Epilepsy affects at least 50,000 New Zealanders. The regional epilepsy provider in the Waikato region, Epilepsy Waikato Charitable Trust (EWCT), has just published a new book on epilepsy, “Understanding and Managing Epilepsy – an Introductory Guide”. Written by Maria Lowe, the epilepsy advisor for EWCT, and David Lowe, chair of EWCT’s Trust Board, it is the first general book on epilepsy to be published in
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles Generalized seizures can cause injuries to the tongue, inside the cheek and it may also damage the temporomandibular joints ( the hinge joint between the temporal bone and the lower jaw.) A person during a seizure could also aspirate a tooth into the lungs. Unfortunately, the drugs used to control this disorder can also produce side
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles Cannabidiol (CBD) does not cause a high. CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most well-known compounds isolated from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is THC, not CBD, that creates the ‘high-feeling’ people associate with cannabis use. This article discusses the differences between CBD and THC and explains why these compounds produce such drastically different
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There are many alarms and monitors available in New Zealand. These devices are designed to detect seizures and alert someone when you are having one. It is possible to choose which seizure alarm or monitor suits your purpose by looking at the various options below. You would need to do some homework and read the information and reviews available to be able to make an
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles Two international epilepsy organisations (the IBE and ILAE) share a joint statement on epilepsy and racism. https://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ibe-and-ilae-joint-statement-on-racism.pdf As scientists began to unlock the secrets of the brain, terminology for seizures changed over time. In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy released its newest classifications of epileptic seizure types. These divide epileptic seizures into categories based on
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The AGM will go ahead as planned in level 2 on Tues 14 Sep but at a new venue: Link Community Centre, St Andrews Presbytarian Church complex, 4 Te Aroha Street, Claudelands (River Road end of Te Aroha St). The Meeting will be held under delta level 2 rules that include physical distancing and/or wearing of masks, and requirement to sign in. NOTICE OF ANNUAL
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles The use of the ketogenic diet for those people critically ill with Covid 19 may just help in their recovery. The mortality rate is approximately 5% of reported cases and over half of patients require mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure. The ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate, adequate-protein diet that promotes metabolic ketosis (ketone
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related article Driving requires a complex array of neurological functions and skills that involve vision, thinking, attention and judgement, co-ordination, reaction time and motor control. Any of these can be impaired by epilepsy and seizures. People who drive vehicles may present safety concerns for themselves, their passengers and the public. Despite having epilepsy, many people are still able
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related article The stigma of epilepsy: “Despite the significant clinical and therapeutic progress of the last century, people with epilepsy continue to suffer from discrimination—not only in the developing world but also in the supposedly enlightened West.” https://epilepsytalk.com/2021/05/05/the-stigma-of-epilepsy-2https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1046/j.1528-1157.44.s.6.2.x Epilepsy Waikato Charitable Trust (EWCT) invited people to participate in our “We are…” project as an attempt to help break
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles Understanding seizure triggers: Some events or situations can lower the seizure threshold andmake a person more vulnerable to seizures. If you learn which things may trigger your seizuresthen you and your GP can learn to manage your epilepsy more effectively. Here is a common list of seizure triggers: Missed medications Tiredness or sleep deprivation Stress Menstrual
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