Epilepsy Talk

The “SmartPen” –- PERFECT for Struggling Students!

February 10, 2012
18 Comments

For all those struggling students, now there’s this new, incredible device called the “Smartpen”.

Yup. A pen can be smart.

Here is a pen that could transform the life of a learning disabled child. Or a physically challenged person.

How about a pen that might bring up the grades of a college student who finds it difficult to take notes fast enough to record the main points covered by lecturers?

A Smartpen is a computer in a pen that can capture handwriting at the same time as recording speech. Users can tap on their notes to replay what was recorded. Think of it as a digital “touch” pen…


For Refractory Epilepsy — Two AEDs and You’re Home Free!

January 8, 2012
6 Comments

A recent University of Washington report, published in the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found a combination of two common drugs, lamotrigine and valproate, is more effective in treating refractory epilepsy than other anti-epileptic regimens.

In a large-scale retrospective study of patients with very difficult-to-control epilepsy, researchers discovered that out of the 32 drug combinations studied, only the lamotrigine/valproate treatment regimen significantly decreased seizure frequency in this group. This specific combination reduced seizure frequency by about half, on average, compared to other regimens.


Autistic Children May Have Too Many Brain Cells

December 4, 2011
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TUESDAY, Nov. 8 (HealthDay News) — The brains of autistic children have far more neurons in the prefrontal cortex than the brains of kids without autism, finds a new study that could advance research into the disorder.

“For the first time, we have the potential to understand why autism gets started,” said study author Eric Courchesne, a professor of neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and director of the Autism Center of Excellence.

“Creating brains cells and the correct number of brain cells is absolutely fundamental to building the brain,” said Courchesne. “If there is an excess number of neurons, there must be a negative consequence to that in the way the brain gets wired or organized.”


Posted in News, Research
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We’ve Been Honored!

November 30, 2011
12 Comments

We’ve been honored by being listed on “The 35 Best Blogs for Epilepsy Support”!


Hello Generics, Goodbye Big-Name Drugs

October 25, 2011
19 Comments

Fed up with generic drugs? Well there are dozens more coming as big-name brands lose their patents…


Feds Fine Abbott Over Marketing Of Depakote

October 22, 2011
4 Comments

As it prepares to split into two sectors, Abbott is setting aside “$1.5 billion of litigation reserves” related to ongoing settlement discussions related to Depakote…


Increased Birth Defect Risks in Two FDA-Approved Epilepsy Medications

October 20, 2011
2 Comments

Two epilepsy drugs – Lamictal and Keppra – which are currently listed in category C may be dangerous to a fetus and should be listed in category D, according to new data. The difference between the categories is that D shows evidence of risk, but the benefits outweigh the risks…


Celebrate November Epilepsy Awareness Month!

October 19, 2011
9 Comments

Celebrate November Epilepsy Awareness Month!

Go to Dr. Oz’s website where it says “Ask Dr. Oz a question” and make YOUR case for EPILEPSY!

Dr. Oz is well-known and respected world-wide. He also has an open ear. What we need to do is all participate repeatedly in his “Ask Dr. Oz” http://www.doctoroz.com/ask


The Dalai Lama on Life

September 22, 2011
2 Comments

A question was posed to the Dalai Lama:

What is the thing about humanity that surprises you the most?”

His answer was as follows:


Kiss Colonoscopies Good-Bye?

September 11, 2011
8 Comments

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and more than half of over 80 million people over the age of 50 have never been screened.

But now there’s good news for everyone who dreads their mandatory colonoscopy. (Like me.)

It’s a new NONINVASIVE DNA colon cancer screening test that should be available to the general public in 20012!


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    About the author

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    I've been a professional copywriter for over 35 years. I also had epilepsy for decades. My mission is advocacy; to increase education, awareness and funding for epilepsy research. Together, we can make a huge difference. If not changing the world, at least helping each other, with wisdom, compassion and sharing.

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