News

Epilepsy Ireland launches new epilepsy education app ‘EpiLearn’ to mark National Epilepsy Week

Last Updated: Wed, 24/05/2023 - 15:58

This week is National Epilepsy Week, and the theme of the week is #EpilepsyMatters.

We know that it matters that the public know more about epilepsy and can access information about the condition in different ways that suits their lifestyles and needs.

We have a wealth of information and resources on our website; and people with epilepsy, their families and local communities can access the vital supports provided by our team of Community Resource Officers.

Sodium Valproate Inquiry update

Last Updated: Mon, 22/05/2023 - 09:40

The beginning of National Epilepsy Week has seen an important development on our and OACS Ireland's ongoing campaign regarding Sodium Valproate.

Cenobamate (Ontozry®) approved for reimbursement

Last Updated: Tue, 16/05/2023 - 10:00

The HSE have confirmed that the anti-seizure medication Cenobamate (Ontozry®) has been approved for reimbursement. The medication is indicated for use for adults living with focal-onset seizures and has posted several positive clinical trial results over the years.

This is a very welcome development and marks the end of a process which saw Epilepsy Ireland advocate for approval of reimbursement through an extensive submission to the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).

Today is TSC Global Awareness Day!

Last Updated: Mon, 15/05/2023 - 15:56

May 15th marks Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) global awareness day.

It is estimated that TSC affects 1 in every 6,000 people and there are approximately 700 people living with TSC in Ireland.

Epilepsy Ireland supported study seeking researcher to join their team!

Last Updated: Mon, 15/05/2023 - 10:43

Earlier this year, Epilepsy Ireland announced how we would be investing in a new study focused on women with epilepsy – which brought our total research investment to over €1.5mill.

The project is entitled ‘Health information and education resources for women with epilepsy from preconception to postpartum’ and is being led by Dr. Aisling Walsh of the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland.

People with epilepsy can still experience social avoidance due to their condition – Study

Last Updated: Thu, 11/05/2023 - 12:00

A study recently featured in leading epilepsy medical journal, Epilepsia, has investigated the impact the condition can have on a person’s friendships.

The study was conducted by researchers in Germany and their findings are ones which will perhaps not come as a surprise to many people living with epilepsy in Ireland. The researchers concluded that people with epilepsy can still experience social avoidance, and this can increase when a person’s seizures are more severe.

Could a blood test help diagnose epilepsy?

Last Updated: Thu, 04/05/2023 - 11:30

A new study from Sweden has suggested that a blood test could help identify epilepsy. The study was recently published in the medical journal, Heliyon.

The study investigated a small group of people – 56 in total. However, it was found that there was an increased level of an immune system protein called IL-6 in the blood of people with epilepsy.