This area of the site will feature the latest breaking news about epilepsy and provide a link to the full story of our feature stories.

The Psychiatric Dimension of Epilepsy
While epilepsy is no longer considered a psychiatric disorder, its psychiatric dimension is important for treatment and research. Full Report

Epilepsy Surgery Improves Quality of Life for Children Who Become Seizure Free
Improvement was particularly noted in parental perceptions of their child’s level of attention, language, social interactions, social activities, stigma, anxiety, control/helplessness, self-esteem, physical restrictions, energy/fatigue, behavior, and general health.

Epilepsy Surgery Successful for Alleviating Seizures Long Term
In one of the largest epilepsy surgery studies ever conducted, Mayo Clinic researchers have found that 81 percent of patients with intractable epilepsy become totally or nearly seizure-free six months following epilepsy surgery. Ten years later, 72 percent remained totally or nearly seizure-free. Full Report

Teens with Epilepsy Prone to Depression
Teenagers who have epilepsy often face a double whammy because along with the seizure disorder, they're much more prone to depression and other psychiatric problems. Full Report

Epilepsy and Depression and Epilepsy in Children. ABC Health report...
There is a higher incidence of depression among patients with epilepsy than the general population or other groups with chronic conditions. Studies have also shown that people with a history of depression have a 3 to 7 times higher risk of developing epilepsy. Full Report

Chronic Epilepsy Decreases Brain Cell Production In Critical Learning And Memory Center DURHAM, N.C.
While epilepsy has long been thought to boost production of new brain cells (neurons) as a means of repairing injury, a new study shows that chronic seizures actually decrease new neuron production in the brain's learning and memory center. Full Report

Some 'Senior Moments' are Signs of Epilepsy
Memory blanks, losing train of thought, temporary confusion -- all are often chalked up to "senioritis" once people reach a certain age. But these symptoms can also be a warning sign of the seizure disorder epilepsy, experts said Friday. Full Report

Seizure Drug May Be Harmful During Pregnancy
Women who take the epilepsy drug valproate during pregnancy may be raising their baby's risk of severe birth defects, according to reports in the medical journal Neurology. In contrast, another drug, lamotrigine, appears to be safe. Full Report

Epilepsy Drugs Reduce Bone Mass
Women over age 65 taking antiepileptic drugs were losing bone mass at nearly twice the rate of women who were not taking the drugs. Full Report

New photo ID for people with Epilepsy in NSW
This month the NSW Government has made available through the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) the opportunity for people with epilepsy to get a PHOTO ID CARD which can be used as proof of identity. In the past people without a drivers license in NSW, found it difficult to open bank accounts, use electronic tickets or carry out other business without taking their passports or having to prove who they are with a variety of identification. This new card allows people to use it as a form of identification as if they had a drivers license.

To apply for your Photo ID go to your nearest RTA branch and complete the application form. You can get more information by visiting their website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au

For previous news, stories please go to our News Archive

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