Seizures following the Great East Japan Earthquake

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In the January 7, 2013 early online access in the journal Epilepsia, Doctors Shibahara and colleagues from the Department of Neurosurgery and Epilepsy and Epileptology at the Kesennuma City Hospital in Kesennuma, Japan, and the Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan present a fascinating analysis at the glimpse at what happens to seizures after a significant national disaster. As the authors reminded the readers, on the afternoon of March 11, 2011 Kesennuma City was hit by the great Japan earthquake and subsequent devastating tsunami. The purpose of their study was to document changes in the number of patients with distinct neurological diseases seeking treatment following the disaster. This particular city was isolated by the disaster, allowing for study with a limited selection bias.

Patients who were admitted for neurological emergencies from January 14 to May 1, 2011, 117, were compared with patients in the corresponding 16-week period in years 2008, 2010, or 323 patients, when there was no major disaster.

The investigators found that the number of patients with unprovoked seizures was significantly higher during the eight-week period after the earthquake than during the same periods in 2006 through 2010. In contrast, the number of patients treated for other neurological conditions, such as stroke, trauma, and tumors remained unchanged. As the authors point out, to their knowledge this was the first report in the increase in the number of patients with seizures following a life threatening natural disaster. They posited that stress associated with life threatening situations can enhance seizure generation.

This is a fascinating study because it reminds us that the circumstances that can enshroud a natural disaster can very much lead to neurological problems in addition to life threatening traumatic injuries. The study also reminds us that after a significant disaster, whether it be a great earthquake, a major hurricane or storm or other natural disaster that special care must be given to our neurological patients as they are also at risk for exacerbation of their ongoing neurological condition. This study is important and helpful because it helps to remind us that we need include care of neurological conditions in disaster preparedness plans.

by Joseph I. Sirven, MD
Editor-in-Chief, epilepsy.com
Last Reviewed: 2/19/2013

Effectiveness of Dietary Therapy for Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

In the December 21, 2012 Epilepsy and Behavior articles in press, Doctors Kossoff and colleagues from the Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland present an interesting analysis looking at the effectiveness of the use of diet for treatment of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. The concept is that we know that ketogenic diet has been utilized for a number of conditions. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is often managed with seizure drugs; however, there are some patients that may have drug resistant seizures. The investigators sought out to see whether a modified Atkins diet can be useful for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Since 2006 eight adolescents and adults were started on a modified Atkins diet for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy at Johns Hopkins Hospital. 8 patients, (7 female/1 male), with an average age of 24.3 years- range of 15-44 years were evaluated. After one month, six (75%) of these patients had more than 50% seizure reduction and after three months five (63%), had a greater than 50% seizure improvement. Several patients found the modified Atkins diet difficult to adhere to, including three patients who temporarily reported increasing seizures during periods of noncompliance.

The investigators reported that the modified Atkins diet can be a useful therapy for young adults with difficult to control juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

This interesting study is important because it suggests a potential avenue for the management of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Obviously, more individuals need to be studied in to assess which patients with JME may benefit from this therapy.

by Joseph I. Sirven, MD
Editor-in-Chief, epilepsy.com
Last Reviewed: 2/19/2013

Lothian mum wins parenting award - Latest news - Scotsman.com

Lothian mum wins parenting award

Ann Maxwell

By David O’Leary

Published on Friday 15 February 2013 12:01

A Midlothian mum who has dedicated her life to helping children with epilepsy has scooped first place in a national parenting award.

Ann Maxwell, of Waverley Road, Eskbank, has now won the Tesco Mum of the Year Award 2013 for her campaigning efforts on behalf of both her family and children with the illness.

The 50-year-old, who despite being diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain tumour in 2006, has “never relented” in her dedication to the cause which has resulted in the funding of the world’s first DNA testing service for children with complex epilepsy problems.

When her son Muir, now 15, had his first seizure at just four months old, he was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome – leaving him with learning difficulties, behavioural problems and developmental delay.

Leaving her job to care for him, Ann soon realised there was a lack of funding and support for families in her situation and decided to dedicate her life to fundraising.

In 2003, she set up the Musselburgh-based Muir Maxwell Trust which is now one of the most significant children’s charities raising funds for paediatric epilepsy in the UK, raising over £7 million for charity. Its work includes supplying vital equipment to hospitals, campaigning for better treatment and raising awareness of epilepsy.

Speaking of her fundraising, the mum-of-three said: “I don’t feel sad about any of it. If I could wave a magic wand tomorrow and Muir could be a normal child, of course I would do that and I would give up all sorts of things to have that outcome.

“But in so many other ways he’s changed our lives – and the lives of those around him – for the better.”

The trust has just recently committed £1 million to building the Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre for research at the University of Edinburgh.

It was her friend, Sheila Patel, who nominated her for the top award. She said: “Ann is a truly inspirational mum, and has devoted her life to helping children with epilepsy.”

Ann will now be treated to a full makeover and her own Tesco magazine photo shoot, before being presented with her award at London’s iconic hotel The Savoy on March 3.

Paul Morris, Tesco UK marketing customer communications director, said: “We have heard many truly incredible stories and it’s been a privilege to recognise these inspirational women.”

ΠΗΓΗ http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/latest-news/lothian-mum-wins-parenting-award-1-2794026

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