News

Survey of women with epilepsy identifies serious concerns with Sodium Valproate safety measures

From December 9th 2019 - February 28th 2020, Epilepsy Ireland conducted a survey aimed at establishing awareness of the risks associated with the use of the drug sodium valproate (Epilim) in pregnancy and individuals’ experience of the various risk-reduction measures that have been put in place by authorities following campaigning on the issue by Epilepsy Ireland and OACS Ireland.

A new study recently published in epilepsy medical journal, Epilepsia, has further investigated what is known as "The Mozart Effect" and it's potential impact in epilepsy.

"The Mozart Effect" is something that first came to the fore in 1993 when a study found that listening to Mozart's piece "Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K.448" (K.448) reported an increase in spatial reasoning ability - meaning that a person was able to perform better in certain mental tasks.

New research from Trinity College Dublin and the Rollege College of Surgeons has identified a potential link between the prevalence of hallucinations associated with seizures and suicide risk.

The study, which was co-autored by a number of leading researchers in Ireland and the United States, was recently published in renowned epilepsy medical journal - Epilepsia.

Recently we shared a survey from our colleagues in the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) regarding the impact that COVID19 is having on those with neurological conditions - including those with epilepsy.

With over 680 respondents, the key highlights of the survey are listed below:

We have published our ‘Use of funds’ statement for 2019 which outlines for our members, service users and donors how we raise and use our income at Epilepsy Ireland. You can read the statement in full by visiting the 'Governance section of our website.

A new study recently featured in renowned epilepsy medical journal - Epilepsia - has found that psychological distress owing to the COVID19 pandemic is much more prevalent in people with epilepsy.

The study was undertaken in Southwest China during the height of the COVID19 pandemic in the region and compared the psychological distress between 252 people with epilepsy and those who were not living with any condition.

National Epilepsy Week took place between 18th -24th May and saw Epilepsy Ireland team up with UK Epilepsy organisations to explore the theme of #MoreThanSeizures.

The theme was decided on by all organisations and aimed to explore the many "hidden" aspects of epilepsy as a condition. Throughout the week, we heard first hand testimony on how epilepsy is so much #MoreThanSeizures.

In the latest edition of their Drug Safety Newsletter, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) have reminded healthcare professionals on their roles & responsibilities when it comes to prescribing & dispensing the epilepsy drug sodium valproate (Epilim).

A new study has suggested that repeat epilepsy surgery aimed at gaining seizure control is likely to be less successful.

The Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center in the United States wanted to investigate whether outcomes are improved or not if surgery is attempted again in cases where a person’s first surgery was not deemed a success. The study was the largest to date to investigate this matter.