Epilepsy Talk
Top Seizure Apps For Smartphones…
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Smart phone apps for epilepsy have been studied with the results published in the International Journal of Epilepsy
Led by Dr. Lakshmi Narasimhan Ranganathan from the Institute of Neurology, Madras Medical College (Madras, India), researchers surveyed the mobile applications available for the everyday care of epilepsy patients.
Those apps include seizure diaries as well as medication trackers with reminders to take the next pill.
Apps are available to answer any question patients with epilepsy might have and to remind doctors about drug interactions to watch out for.
Most of them are free of charge.
Sleep apnea — it’s not just what you think it is
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It’s not just snoring. It’s much more dangerous than that. Even deadly.
The estimated prevalence in North America is approximately 15 to 30 percent in males and 10 to 15 percent in females, But, as much as 40 percent of epilepsy patients suffer with undiagnosed sleep apnea. Especially those with refractory epilepsy.
Tags: breathing, CPAP, dangerous, Epilepsy, oxygen, seizures, sleep apnea, sleep quality, snoring
Where’s the funding? Epilepsy as an orphan.
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Here are the facts, unhappy though they may be…
Epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological problem – only migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease occurs more frequently.
Its prevalence is greater than autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease combined.
As many people die from epilepsy as from breast cancer.
There are 150,000 new cases of epilepsy diagnosed each year, and a total of more than 3.4 million Americans are affected by it.
Yet, public and private funding for epilepsy research lags far behind other neurological afflictions, at $35 a patient (compared, for instance, with $129 for Alzheimer’s and $280 for multiple sclerosis).
Why won’t you play with me?
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Once upon a time there was this girl named Ellen.
She had epilepsy and she hated the world.
So the world hated her back.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome — A Danger For Those On Dilantin Or Lamictal
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This article is not for those with a weak stomach. Because Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is an ugly and sometimes deadly disease.
But if you are on Dilantin or Lamictal, I urge you to read this information.
Tags: dangerous, Dilantin, Epilepsy, Lamictal, rare, Research, skin shedding, sometimes deadly, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
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.
Especially if the VNS treatment has proven ineffective.
And of course, what goes in, must come out.
Anyway you look at it, there’s more surgery involved.
Tags: alternative, better seizure control, depression reduction, drug-resistant, effective, enhancement, Epilepsy, no side-effects, no surgery, non-invasive, post traumatic stress, success rate, trigeminal nerve stimulation, vagus nerve stimulator
Calcium – Friend or Foe?
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After talking to a famous epileptologist, I learned that calcium is really a two-edged sword. Which surprised (and scared) me.
I’ve always read that calcium was imperative if you were taking anti-epilepsy drugs — especially Dilantin. Even if your doc “forgot” to tell you!
MSG: Dangerous or Deadly?
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MSG can be responsible for long term neurological damage.
It’s been linked to diabetes, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stomach disorders, fatigue, depression, headaches and migraines, grand mal seizures, irregular or rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, numbness in the fingertips, autism, ADHD, asthma-like symptoms, fibromyalgia type pain, disorientation and confusion, and degenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Epilepsy & Migraines — Kissing Cousins
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A strong relationship between migraines and epilepsy has long been suspected.
But now it is fact, according to extensive research cited by Steven Karceski, MD in Practical Neurology Magazine.
Dilantin – What People Are Saying…
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When I was first diagnosed with epilepsy back in 1969, the availability of AEDs was limited.
Phenobarbital or Dilantin.
Pick your poison.
I chose Dilantin. It was not a pretty picture.
I was a walking zombie, constantly keeling over, and the final insult was when I went into a coma because of toxic blood levels. (No brain, no pain?)
But many have their own serious tales to tell. Here are some of their experiences. And some advice…
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