A detailed session this morning at the 11th European Congress on Epileptology (ECE) in Stockholm, Sweden, explored the idea of prevention. Particularly interesting were sections on medicine side-effects and preventing the longstanding problem of epilepsy-related stigma
A new study has explored one aspect of epilepsy medicines that is often overlooked: whether they have inflammatory or anti-inflammatory properties. Knowing which effect a drug may have in the brain might – and should – influence whether it is prescribed to a particular patient
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is reviewing the use of valproate in pregnant women. Evidence from earlier this year suggests that its effects on an unborn child may be more serious than previously thought
Twenty per cent of US neurologists are not up-to-date with recent side-effect warnings that come with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), a survey has found.
According to recent news reports, the epilepsy medicine Trobalt (retigabine) caused quite serious side-effects in some people. The European Medicines Agency has now issued a statement – advising that Trobalt become a last-line treatment
Epilepsy medicine retigabine – marketed as Trobalt – may have serious effects on the eyes and skin. People taking this drug are advised to seek medical assistance if they notice any one of several possible side-effects
Two recent studies were presented at the American Epilepsy Society 66th Annual Meeting in San Diego, US. Both have shown developments in using ‘laser ablation’ surgery to treating epilepsy.
More 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.
