Each month, epilepsy.com/Professionals sends out an email Newsletter full of recent epilepsy news, updates on seizure medicines, advances in treatment options, and information on new resources available to the healthcare industry.
We maintain an archive of previous Newsletters for your reference. If you would like to signup to receive the epilepsy.com Newsletter each month, simply follow the link below.
2008 Newsletters
April 2008
Hallway Conversations: Using Provocative Tests to Diagnose Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures, a Medical and Ethical Perspective. Perspectives: Hybrid Cell Silicon Neural Implants, A New Avenue for Therapies. Hormones and their Relationship to Epilepsy and Premenstrual Disorders in Young Women by Constance Guille, MD, Yale. Epilepsy & Behavior Special Issue "Current Views on Epilepsy and Behavior" edited by Dr. Steven C. Schachter will be available for free download on Science Direct.
March 2008
Hallway Conversations: The controversy regarding generic drugs and epilepsy continues. A New Drug for Infantile Spasms under Review: The FDA is reviewing vigabatrin for use in the US. Epilepsy in Chennai, India: This will give you an idea about efforts to improve the lives of those with epilepsy in India and read about the Srinivasan Oration. Epilepsy and Disability in India: W. Curt LaFrance, Jr., MD, PhD, gives us his perspective regarding "An International Consensus Conclave on Epilepsy and Disability." A Message from a Physician: Robert Fisher, MD, PhD, shares with us a letter he sent to his patients after the FDA issued a medical alert on antiepileptic drugs and suicidality. Ketogenic News: Eric Kossoff, MD, our ketogenic diet expert, had two publications in February in Epilepsia.
February 2008
Breaking News and the FDA alert. Perspectives: Developing a hybrid neuroprosthesis for epilepsy treatment is about novel intracranial therapy. Physician-driven plan helps solve the employment dilemma: A glimpse at the California Pacific Medical Center’s program to help people with epilepsy transition into the workforce. The results of epilespy.com Instapolls presented at AES. A journey because of epilepsy: Jim Chambliss talks about his epilepsy and his resulting journey from artist to working with physicians. Ketogenic Conferences: A survey of past and future conferences. Our new website design: A navigational trip through our site re-design with even more suggestions and hints for users. Creating a seizure plan: An introduction and template for making a seizure plan. FAQs regarding AEDs and mood disorders: This Q and A should help your patients gain perspective on this new FDA alert.
January 2008
Highlights of 2007 for epilepsy.com, epilepsy.com/professionals and its parent organization. Perspectives on Drug and Medical Device Development: 2007. Hallway Highlights: 2007. The Epilepsy Pipeline Conference: An Invitation to Patients and Families from Warren Lammert. Childhood Epilepsy and Family Impact: An interview with Carol Camfield, MD. Mood Symptoms and AEDs: An interview with Cynthia Harden, MD Medication. Alert: Carbamazepine. Barry Gidal, PharmD, tells us what the FDA recommends before your patients start to take carbamazepine, Tegretol, Tegretol XR or Carbatrol. Complete drug information for oxcarbazepine, the generic version of Trileptal, which was recently approved by the FDA. The Top Ten Ketogenic Articles of 2007 by Eric Kossoff, MD.
2007 Newsletters
December 2007
The All New epilepsy.com: Warren Lammert provides a guide to our new look in “It’s about the Community. American Epilepsy Society (AES) Meeting News: From the annual AES meeting in Philadelphia, watch for reports that will include: conference proceedings, special topic sessions such as AEDs and Generic Substitution, and features from members of epilepsy.com. Epilepsy Education: Designed for medical students, residents and practicing physicians, this important and up-to-date educational program from the AES includes the basic science of epilepsy, clinical epilepsy, neuropharmacology, and neurosurgical aspects of epilepsy. Post Traumatic Epilepsy: We continue to bring you news about post-traumatic epilepsy and this month feature an interview with Anne Van Cott, MD, of the VA Health Care System in Pittsburgh. The Health Outcomes in Pregnancy and Epilepsy Forum: We have been featuring briefs from the HOPE forum.
November 2007
What are the Most Important Unmet Medical Needs for People with Epilepsy? Perspectives from Zach Lynch: Neurotechnology Leaves the Nest, Awaiting a Policy Push. The Future of Epilepsy Diagnosis: A Highlight for CIMIT Innovation Congress. Medication Alert – Dilantin® 100 mg. Capsules: What Every Person Using This Medication Needs to Know. This article covers important information from epilepsy.com board member Barry Gidal, PharmD, and interviews with industry spokespeople. Side Effects on the Ketogenic Diet: Identification and Treatment. Although an effective treatment, the ketogenic diet may cause side effects, says epilepsy.com board member Eric Kossoff, MD. Health Outcomes in Pregnancy and Epilepsy (HOPE) Groups. Members of our distinguished panel have been working on projects that will help you take care of women with epilepsy. An Interview with Cynthia Folio, PhD: Awareness and Inspiration from my Child’s World.
October 2007
Health Outcomes in Pregnancy and Epilepsy (HOPE) Groups Articles - Members of HOPE; Basic Principles of Study Design; Epidemiology and Ethics, Scientific Integrity, Regulatory Control; Pregnancy Registries and Release of Negative Information. AEDs, Sleep, and Seizures by Carl Bazil, MD, PhD, talks about the effects of drugs on sleep and presents a full AED chart. Hallway Conversations: Joseph I. Sirven, MD, and Ilo Leppik, MD, talk about Seniors, AEDs, and Epilepsy. Caring for Our Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury at Risk for Developing Epilepsy: We are linking to information, legislation and an upcoming feature that will be of interest to you. Generic Drugs: The media is talking about generic drugs. Halloween Alternatives – Celebrating Safely: This is designed for your patients on the ketogenic diet, filled with sugar-free suggestions for Halloween. Understanding Seizures and Emergencies: This overview has many downloadable sheets in My Resource Kit that will be helpful to your patients in managing their seizures.
September 2007
Medication in the News – A substantial price increase has been announced for H.P. Acthar Gel(R), a natural form of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that is used to treat infantile spasms, from $1,650 a vial to $23,000 a vial. Operation Giveback – Many soldiers who experienced head trauma while serving our country are at increased risk for developing epilepsy. Special Interview – Randy Siegel recently talked to Newsweek and epilepsy.com about his daughter with epilepsy. We think you will find Rebecca’s story to be an inspiration. Challenging Cases – We are pleased to present “Vigabatrin Treatment In A Patient With Visual Field Defects,” by Roy G. Beran, MD, from Australia. Perspectives – Announced budget cuts at the National Institutes of Health will impact the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, which oversees epilepsy research, resulting in even fewer grant awards than in 2006. Ketogenic Diet News – Dr. Adrianna Amari at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore writes about her recently-published research that shows children with epilepsy may instinctively know what to eat – and the ketogenic diet appears to be on their menu! 2007 International Epilepsy Congress – We continue to bring you abstracts from members of and contributors to epilepsy.com. Breaking News – We have been following the story of an immigrant who died in custody in Rhode Island.
August 2007
Awarding Innovation The Epilepsy Research Foundation, committed to finding a cure for persons with epilepsy, has announced three translational research awards, Webcast from NeuroTechnology Series – To hear Steven C. Schachter, MD, and others you can go to the webcast, supported by Epilepsy TDP, from the CIMIT Summer Education Series. Hallway Conversations: Pregnancy What if you are referred a woman with newly diagnosed partial epilepsy, not yet started on medication, who tells you that she plans to start a family in the next few months? Challenging Cases “Left Arm and Leg Shaking in a Patient with a History of Treated Syphilis” by Daniel J. Brotman, MD, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (JHMI) and Majid Fotuhi, MD, PhD. Traveling Safely: Seizure Preparedness – From our new online section, Seizure Preparedness, this tells how to reduce the chances of an emergency and be prepared just in case. Sleeping Peacefully: Carl W. Bazil, MD, PhD, has written a chapter on sleep for a forthcoming book. Eating Ketogenically: The MCT diet is an adaptation of the ketogenic diet, often used in England and Canada. Clinical Trials: Participation in clinical trials offers the potential for new treatment options and allows patients to participate with researchers in driving the discovery of effective therapies for epilepsy.
July 2007
An RFP due September 1, 2007: A new request for translational research proposals in the field of epilepsy has been announced by The Epilepsy Research Foundation (ERF). 27th International Epilepsy Congress. Hallway Conversations: Rufinamide – We asked two experts their opinions about the drug that has been approved in Europe as add-on therapy for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Transportation: Limited Ability to Get to a Pharmacy Impacts a Patient’s Medication Compliance – Read the results of a survey, posted on our site, which Professor Timothy Welty and colleagues plan to submit for presentation at the 2007 American Epilepsy Society meeting. Perspectives: Patent Pending – This is an interesting perspective on the proposed changes to patent laws under discussion by Congress. Challenging Cases: "The Value of Diagnostic Persistence" – Presented by Gregory L. Krauss, MD, from Johns Hopkins Hospital, this case illustrates the difficulty of localizing seizures in extratemporal neocortex. CIMIT Summer Education Series and the Epilepsy TDP webcast. What Every Traveler Needs to Know About Preventing Seizure Emergencies – From our new online section, Seizure Preparedness, this tells how to reduce the chances of an emergency when on the go and be prepared just in case. Seizure Medicine Sheets – Our series to help patients continues. We are presenting more information about seizure medicines in a format that is easy to read and understand.
June 2007
Seizure Preparedness – This in-depth guide in 10 sections is designed to help physicians, caretakers, and persons with epilepsy manage seizures. Rufinamide – In January of this year, Inovelon® (rufinamide) received marketing authorization in the European Union as adjunctive therapy in Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. A Physician’s Perspective: Finding Medications Anywhere in the World – For physician and patient use, Robert Fisher, MD, PhD, from Stanford has devised an international AED database. Hallway Conversations – The US Food and Drug Administration is seeking to determine whether to approve rufinamide as an add-on therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older, and for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children ages 4 and over. Challenging Cases – Professor Paolo Tinuper at the University of Bologna is author of "Syncope In A Patient With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy," our featured presentation this month.
May 2007
Read about the latest research into new therapies for patients with refractory seizures; CURE Conference – A special poster session for young investigators was held just prior to the Curing Epilepsy 2007 conference; A Video Book about Epilepsy – Roy Sucholeiki, MD, developed and directed the first comprehensive epilepsy program in the far western suburbs of Chicago; Challenging Cases – This month we present “If At First You Don’t Succeed…” , the story of a child whose convulsions began at 15 months; The Driving Controversy; International AED name database; state-by-state laws or statutes governing the generic substitution of medications by pharmacists; Medicaid rules for generic AED substitutions state by state and New AED information sheets.
April 2007
This month we review advances in new anti-epileptic drugs; consider the success of the modified Atkins diet for obesity, which can also be helpful to those with epilepsy; learn about the value of diaries in predicting seizures; report on the controversy regarding the use of seizure dogs; and present another Challenging Case that helped change a physician’s perspective. We also pause to say “Congratulations” to our Chairman and Co-Founder, Warren Lammert, on the honors he recently received.
March 2007
Antiepileptic Drug Trials IX; Jacqueline French, MD, discusses the goals of this conference; The New York Times article; discussing SUDEP with patients; Attacks of Rising Sensations, Pallor and Loss of Consciousness; Curing Epilepsy 2007: Translating Discoveries into Therapies, and the National Walk for Epilepsy
February 2007
A recently published study in Neurology reported that patients who kept a daily diary for a full year were able to reasonably predict a seizure that might occur the following day, and could also predict seizure-free days; National Walk for Epilepsy; ETDP New Therapy Grants Program; Localizing seizure onset using a tracer dye and single photon emission computed tomography; Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy as an alternative to open brain surgery; this month we are beginning a new series called Challenging Cases, and suggestions for working with parents,
January 2007
Featuring: A Message from Warren Lammert, Chairman and Co-Founder of Epilepsy Therapy Development Project; News from AES Annual Meeting: The Judith Hoyer Lecture, AEDs and the Elderly, Caffeine Use Among those with Epilepsy, Driving Against Doctor's Orders, Polyunsaturated Fats and Seizures, and Atkins Diet in Treating Seizures; Hallway Conversations: Felbamate: Consensus of Current Clinical Experience.
2006 Newsletters
December 2006
Featuring: Hallway Conversations - Prognosis for Seizure Recurrence in Seizure-Free Patients After Stopping Antiepileptic Drugs: A Long-Term Population-Based Study of Childhood-Onset Epilepsy; Evaluation of the First Seizure(s): Are Patients Presenting with Multiple Seizures Within 24 Hours at Greater Risk for Seizure Recurrence within One Year than Patients Presenting with a Single Seizure? - Special Editorial: Ring Chromosome Syndrome, AES Conference News, New Documentary - Epilepsy: In Search Of Effective Therapies, and American Epilepsy Society meeting in San Diego.
November 2006
Featuring: Hallway Conversations - Our First Feature Is Valproate May Increase Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes; Anti-Epileptic Drug Developments - Special Editorial: the Risks and Benefits of Epilepsy Medication During Pregnancy, Dispense As Written, Reviewing the Findings of the Eilat Conference; NeuroTechnology and Epilepsy, and Join Us at the AES Meeting in San Diego, California in December 2006.
October 2006
Featuring: A New Tool to Help You Practice,
Latest Research and Epilepsy
News -
Fda Approves New Epilepsy Indication for Lamictal®,
New Study Highlights Decreased Quality of Life in Patients with Epilepsy and Comorbid Medical and Psychiatric
Conditions, Talking to Your
Patients About Driving,
and Help Your Young
Patients Enjoy
Halloween Safely.
September 2006
Featuring: Physician Discussion Checklist & Guide for Women with Epilepsy and ETDP Summer News Update.
August 2006
Featuring: Seizure Types, Epilepsy Syndromes, Seizure Medications, New Continuing Medical Education Course, New Seizure First-Aid and Safety Information for Patients, and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Exploring the Complexities.
July 2006
Featuring: New Data from Pregnancy Registry Links Lamictal® to Increased Risk of Non-Syndromic Cleft Palate Deformity in Infants, Meditation & Epilepsy: the Silent Debate Wages On, and Fireworks and Epilepsy: an Interview with Dr. Guiseppe Erba.
June 2006
Featuring: Ovulation Failure Linked to Increased Seizure Frequency, Study Identifies Predictors for Employment After Epilepsy Surgery, Young Children Less Likely to Gain Weight from Valproate, QOLIE-89 Misses Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Quality of Life, and 2006 AES Mid-Year Meeting: A CME Program You Don’t Want to Miss!
May 2006
Featuring: FDA Advances Federal E-Health Effort, The Scoop from the 58th American Academy of Neurology Meeting: Long-Term Effects of the Ketogenic Diet, Implantable Devices Could Stop Seizures in Their Tracks, and Do No Harm Article.
April 2006
Featuring: Cultivating Compassion: One Doctor’s Journey, Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy: What Coroners and Medical Examiners Aren’t Saying, Clinical Trial Interest Sky Rockets!, and FDA Issues AcuDial Diastat Advisory Letters.
March 2006
Featuring: Shedding Light on Photosensitivity, One of Epilepsy's Most Complex Conditions; Cognitive Improvement Makes the List as Common Treatment Goal for Parents of Children with Intractable Epilepsy; New Continuing Medical Education Course; Find Out All About Zonisamide, and Managing AED Treatment : The Rhyme and Reason.
February 2006
Featuring News from the American Epilepsy Society 59th Annual Meeting.
January 2006
Featuring Live Upcoming epilepsy-related conferences, symposiums
and events, We need your help, New Continuing Medical Education Course, Does Treatment Aggressiveness Affect the Prognosis of Refractory Status Epilepticus, Medicare D & Your Clinical Practice, and Call for new Therapy Grant Submissions for Epilepsy Research Foundation.
2005 Newsletters
December 2005
Featuring AES 58th Annual Meeting Update, and SUDEP: a Comprehensive Information Guide for Patients and Families.
November 2005
Featuring Live from the AES 58th Annual Meeting, Older Adults with Epilepsy: The Latest Research, and The Impact of Maternal Anxiety on the Adaptive Functioning of Children with Epilepsy.
October 2005
Featuring The Use of Serum Prolactin in Diagnosing Epileptic Seizures, New Continuing Medical Education Courses, and Health Watch: FDA Releases New Medication Error Report.
May 2005
Featuring "The Truth about Psychogenic NonEpileptic Seizures"; "Clinical Treatment Issues Facing Neurologists Today"; PubMed articles
April 2005
Featuring "Epilepsy in the Elderly," an editorial by Dr. Mark Spitz; epilepsy.com/Professional's Clinical Trial locator; seizure treatment options
February 2005
Featuring the FDA's warning letter to Cyberonics; our Document Library; upcoming epilepsy-related conferences & events
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