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Saturday 1 April 2023 Dublin: 9°C

# Epilepsy

Last year
2022
# valproate
Timeframe still not decided for inquiry into epilepsy drug that can cause birth defects
The medicine was prescribed without warnings to patients for years after regulators knew about its risks.
All time
THE MORNING LEAD
Families still waiting for inquiry into use of drug that causes birth defects
A report by
Maria Delaney
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly committed to an inquiry over a year ago, reports Noteworthy.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly committed to an inquiry a year ago, reports Noteworthy's Maria Delaney
The 'vast majority' of the recommended services for affected children have not been put in place
Four nurses - a key measure to 'reduce harm in the future' - are still not appointed
# man's best friend
Research finds pet dogs can predict owners' epileptic seizures
19 dogs demonstrated more behavioural changes when confronted by seizure-associated odours, compared with their response to control odours.
# risk to baby
Valproate scandal: Parents feel failed by State over drug that harmed their children
Noteworthy finds that pleas for help from women impacted by valproate (Epilim) continue to be dismissed.
# ignored
Women 'dismissed' by doctors over mesh and epilepsy drug fears 'deserve apology'
Irish patient groups call for a State apology and similar inquiries here following the publication of a UK report.
# honour your heroes
This woman was paralysed on one side - two years later she walked on the Great Wall of China
Sacha Dekker took part in Beaumont Hospital Foundation’s annual Honour Your Heroes event today.
# Epilepsy
Irish researchers make discovery which may lead to epilepsy 'warning system'
The discovery was made by researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
# cannabis eire
Simon Harris says Ireland may own its own medicinal cannabis supply in the future
The legislation to underpin the medicinal cannabis scheme is due to be signed off on in the coming weeks.
# fined
Man who lost teeth from epileptic seizures fined for possessing cannabis used to treat symptoms
John Mountaine received a fine of €100.
# Seizures
Medical cannabis products can now be prescribed in Northern Ireland
The move has been welcomed by some, while others say the new rules are still too restrictive.
Voices
Living with grief: 'Being here without her has been - and still is - hard work’
Each one of us will experience death or personal loss at some point so for me it seems logical to share my path to try and offer reassurance and hope to others, writes Mark Earley 18 months after the death of his wife Liane.
# Epilepsy
Man loses bid to leave nursing home, is made ward of court
An advocacy group representing the man said he has lost “his rights as a citizen”.
Voices
Epilepsy: 'My emotions are heightened and I'm overwhelmed by difficult or upsetting situations'
Living with epilepsy is challenging, it is a challenge for those who have the condition but it’s also a challenge for their friends and family, writes Eva-Jayne Gaffney.
# New Beginnings
'Until you've experienced epilepsy yourself, you don't understand what it's like to have no control'
Richael Timothy was forced to retire from Gaelic football at 21 with epilepsy, but has found a new lease of life in para-cycling.
# alternative treatment
Pharmaceutical cannabis could reduce sudden falls for people with treatment-resistant epilepsy
People with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe and lifelong form of childhood-onset epilepsy, were found to have benefitted from the treatment.
# trinity
How do you tell people that you have epilepsy? Irish app aims to help
Many people with the condition say they find it difficult to decide who to tell, and how to go about it.
# valproate
Epilepsy drug which has left 400 Irish children with disabilities to come under EU review today
An Irish woman whose three children have disabilities will give evidence at a public hearing today.
# valproate
Epilepsy medicine linked to 'severe malformations' in children in France
The types of birth defects attributed to the drug included spina bifida as well as defects of the heart and genital organs.
# Medicinal Cannabis
'I'm done for, because I can't get that for Ava': Vera Twomey makes heartfelt plea in radio interview
Vera Twomey met with Health Minister Simon Harris today.
Voices
'My epilepsy diagnosis gave me impetus to achieve as much as I can to prove all the naysayers wrong'
Monday is International Epilepsy Day. Ailbhe Benson (27) reveals her personal journey with the condition that affects over 37,000 people in Ireland.
# ava
'I've seen this work': Mother takes fight for medical cannabis to Leinster House
A parent of a severe epilepsy sufferer said cannabidiol helped to greatly reduce her seizures.
# cannabis oil
'I can't believe we're coming home. It's going to be the best Christmas ever'
Tristan Cahalane suffers from an extremely rare form of epilepsy and cannabis oil helps with his treatment.
# Dravet syndrome
Cork family fighting for cannabis-based medicine for daughter with rare form of epilepsy
TDs will debate medicinal cannabis use in the near future.
# Seizures
'An utter warrior': Cork family appeals for little girl to be allowed use cannabis-based medicine
Some 11 types of pharmaceutical medication have failed to improve Ava Barry’s condition.
# airside bootcamp
Complaint upheld against gym over 'epileptic fit' ad
Epilepsy Ireland said the Facebook ad had caused upset and hurt to people with epilepsy and their families.
Voices
'I’m comfortable with my epilepsy. What is difficult are the assumptions around being a non-drinker'
I enjoyed partying and drinking with friends but then I was diagnosed with epilepsy.
# England
Young man killed by his own dog as he suffered an epileptic seizure
Trigger was then taken to a local vet to be put down.
# Epilepsy
'There is always the chance of not waking up after a seizure'
Irish-led research could lead to a breakthrough in treatment for people with epilepsy.
# Nurses
Epilepsy unit at Beaumont Hospital closed because of staff shortages
Vacant positions have been filled but the unit will not reopen until 21 September.
# i thee dread
Indian groom has fit at wedding, so bride marries someone else
She says, “I do.” He says, “You’ll do.”
# Epilepsy
"I was diagnosed when I was 14 and it was very scary. There is still no reason for it"
A former Irish cricketer talks about her diagnosis of epilepsy.
# gruelling
These men will swim in the Irish sea for 24 hours to raise money for epilepsy
The swim is in memory of a family friend with epilepsy who died in 2010.
# Insane in the Brain
Scientists are figuring out a way to make our brains work better
The results could be good news for those suffering from nervous system disorders.
# Seizures
Epilepsy drug for children recalled over contamination risk
The Health Products Regulatory Authority said this is just a precautionary measure and patients do not have to return packs to their pharmacy.
# Epilepsy
One in three would still put something in mouth of person having seizure
A new campaign to raise awareness about epilepsy is supported by Ireland’s rugby coach Joe Schmidt, whose son has the condition.
# News Fix
Here's What Happened Today: Sunday
Everybody’s talking about garda behaviour at the 2010 student protest, injuries at Croagh Patrick and continued violence in Egypt.
# Health
Concern over lack of warning about flashing lights at events
People with epilepsy are asking to be informed in advance about the type of lighting at shows – so they don’t have to leave due to seizure risk.
# Research
People with epilepsy 11 times more likely to die prematurely
The risk is heightened for individuals who suffer from depression or other psychiatric conditions.
# anti-epileptic drugs
Epilepsy Ireland 'extremely frustrated' about drug substitution
The group believe generic versions of anti-epileptic drugs could lead to “breakthrough seizures”.
# Gráinne O'Connor
HSE U-turn on funding for epilepsy sufferer 'insulting'
Gráinne O’Connor, 27, had originally been declined funding by the HSE, even though her required treatment is not available in Ireland.