The Epilepsy Waikato Charitable Trust has concerns over the possible consequences of PHARMAC’s switch to fund one brand of Lamotrogine (Logem), which has recently been in the news. Below is our response to this change with letters sent to PHARMAC and the NZ Herald expressing these concerns. 1. Letter to Pharmac_EWCT_25 September_2018 2. Letter to Pharmac_EWCT_12 October 2019 3. Letter to Pharmac _EWCT_18 December 2019
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“He arahanga whakamua – Leading the way”December 2019 Newsletter Greetings! It is that time of year again when we are able to reflect back on the year that was and to plan for the next. As the world of epilepsy constantly changes, we are able to adapt and meet the needs of people living directly, and indirectly with epilepsy. We are very much a regional,
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles Pharmac-funded research into whether people with epilepsy were imagining side effects from a medicine brand change has been suspended as angry patients point out that deaths have been linked to the switch. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/404933/epilepsy-patients-angry-at-being-told-symptoms-all-in-their-heads Up to 200 New Zealand children with epilepsy may be missing out on a diet treatment that could make them seizure-free. Help from
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles Brain and foetal development damage caused by exposure to CBD and THC are very similar defects seen in foetal alcohol syndrome. https://neurosciencenews.com/thc-cbd-fetal-development-15169/ People with epilepsy all too commonly experience psychological distress such as anxiety or depression. One of the contributing factors is something that’s not often discussed: epilepsy-related stigma. Stigma may affect people in various ways,
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles A reputable UK organisation called, “Young Epilepsy” recently published their final paper on Autism, ADHD and parent-reported behavioural difficulties in young children with epilepsy from their Sussex Early Epilepsy and Neurobehavioral (SEEN) Study: https://www.seizure-journal.com/…/S1059-1311(19)30…/abstract This paper is one of six from the study which focussed on the prevalence of development and behaviour difficulties that young children with
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles The ketogenic diet (KD) continues to be an effective, safe, and well tolerated treatment option for infants with intractable epilepsy. Tolerability may be enhanced by using a liquid-based diet in this age group, the role of expressed breast milk in which should be further elaborated. The availability of new diagnostic studies such as genetic testing could
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EWCT’s petition to parliament to fund a ketogenic programme for children and adults with intractable, medication-resistant epilepsy at Waikato hospital has been approved by the Ministry of Health. This funding would provide a vitally-needed third option for children and adults with epilepsy, for whom the medications do not work, and for whom surgery is not an option. The “classic” ketogenic diet was introduced 100 years
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles Individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease experience epileptic seizures up to six-and-a-half times more often than people without dementia, according to new research reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference(AAIC) 2019 in Los Angeles. Also reported at AAIC 2019, persons with dementia are at higher risk of having recurring seizures and of experiencing seizures for the first time
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NOTICE OF 2019 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the 2019 Annual General Meeting of Epilepsy Waikato Charitable Trust (EWCT) will be held at the Waikato Trust building at 4 Little London lane, Hamilton, on Tuesday, 10 September 2019, commencing at 6.30 pm. AGENDA Welcome by chairperson Apologies Confirmation of minutes of the previous AGM held on 11 September 2018 Matters arising Patron,
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EWCT brings you the latest news on epilepsy-related articles Did you know that you are able to make a report on any adverse reaction to a medication that you are taking? CARN (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring) accepts reports from consumers, patients or carers but, where possible, an attempt is made to involve the patients practioner who may often be unaware of the reaction. https://nzphvc.otago.ac.nz/reporting/#reporting-forms
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