Epilepsy News Bulletin

Epilepsy News – October

This week in our Epilepsy News Bulletin you will find some interesting articles from the around the globe. If you have any stories which you would like us to publish in future Epilepsy News Bulletins then please let us know.

The Daily Mail ran a story this week that is heart wrenching indeed. The article told the story of Trent and Mary Jordan who were on holiday in New Zealand with their children Harry aged 9 and Cara aged 6. Trent was out exploring with his son when his wife suffered a seizure whilst in the swimming pool with her daughter. It seems Cara was a real hero, attempting to keep her mums head above water and then ran for help. Read more about Trent and Mary’s story. 

Epilepsy Research highlighted a study this week from Israel that showed patients can have a positive outcome even if they are rejected for surgical treatment. The study showed that some patients may improve and even become seizure free with an adjustment in their antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy.  Read more from Epilepsy Research

The St Helens Star showcased the brave exploits of Jenny Hull, 24 from Lancaster. She performed a 15,000ft skydive to raise awareness of epilepsy and raised £1,000 for Epilepsy Research UK. Jenny’s father Stan was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2009. Read more on Jenny’s story here 

Scientists in the USA are carrying out research to figure out what factors contribute to the onset of developing epilepsy. Their research is covering aspects such as the connection between initial seizures at a young age and the development of Epilepsy later on in life. The scientists in Iowa are also trying to fathom why some patients do not respond to any drug treatment.

The Daily Mail also covered a story about Cassie Wiggins who was born at the Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham. It seems midwives failed to notice the fact that Cassie’s heartbeat dropped to dangerous levels which resulted in a severe lack of oxygen. The mistreatment resulted in Cassie being left brain damaged, suffering epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

Many media outlets reported how the Perry family in Kent have designed an App to help prevent SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).  Initially designed for their son Tom, Adrian and Sue have released the PulseGuard App to the general public in an effort to help others.  PulseGuard helps to alert parents and carers when the pulse of someone with Epilepsy is reaching “at risk” levels. The early detection system can help reduce the risk of someone experiencing SUDEP.