News | Page 8 | Epilepsy Ireland

The Links between Stress and Seizures

Friday, February 22, 2019

Professor Stafford Lightman at the University of Bristol began investigating the links between stress and seizures in 2014. This research is vital as although the association between stress and seizures has been noted it is still not fully understood. Lightman’s team from University of Bristol and the University of Exeter placed their focus on the research of cortisol. This is a hormone that is released by the body in response to stress.

Impact of Brexit on epilepsy medication supplies in Ireland

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Concerns have been raised in the media in recent weeks regarding possible interruptions to the supply of essential medications in Ireland that might occur in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Currently, about 60% of all medications used in Ireland are imported from or pass through Britain.

National Conference on the Consequences of Sodium Valproate (Epilim): 50 years on

Monday, February 18, 2019

The HSE, Epilepsy Ireland, OACS Ireland, FACS Forum and Trinity College Dublin have come together to organise the first National Conference on The Consequences of Sodium Valproate (Epilim) in Trinity College on March 22nd 2019.

Show your support for Purple Day

Friday, February 15, 2019

Support Epilepsy Ireland by getting involved in ‘Purple Day 2019’ and hosting a purple themed event such as a Coffee Morning, Wear Purple to Work/School, Purple Run or create your own event. You could also ask your local town hall to light up purple to raise awareness about epilepsy. To find out more, contact our Purple Day Coordinator Luke Meany on 01 4557500 or lmeany@epilepsy.ie.

Drug repositioning strategy identifies potential anti-epilepsy drugs

Friday, February 15, 2019

A new study carried out by a University of Iowa research team has used a multidisciplinary strategy that uses a combination of bioinformatics and gene expression profiling to determine a list of close to 90 drugs that are FDA approved and may also be effective as anti-seizure treatment.

St Valentine: also the patron saint of epilepsy

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Perhaps best-known as the patron saint of love and lovers, St Valentine is also the patron saint of epilepsy.

Epilim shortage expected for the next two weeks

Friday, February 1, 2019

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) are advising of an expected shortage of Epilim 100mg Tablets in the coming weeks.

The shortage is caused by a manufacturing delay and is not related to concerns over Brexit.

The shortage is expected to last approximately two weeks, with resupply envisaged for 15^th February 2019.

European Scientific Journal Highlights the Contribution of Irish Neurological Charities

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

A collaborative paper led by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland has been published in the European Journal of Neuroscience. “Building a Supportive Framework for Brain Research in Ireland” was developed by a project team led by the Neurological Alliance Executive Director Mags Rogers.

Nocturnal Seizures with Convulsions Linked to SUDEP

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

A study which focused on patients with intellectual disabilities who reside in care homes found that seizures marked with convulsions that occur at night are more likely to be associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Epilepsy warning bracelet features technology to save lives

Thursday, January 24, 2019

A group of scientists based in the Netherlands have developed a new watch like bracelet that will possibly be saving lives in the future.

This new bracelet, called the Nightwatch was first unveiled in the Neurology journal. It is reported that it has the capability to detect 85% of seizures at night. This is a much higher detection rate than other similar technology.