Epilepsy Talk
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…
Who was your greatest inspiration?
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For me, quite simply, it was my grandfather.
After all, I was a pariah. A leper. (No one would say the “E” word.)
I’d never achieve anything. My life was over.
Even though it had just begun.
Epilepsy, Anxiety and Depression
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One study stated that 80% of the patients with epilepsy were also diagnosed as having a depressive disorder.
Upwards of 60% of these individuals had a history of significant episodes of depression.
And 10-32% experience symptoms of anxiety.
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