changes 'should be reconsidered' say an online group of disabled and sick people from around the UK.
ATOS under attack by MPs in Commons
The private contractor Atos, which administers the government's work capability assessments, has come under sustained criticism from MPs as they told stories of constituents who had died shortly after being ruled fit for work by the firm.
Vote for epilepsy specialist nurse
Vote now for epilepsy specialist nurse (ESN) Teresa Smith to win the prestigious Claire Rayner Patient’s Choice award.
Teachers' fears over epilepsy drugs
Fear of being sued may stop some teachers from delivering emergency epilepsy medication to their pupils, researchers suggest.
Genetic link between epilepsy and migraine
New research reveals a shared genetic susceptibility to epilepsy and migraine.
'Plumber' protein found in brain
A protein which acts like a plumber in the brain has been discovered by scientists who believe it could be a key to helping prevent strokes and other brain disorders including epilepsy.
Chilled brain could mean fewer seizures after head injury
Mild cooling of the brain after a head injury could prevent the development of epileptic seizures, say researchers.
Speak out for transport and people with disabilities
Epilepsy Society is urging people to respond to an enquiry into the effectiveness of legislation relating to transport for people with disabilities.
