News
My journal: Lauren de Bavay-Platt
Lauren de Bavay-Platt developed epilepsy at a time when she was training to compete at an international sports championship. In spite of her epilepsy, she made it to the competition – and never lets her condition rule her life
Under consultation
Many people find consultations with an epilepsy specialist confusing – which can make it difficult to make the most of a valuable appointment. Epilepsy specialist nurse Jan Bagshaw offers some excellent advice on exactly what questions to ask.
Epilepsy medicine price hike
According to recent reports in The Daily Telegraph, the price of Epanutin capsules (phenytoin sodium) has seen a huge increase. It is now 24 times the original price – potentially meaning a sharp rise in the NHS epilepsy drugs bill.
‘Milestone’ epilepsy drug based on cannabis
A collaboration between a UK research team and international medicine manufacturers may lead to a ‘milestone’ treatment for epilepsy. This treatment appears more bearable than current epilepsy medicines – and is based on cannabis.
New genetic research funded
A recent award at a University of Queensland gala dinner in Brisbane, Australia will fund new research into the causes of epilepsy. Dr Lata Vadlamudi was awarded a Ramaciotti Foundation grant of AU$75,000 (£48,200).
Epanutin Infatabs 50mg Chewable Tablets (phenytoin)
This information is for people who live in the UK.
Pfizer, the company that makes Epanutin Infatabs 50mg Chewable Tablets (phenytoin), have provided new information about the instructions for taking your Infatabs.
Dena Hale: ‘missed opportunities’ and SUDEP
An inquest into the death of a 10-year-old girl has ruled that she died of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The girl, Dena Hale, was never diagnosed with the condition – despite several ‘missed opportunities’ by her doctors.
TV programme shows ketogenic diet
Next week, the UK’s Channel 4 is showing a programme called ‘The Food Hospital’. The series talks about the links between diet and health. In the programme Charlie, four, from Epsom near London, has recently developed what doctors call a ‘catastrophic’ case of epilepsy.