Epilepsy Professional

A body of evidence - Genetic advances in epilepsy

Epilepsy researchers Dr Rhys Thomas and Prof Mark I Rees outline their work on understanding familial epilepsy – and how we may soon understand our bodies on a genetic level

Many patients in clinic know that they have a family history of epilepsy or febrile seizures. They are aware that epilepsy can run in the family, but that it can look different in each family member. They are also aware that it can be difficult to predict whether epilepsy will be passed on – even if both mum and dad have had seizures. At the moment, genetic counselling for families with epilepsy is a very rare service and giving specific risks or other details is often impossible. This will change within our lifetime, however – with the introduction of routine personal genome analysis.

The nature of research Part one: how far have we come?

In the first of a two-part feature, US researcher Megan Wyeth examines the history of animal testing. This often controversial practice has been critical to medical progress – and may prove fundamental to the future development of new epilepsy treatments

While regrettable, the use of laboratory animals is a cornerstone of progress in biomedical research. It helps to advance our knowledge of biology in health and disease. The essential role it plays in facilitating medical advances is apparent to most scientists. Yet, people without access to the facts may have some (understandable) concern about the use of animals in research.

It’s the way you said it

How a person copes with their seizures is a significant factor in their long-term quality of life. Markus Reuber and Chiara M Monzoni explore how coping techniques are reflected in conversation

How people with epilepsy (PWE) cope with their seizures is an important factor in determining how resilient they will be to the challenges of living with epilepsy. According to the available research, a person’s coping mechanisms provide an independent predictor of health-related quality of life. Given the clinical relevance of coping mechanisms in PWE, it is essential that healthcare professionals understand the coping behaviours of their patients. Coping styles may influence adherence to antiepileptic drug treatment. They may affect how patients deal with seizures or treatmentrelated risks, and how restricted they are in their  independence by ongoing seizures. Doctors must take patients’ available coping resources into account also when negotiating treatment decisions. This helps decide the best of course of action and the way in which treatment is presented and discussed with the patients.

And much more in the June 2010 issue of Epilepsy Professional

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