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Childhood Epilepsy Tackled By Rutgers Research

PACE — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:49:00 GMT

Rutgers researchers have discovered a potential new way to treat childhood epilepsy using a widely available therapeutic drug. In their quest for new therapeutic approaches, the researchers are investigating the molecular basis of the disease. The article describes the first use of a mouse model of cortical dysplasia, a malformation of the brain that is most often the cause of childhood epilepsy. Introducing the drug rapamycin, originally used to prevent rejection in organ transplants, suppressed epileptic seizures in the mice. D'Arcangelo's mutant mice lack a gene (Pten) that suppresses cell growth in some neurons, resulting in these mutants displaying molecular, cellular and physiological traits of cortical dysplasia. The researchers treated the mice with rapamycin. It had already shown promise in a different mouse model for treating tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a subtype of cortical dysplasia.
"We demonstrated that rapamycin is a novel and effective anti-epileptic agent that suppresses seizures in our mice, as well as in the TSC model, and this has raised some hope for the future," said D'Arcangelo. "This drug is being tested on human patients of tuberous sclerosis in a multicenter study involving six TSC clinics throughout the United States. I hope it will soon be tested for all cortical dysplasia patients."
For more information click on the following link www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153370.php

NEW INFO ON KEPPRA XR TM

PACE — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:24:22 GMT

UCB announced findings from new studies of the once-daily antiepileptic drug (AED) Keppra XR(TM) (levetiracetam) extended-release tablets comparing tolerability versus levetiracetam immediate release (IR) and reporting on additional dosing schedules. The data were among five studies that were presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Epilepsy Society (AES) in Seattle.

In this new meta-analysis, patients taking Keppra XR experienced fewer nervous system side effects than those taking the same dose of twice daily levetiracetam. Keppra XR is the only once-daily, extended-release formulation of levetiracetam, and there is no generic alternative available.

For more information, click on the following link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/132394.php

Discovery Of First Gene For Most Common Form Of Epilepsy

PACE — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:10:59 GMT

An international team of researchers, led by investigators at Columbia University Medical Center, has uncovered the first gene linked to the most common type of epilepsy, called Rolandic epilepsy. One out of every five children with epilepsy is diagnosed with this form, which is associated with seizures starting in one part of the brain. The finding is the first step in unlocking the causes of common childhood epilepsies and developing more effective treatments. For more information please click on the following link:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/137090.php

Data From Pivotal Study Show Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Reduced

PACE — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:00:21 GMT

In a clinical trial supported by Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), deep brain stimulation (DBS) significantly reduced seizure frequency among patients with medically refractory epilepsy with partial-onset seizures, a form of the neurological condition that does not respond well to antiepileptic drugs. Of the 87 study participants, 60 percent of them experienced a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency. For more information, click on the following link:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/132521.php

Phase III clinical trial study

PACE — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:20:38 GMT

There is a Phase III clinical trial study being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of clobazam as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of seizures which lead to drop attacks/seizures in subjects 2 to 60 years of age with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. There are 65 sites in the US enrolling subjects in the study. For more information on the study and how to enroll go to the links section of the PACE website, click on the clinicaltrials.gov link , click search for clinical trial, type in pediatric epilepsy. It is study 13.

Analysis Supports Use Of Surgery To Treat Medication-Resistant Epilepsy

PACE — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:02:52 GMT

Persons with temporal lobe epilepsy who do not respond to medication could receive a substantial gain in life expectancy and quality of life by undergoing surgery of the temporal lobe part of the brain. Despite currently available anti-epileptic drugs, 20 percent to 40 percent of all patients with epilepsy do not respond to medical management. Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common form of epilepsy and the most likely to be medically non-responsive, and these patients are at increased risk of premature death. Patients becoming seizure free after anterior (toward the front) temporal lobe resection have reduced death rates relative to patients continuing to have seizures. For more information, click on the following link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/131654.php

NEW ANTI_EPILEPTIC DRUG, Zebinix (TM)

PACE — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:25:23 GMT

NEW ANTI_EPILEPTIC DRUG, Zebinix (TM)

Positive data from three phase III studies presented at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Congress, Seattle, USA, show that Zebinix(TM)(1) (eslicarbazepine acetate), a novel once-daily anti-epileptic agent, significantly reduced the frequency of partial seizures and has the potential to significantly improve quality of life and depressive symptoms in patients with partial refractory epilepsy, in combination with other anti-epileptic agents.

Zebinix(TM) is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for the treatment of partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs. A U.S. New Drug Application (NDA) is currently being prepared with an anticipated submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in early 2009.

For more information, click on the following link http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/132193.php

Data From Pivotal Study Show Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Reduced Se

PACE — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:48:22 GMT

In a clinical trial supported by Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), deep brain stimulation (DBS) significantly reduced seizure frequency among patients with medically refractory epilepsy with partial-onset seizures, a form of the neurological condition that does not respond well to antiepileptic drugs. Of the 87 study participants, 60 percent of them experienced a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency. For more information, click on the following link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/132521.php

International Team Finds Gene Associated With Epilepsy

PACE — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:02:03 GMT

A University of Iowa-led international research team has found a new gene associated with the brain disorder epilepsy. While the PRICKLE1 gene mutation was specific to a rare form of epilepsy, the study results could help lead to new ideas for overall epilepsy treatment.

The findings, which involved nearly two dozen institutions from six different countries, appear in the Nov. 7 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics. For more information, please click on the link below.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/129906.php

Common Sedative Linked To Deaths In Patients With Prolonged Seizures

PACE — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:29:16 GMT

Patients treated for their prolonged seizures with the sedative propofol may be at high risk for complications and even death. New research presented at CHEST 2008, the 74th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), shows that the use of propofol as an antiepileptic agent in patients with refractory status epilepticus (RSE), prolonged seizures that do not respond to initial treatment, was associated with significant mortality and morbidity. For more information click on the link below:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/127372.php

ER Card

PACE — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:14:51 GMT

ER Card is an electronic Personal Health Record (ePHR) membership which allows you, your doctor or other caregivers, the benefit of anywhere, anytime access to vital medical information.

ER Card was developed under the premise that great care starts with great information. When care is needed in emergency and/or routine situation, the ER Card is an invaluable resource containing information such as:

Current medications (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal supplements),

Blood Type

Allergies (to food or medication)

Medical conditions

Emergency contacts

Physical or verbal limitations

Major surgeries (anything removed or implanted)

Primary care doctor

Treatment specialists

Emergency evacuation information

Advance directives and more

For more information, click on the following link: http://www.er-card.com/services.html

MedicAlert

PACE — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:27:33 GMT

MedicAlert is a nonprofit organization that provides bracelets, necklaces, and cards with important medical information. The organization has a 24-hour emergency response center, which provides a source of information for emergency medical personnel. MedicAlert will also call family contacts to let them know of an emergency. For more information, click on the following link:

www.medicalert.org

or call 888-633-4298.

STICKY CELL CLUES TO EPILEPSY

PACE — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:23:04 GMT

A faulty immune reaction may be responsible for the development of epilepsy.

Studies in mice by US and Italian researchers linked seizures to brain changes which made immune cells stick inside its blood vessels. This, in turn, the journal Nature Medicine reported, helped break down a vital filter which protects the brain from harmful chemicals. "Unsticking" these cells helped prevent the development of epilepsy in mice. Recent research has focused on problems with the "blood brain barrier" as a possible key to epilepsy, which, if poorly controlled, can mean regular and potentially damaging seizures. According to professor Matthew Walker, a neuroscientist form University College London, there are already drugs in use that may target this process, but which have not been tested in epilepsy and so this study could lead to trials of novel treatments for epilepsy in the near future." For more information, click on the following link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7741680.stm

FDA Approves New Drug To Treat Severe Form Of Epilepsy

PACE — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:16:23 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug, Banzel (rufinamide), for use as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This approval offers another treatment option for patients who suffer from these debilitating, severe seizures.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy that usually begins before 4 years of age, and can be caused by brain malformations, severe head injury, central nervous system infection and inherited degenerative or metabolic conditions.

In a single four-month clinical trial studying patients 4 to 30 years old, patients taking Banzel had improved seizure control when compared to those taking placebo. The observed effect was approximately a 41 percent reduction of tonic plus atonic seizure frequency over placebo and 20 percent reduction of total seizure frequency over placebo. In addition, overall improvement was reported as measured by a parent/guardian evaluation.

For more information, click on the following link http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/130372.php

INTERNATIONAL TEAM FINDS NEW GENE ASSOCIATED WITH EPILEPSY

PACE — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:50:00 GMT

A new study by researchers at UC Davis Medical Center suggests that the sudden unexplained deaths of epilepsy patients with partial seizures may be a result of their brains not telling their bodies to breathe during seizures. Until now, doctors have not known why SUDEP has been such an important cause of death for patients with epilepsy. For more information, click on the following link:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117131717.htm

Dangerous Side-Effects Of Epilepsy Drugs Reduced In New Research

PACE — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:23:30 GMT

According to research released at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in September, a breakthrough method has been found to reduce the dangerous side effects of Valproic Acid, common name. Depakote helps stabilize the electrical activity in the brain and prevent seizures in many epilepsy patients. Unfortunately, Valproic acid has some dangerous side effects, especially for young children, including toxic liver damage, stomach ulcers and serious inflammation of the pancreas.

Researchers combined amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) with valproic acid and the combination significantly reduced the likelihood of the valproic acid causing liver damage or ulcers. Hopefully this breakthrough will represent a major future improvement for patients with epilepsy. For more information click on the link below.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120631.php

Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project - First And Largest Research Study Of Its Kind To Understand What Causes Epilepsy

PACE — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:10:33 GMT

The Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project (EPGP) consists of a group of researchers, physicians, coordinators, family members, people with epilepsy, advocates, and friends working together unlock the mysteries of epilepsy. EPGP is the first and largest research study of its kind to understand what causes epilepsy, why people respond differently to medications, and why some families have several people with seizures. The National Institutes of Health is partnering with leading epilepsy professionals, advocacy groups, and families across the U.S. for this 5 year study. The goal of EPGP is to collect, anonymously, a blood sample and detailed clinical information on people with specific types of epilepsy, in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy for many people living with seizures. For more information, click on the link below.http://www.epgp.org/Pages/Default.aspx

Ketogenic Diet

PACE — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:58:57 GMT

In a new study published in Epilepsia, researchers have found that the ketogenic diet, is an effective treatment for infantile spasms before using often costly and dangerous drugs. The ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet traditionally used for intractable childhood epilepsy. Infantile spasms are a severe and often devastating epilepsy affecting children ages 4-8 months. Currently, ACTH and Vigabatrin are the most commonly used drugs as first treatment for infantile spasms. ACTH costs $80,000 for a one-month supply and Vigabatrin is not available in the United States. These two medications also have potentially serious side effects such as hypertension, gastric ulceration, cortical atrophy and visual field constriction. Johns Hopkins Hospital Hospital is now offering the ketogenic diet as one of the first-line therapies for new-onset infantile spasms. For more information, click on the link below.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185332.htm

Blog Guidlines

PACE — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:05:25 GMT

Blog Guidelines

This Blog is provided by People Against Childhood Epilepsy, Inc. (PACE) to the public as a forum for sharing information relating to childhood epilepsy. If you participate in this Blog, PACE asks you to abide by the following rules and standards:

Rule 1: Do not use the Blog for illegal purposes, including, but not limited to, defamation, violation of intellectual property laws, anti-trust or unfair competition laws or criminal laws. Do not intentionally interfere with or disrupt other participants network services or network equipment. Commercial use is prohibited, as is distribution of unsolicited advertising, chain letters, propagation of computer worms or viruses.

Rule 2: Communications should be oriented towards meaningful commentary, support and information. The Blog is a forum for sharing information and community building. It is a place where differences of opinion can be aired, however, with courtesy and respect. Personal reflections upon other participants, no matter how serious their differences, is prohibited. Common courtesy and respect, which excludes personal attacks or criticism, must be observed.

Rule 3: Do not use this Blog for commercial purposes. "Commercial" as used here means communications whose primary purpose is to advance the business or financial interests of any person or entity. Examples of prohibited communications include advertisements or direct solicitations of Blog participants to purchase products or services.

Rule 4: Do not use this Blog for political purposes. "Political" as used here means communications whose primary purpose is to promote or discredit a political figure, or to influence the outcome of an election. Examples of prohibited communications include advertisements favoring one candidate or political party or direct solicitations of donations to a political party or candidate. Examples of communications that are permitted are those which have, as their primary purpose, the promotion of rules or legislation that will benefit those affected by seizure disorders and their caregivers.

The Blog Administrator retains final discretion with respect to whether posts are permitted.

New Epilepsy Medication Approved

PACE — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:46:00 GMT

Good news for Epilepsy, a novel medication is approved. The FDA approved Lacosamide, brand name Vimpat, in the US on September 29, 2008. Vimpat is produced by UCB Pharma Inc., the company that also makes Keppra. Lacosamide is used as an add-on therapy for individuals, 17 and older, that suffer from partial onset seizures. Vimpat should be available in pharmacies by early 2009. For more information about this medication, click on or paste into your browser the following link. http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1594309/ucbs_vimpatr_approved_by_us_fda_as_adjunctive_therapy_for/index.html?source=r_health