With the Dublin Bay South bye-election officially set for July 8th, Epilepsy Ireland have contacted the candidates from each of the main political parties asking that they outline their support for addressing a number of key issues that are impacting on people with epilepsy within the constituency and indeed, across the country.
A new study recently published in leading epilepsy medical journal, Epilepsia, has reported positive findings on the long-term efficacy of CBD in refractory epilepsies.
The study investigated the use of CBD-based medication Epidyolex in 54 patients with refractory epilepsy in a US hospital over a period of up to 5 years.
At yesterday's meeting of Meath County Council, local councillors supported a motion on our ongoing campaign surrounding access to Free Travel for people with epilepsy and the issue of reasonable accommodations for students with epilepsy during state exams.
The motion was brought forward by Cllr. Noel French and received unaminous support.
Earlier today in Seanad Éireann, Senator Erin McGreehan raised the issue around access to free travel for people with epilepsy.
This is a longstanding issue facing many people with epilepsy accross Ireland and something we focussed on during National Epilepsy Week.
You can watch Senator McGreehan's contribution below:
As part of their activities in the lead up to World Brain Day on July 22nd, our colleagues in the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) have launched a new survey aimed at measuring the impact of COVID-19 on access to services for people living with neurological conditions.
Kerry County Council recently supported a motion supporting our ongoing campaign for access to Free Travel pass for people with epilepsy.
The motion was brought forward by Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald and was supported by his council colleagues.
We would like to make those with photosensitive epilepsy aware that new Disney film, Cruella contains potentially triggering content for those living with the condition.
Those with photosensitive epilepsy can have seizures as a result of an exposure to intense light or visual lighting pattern. Approximately 3-5% of the wider epilepsy community experience seizures due to photosensitivity.
A new charity has been established to support parents and families affected by Dravet Syndrome and other severe genetic epilepsies.
During National Epilepsy Week, we highlighted an issue which we would we like to see addressed under the proposed Online Safety & Media Regulation Bill - namely that the bill would contain a reference to content maliciously shared to induce a seizure in a person with photosensitive epilepsy.
We would like to thank everyone for their support throughout Epilepsy Week.
Throughout the week we shared details on a number of issues which are impacting on people with epilepsy and their families and encouraged people with epilepsy, the public and politicians to #AdvocateForEpilepsy in an effort to have these many matters addressed.