News

Disabled people four times worse off financially

Disabled people are 4 times worse off financially than non-disabled people, according to new research commissioned by the Disability Benefit Consortium (DBC).

The study found that while people who receive welfare support have experienced cuts averaging £300, disabled people are typically £1,200 out of pocket annually.

The research was the first study looking specifically at the impact of welfare changes on disabled people over the last 10 years, and found:

Exposure of babies to topiramate and valproate in womb linked to birth defects, study suggests

A new study in Neurology has shown an increased risk of birth defects in babies born to mothers taking medicines valproic acid and topiramate.

Study authors Pierre-Olivier Blotière and colleagues wanted to look at risks of birth defects to babies being exposed to 10 different epilepsy medicines in pregnancy. They were lamotrigine, pregabalin, clonazepam, valproic acid, levetiracetam, topiramate, carbamazepine, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine and phenobarbital.

World Health Organization calls for action to reduce global issues around epilepsy

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a 2019 report highlighting global concerns about epilepsy treatment.

The report, Epilepsy, a public health imperative, was released on Thursday 20 June, calling for action to improve healthcare and reduce stigma and discrimination.

Blood test may predict seizures, study suggests

Researchers may have found a way to predict seizures in people with epilepsy using a blood test, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Scientists at research centre FutureNeuro and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) carried out the study.

Risk of behavioural problems higher in children exposed to four common epilepsy medicines in the womb, study suggests

A new study in Epilepsia has suggested that children exposed to four common epilepsy medicines in the womb may have an increased risk of behavioural problems.

Prescription from UK specialist made for nine-year-old whose cannabis-based medicine was confiscated at the airport

A nine-year-old girl, whose cannabis oil had been confiscated at the airport on Saturday, has been given a prescription for the medicine from a UK specialist.

Teagan's cannabis oil had been confiscated at the airport after her mother Emma Appleby brought the three-month supply into the UK illegally from the Netherlands on 6 April.

Some epilepsy medicines “cannot be stockpiled”, NHS list reveals

On 3 April, BBC Newsnight reported that some medicines, including some for epilepsy, bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain, cannot be stockpiled.

This comes after the Health Secretary Matthew Hancock said in parliament that medical suppliers had been asked to stockpile an extra six-weeks’ worth of medicines. This is to ensure medicine supply continues in all Brexit scenarios.

Experts launch practical guidance for healthcare professionals prescribing sodium valproate to girls and women

Experts from 13 national organisations have launched new practical guidance for healthcare professionals prescribing sodium valproate to girls and women in the UK.

Changes to prescribing rules around pregabalin and gabapentin following reclassification as controlled medicines from 1 April

Epilepsy medicines pregabalin and gabapentin will be reclassified as controlled medicines under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 from 1 April 2019, NHS England has said.

This means there will be stricter legal controls over these medicines to prevent them from being misused, causing harm or being sourced illegally.

Issues surrounding sodium valproate discussed at House of Lords debate

The UK’s House of Lords held a debate on the safety of medicines and medical devices on 28 February, discussing issues around sodium valproate.

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