Epilepsy Action

“ We exist to improve the lives
of everyone affected by epilepsy ”

News

Generic and branded medicines: same or different?

18 January, 2013

illustration of a spoon with several different types of medicineA new US study aims to finally settle the question of whether a generic version of a branded epilepsy medicine is really any different.

The study has been largely funded by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The administration has previously produced guidelines to make sure that the generic version of a drug is virtually identical to its branded counterpart. These guidelines allow a certain margin of difference, within which a generic drug is supposedly just as effective.

Epilepsy and pregnancy survey: counselling is not happening

8 January, 2013

Woman's pregnant bumpAs part of a new campaign that launches today, Epilepsy Action has released the results of a survey of women living with the condition. The survey results show that a concerning number of these women have not been properly informed by their healthcare professionals. Vital facts about epilepsy and pregnancy are not being given – facts that may help ensure the safety of both mother and child.

Mrs Hilary Figg; 1929-2012

4 January, 2013

Hilary Figg 1It was with great sadness that we heard that Mrs Hilary Figg had passed away on 26 December 2012. Hilary was our most experienced and longest serving trustee and volunteer. Her membership of the charity’s governing body, the Council of Management, spanned across six decades.

US study into DBS for epilepsy

26 December, 2012

brainMore research into deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown that the positive effects in epilepsy are long lasting. The latest results show a 69 per cent average reduction in seizure frequency five years after the DBS device was implanted.

DBS is a treatment that involves a stimulating electrode being implanted in the brain. This stimulates specific areas deep in the brain to prevent seizures. It has been used to treat Parkinson’s disease for many years, but is still rarely used to treat epilepsy.

Reindeer running wild in Leeds

20 December, 2012

Reindeer 1Epilepsy Action’s third annual Reindeer Stampede was declared a huge success after a record number of people ran the 5k route in Roberts Park, Saltaire.

Over 250 runners took part, most wearing festive antlers or full reindeer costume. The event has raised over £4,000 to help support the 600,000 people affected by epilepsy in the UK.

Matty's family become Health Heroes

18 December, 2012

A beach on Rhode IslandThe family of a young boy in America who died as a result of his epilepsy has received the 2012 Health Heroes award from WebMD. Richard and Debra Sivaro from Rhode Island received the award for their work on The Matty Fund. This is an organisation founded in memory of their son Matty, who died in 2003 aged five. Matty had epilepsy, as well as other special needs.

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