Epilepsy Talk
TNS vs. VNS – NO SURGERY!
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The first Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) was implanted in 1988, as a therapeutic option for medically intractable epilepsy, when elective epilepsy surgery was not appropriate.
As the number of implanted vagus nerve stimulators grows, so does the need to remove or revise the devices.
Which is a little tricky, because of the spiral stimulating electrodes, wrapped around the nerve.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation…Is it for YOU?
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Having a Vagus Nerve Stimulator implanted can be a tough decision. Is it right for you? Will it work? What are the side effects and consequences?
I did some research and got the low-down on what it is, how it works and some interesting statistics.
Tags: brain, depression, electrical pulses, improvement, memory, mood swings, refractory, setting, signals, vagus nerve stimulator
Buyer beware!
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It’s amazing — and scary — how wildly drug prices can vary between pharmacies. And between name brand drugs and generics, especially when you don’t have insurance.
Here are some comparisons:
Tags: Canada, discounts, drugs.com, generics, GoodRx, name brand drugs, no insurance, perscription hope
When it’s not “just” epilepsy…
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At least 50 percent of adults with active epilepsy are also living with other health conditions say experts at a leading epilepsy medical research charity.
Your Medical Chart — What’s On It?
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When asked if they’d like to see their doctor’s notes, patients in two new studies overwhelmingly said yes. But doctors weren’t nearly as enthusiastic.
Tags: : avoid mistakes, concerns, full disclosure, legal rights, medical chart
Why would a psychiatrist be embarrassed?
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Pills. Medication. They’re a sign of mental illness.
Even if you take them for depression, stability, anxiety.
There must be something inherently wrong with you.
What does it mean if you do need medication?
Are you’re crazy? Mentally ill? Unstable? Unreliable?
What if you ARE a psychiatrist AND take medication?
Tags: anxiety, crazy, depression, medication, mental illness, pills, Psychiatrist, stability, stigma
Depressing news about popular painkillers
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If you thought you were depressed before, wait till you finish this paragraph.
Researchers say popular painkillers could block the effects of antidepressants like Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac or Lexapro…
Tags: acetaminophen, Advil, Aleve, antidepressants, Celexa, Lexapro, Motrin, negative consequences, NSAIDS, painkillers, Paxil, Prozac, SSRIs, Tylenol, Zoloft
$112 billion new Alzheimer’s drug in question
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Getting the FDA to retract a decision is like getting the toothpaste back in the tub, after it’s been squeezed out…
Whether it’s “yes” or “no,” there is no “maybe so”.
A good example is the new all star Alzheimer’s drug aducanumab.
Tags: $112 billion costs, &56000 a year, alzheimer's, FDA, Medicare, not proven, side effects
Epilepsy Without Vaccinations — The Risks
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I started this article assured that vaccinations of children with epilepsy was a definite no-no.
And boy, was I surprised.
Basically, medical research has proved me wrong. Real wrong. Including COVID-19 vaccinations.
Tags: accurate information, anti-vaccine propaganda, autism, children unprotected from disease, COVID-19, Dravet Syndrome, Epilepsy, false claims, Febrile Seizures, measles, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, misinformed, risks and benefits, Vaccination still the best option
The Perils of Discontinuing Your Meds
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One of the most common questions is “when can I stop taking my meds?”
Especially for those whose seizures have been under good control.
It makes sense. Because if you’re doing well, you start to wonder: “Why do I need these meds anymore”?
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