News

Following the death of his daughter Shay in 2011, geneticist and researcher at the University of Arizona (UA), Michael Hammer and a team of UA researchers were able to determine the genetic cause of her epilepsy.

The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill returned to the Dail on Wednesday for the Report stage. The debate focused almost entirely on the issues surrounding generic substitution of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) but three amendments intended to protect people with epilepsy were rejected.

Advances in technology may lead to new hope for those with difficult to control seizures. In clinical trials of the Responsive Neurostimulation System, seizures were reduced in up to half of the patients.

Brainwave and three other charities come together to produce information pack and DVD for schools.

A study due to be published in the Journal of Neurology has raised concerns about dosage implications of switching between generic versions of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Generics are cheaper versions of a branded drug made by a different manufacturer and they may vary from the branded version in terms of their constituents.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the Epilepsy Unit at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin have concluded the first ever study into the link between psychiatric disorders and epilepsy. The study highlighted similarities between brain cell patterns in people with epilepsy and those with schizophrenia. The research may lead to new treatments for both conditions in the future.

European Epilepsy Day was officially launched at the European Parliament, Strasbourg on February 14th. Representatives of 26 epilepsy organisations including Brainwave, came together to raise awareness among European politicians.

New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found no increased risk of suicide associated with the drugs in people with epilepsy.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children has supported the Neurological Alliance of Ireland's call for a national programme for neurological care

The Minister for Health and Children has published the report of the joint Department of Health and Children/HSE working group on reference pricing and generic substitution.