Epilepsy Articles – December 2019

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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Epilepsy Articles – November 2019

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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Epilepsy Articles – October 2019

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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Epilepsy Articles – September 2019

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 ketogenic dietitian request to parliament approved by the Ministry of Health

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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Epilepsy Articles – August 2019

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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2019 – Annual General Meeting (AGM)

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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Epilepsy Articles – July 2019

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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Move to one funded brand of lamotrigine (Logem)

Pharmac have decided from 1 October to fund one brand of lamotrigine 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg dispersible tablets (Logem), rather than three different brands (Lamictal, Arrow-Lamotrigine and Logem) and people will be able to collect a three-month supply of Logem from their community pharmacy. Lamictal and Arrow-Lamotrigine 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets will remain available in New Zealand for private purchase To

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Bin Inn Hamilton East 5% Discount card with EWCT

Bin Inn Hamilton East and EWCT have formed an exciting partnership that entitles those who sign up to EWCT to a 5% discount off all goods bought in the shop (excluding Lotto, NZ postage and promotional items). Anyone is free to join but it is important to register with EWCT in order to receive the 5% discount card. The card would then need to be

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