Epilepsy

Brain surgery for epilepsy holds up long-term

After temporal lobectomy for epilepsy, half of patients are seizure free 30 years later, according to a study from the National Institute…    

Prompt seizure therapy may have no long-term benefit

After a seizure, early intervention with anticonvulsant drugs appears to have little effect on the long-term prognosis of epilepsy, British researchers report…    

Topiramate may impair cognitive function

Among the newer anti-seizure drugs, topiramate (Topamax) apparently impairs cognitive performance—to a degree that may affect daily function—whereas gabapentin (Neurontin) seems to have minimal…    

Some “senior moments” are signs of epilepsy

Memory blanks, losing train of thought, temporary confusion—all are often chalked up to “senioritis” once people reach a certain age. But these symptoms…    

Electrical stimulation stops epileptic seizures

People with epilepsy, especially those who don’t respond to anti-seizure medication, may one day be helped with a kind of brain pacemaker.

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FDA grants priority review to levetiracetam for use in childhood epilepsy

UCB Pharma Inc has been granted a priority review for the supplemental new drug application (sNDA) seeking approval of its leading anti-epilepsy drug (AED)…    

Dog epilepsy gene discovery could aid people - study

A gene that causes a rare but severe form of epilepsy in people is also found in highly bred dogs, which could lead to…    

Heart rhythm disturbance in epilepsy may be fatal

Among some people with epilepsy, potentially fatal heart rhythm abnormalities can occur during a seizure, British investigators report. It is possible that these dangerous…    

Heart rhythm disturbance in epilepsy may be fatal

Among some people with epilepsy, potentially fatal heart rhythm abnormalities can occur during a seizure, British investigators report. It is possible that these dangerous…    

Sudden death in children with epilepsy usually not due to seizures

Although children with epilepsy are at moderately increased risk of mortality, the cause of death is not usually related to the occurrence of seizures,…    

Kids with epilepsy don’t usually die of seizures

Children with epilepsy have a moderately increased risk of dying early, but the cause of death is not usually related to seizures, investigators report.…    

Epilepsy drug safely treats drug addiction

The epilepsy drug vigabatrin appears to be safe for the treatment of cocaine or methamphetamine dependence, new study results suggest.

Dr. Stephen…    

Mom-to-be’s epilepsy drug may affect baby

Children born to mothers with epilepsy who took the anti-seizure medication valproate during pregnancy have an increased risk of developmental delay and cognitive…    

Generic anti-seizure med may not be as effective

People with epilepsy, and their doctors, should be cautious when switching from brand-name phenytoin (Dilantin) to generic versions, researchers in Minnesota say.

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Depression common among epilepsy patients

Many people with epilepsy—even those with mild forms of the condition—also experience depression, but do not always discuss those symptoms with their physicians, study…    

Older epilepsy drugs have birth defect risk

Pregnant women suffering from epilepsy need to better informed about the risks of birth defects from treatments used to control their seizures, researchers said…    

Epilepsy drug may help alcoholics

Treatment with the anti-epilepsy drug Topamax (topiramate) appears to reduce alcohol craving and drinking in alcoholic adults, new research suggests.

Unlike existing…    

Parents to sue over epilepsy row

More than 200 families are planning legal action against Leicester Royal Infirmary after children were wrongly diagnosed with epilepsy.

An investigation has…    

Epilepsy errors ‘affected’ 1,500 children

Up to 1,500 children may have legitimate compensation claims following an epilepsy misdiagnosis scandal, their solicitor has claimed.

BBC News Online has…    

‘Epilepsy’ children wait for answers

Checks into the work of an epilepsy doctor accused of misdiagnosing children are moving too slowly, say parents. Annabelle Appleyard of Market Harborough, Leicestershire,…