News

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.

** Note: We understand that the HSE system has not yet been fully updated to reflect that Cenobamate has been reimbursed and that some patients are being asked to pay for their prescription by Pharmacists. We have queried this and the HSE have confirmed that Cenobamate is covered for the Long Term Illness as part of core list H. Pharmacists seeking clarification on this should contact  Pharmacy Function by calling  01 864 7100 and dial 7 for Pharmacy Function.

May 15^th 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.

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.

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.

We have contacted Minister Heather Humphreys seeking an update on her Department's assessment of our proposals to improve access to the Free Travel scheme for people with epilepsy.

With the Leaving Cert exams just around the corner, read more about the new criteria around deferred sitting which effectively addresses one of Epilepsy Ireland's most long-standing advocacy campaigns.

We are now six weeks out from the sitting of the 2023 Leaving Cert.

Miss the RTÉ News2day feature for Purple Day®? Do not fret, you can watch it back on our website!

Read about the latest research project we are supporting - which brings our total investment in research above €1.5mill!!