News

It certainly appears that Summer is here which is great to see after what has been a difficult first half of the year for so many. However, with Met Éireann issuing a yellow warning for high temperatures for the rest of the week, we wanted to remind people with epilepsy and their families of a few tips to bear in mind during this period of wonderful weather. Extremes of heat can trigger seizures in for some people with epilepsy so these bear these tips in mind while enjoying the sunshine!

In the Dáil last week, Deputy Marian Harkin raised the ongoing delays surrounding details of the promised inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate (Epilim) in Ireland. 

The Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly confirmed in November 2020 that such an inquiry would be established after years of campaigning by OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland. Unfortunately, there has been little detail ever since on the proposed inquiry.

Epilepsy Ireland is embarking on an exciting new process to develop our Strategic Plan for the next 5 years – and we need your help!

2021 marks the final year of our current Strategic Plan which was launched in 2017.

In the Dáil last week, Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh raised the ongoing delays surrounding details of the promised inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate (Epilim) in Ireland. 

The Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly confirmed in November 2020 that such an inquiry would be established after years of campaigning by OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland. Unfortunately, there has been little detail ever since on the proposed inquiry.

With the Dublin Bay South bye-election officially set for July 8^th, 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.

We recently highlighted these issues with all TDs and Senators as part of our recent National Epilepsy Week campaign.

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.

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 across Ireland and something we focussed on during our recent National Epilepsy Week campaign.

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.

Irish public express overwhelming support for two epilepsy advocacy issues

Newly released figures by Epilepsy Ireland have outlined overwhelming public support for action on two key advocacy issues facing people with epilepsy in Ireland.