Nanomedicine Overview What if doctors had tiny tools that could search out and destroy the very first cancer cells of a tumor developing in the body? What if a cell's broken part could be removed and replaced with a functioning miniature biological machine? Or what if molecule-sized pumps could be implanted in sick people to deliver life-saving medicines precisely where they are needed? These scenarios may sound unbelievable, but they are the ultimate goals of nanomedicine, a cutting-edge area of biomedical research that seeks to use nanotechnology tools to improve human health. Top of page A lot of things are small in today's high-tech world of biomedical tools and therapies. But when it comes to nanomedicine, researchers are talking very, very small. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, too small even to be seen with a conventional lab microscope. Top of page Nanotechnology is the broad scientific field that encompasses nanomedicine. It involves the creation and use of materials and devices at the level of molecules and atoms, which are the parts of matter that combine to make molecules. Non-medical applications of nanotechnology now under development include tiny semiconductor chips made out of strings of single molecules and miniature … Continue reading →

Epilepsy is initially treated with medications. It is possible for up to 70% of people to get complete seizure control with minimal side effects. For people who have poor seizure control despite trying many different medications over time, there are now other treatment options available. Medical Management Medication is the first line of treatment in the management of epilepsy. With regular medication and a sensible lifestyle a full and active life is possible. Surgery for Epilepsy Epilepsy surgery can offer some a chance to be seizure free or significantly reduce the number of seizures. Only certain types of epilepsy are suitable for this treatment. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) VNS uses a pacemaker-like device to periodically stimulate the left vagus nerve in the neck to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. Ketogenic Diet A specific diet developed for uncontrolled seizures, particularly in children. Complementary Therapies Many people are now using alternative or complementary therapies in some way - to improve their health, combat illness and even prolong their life. Epilepsy today is largely treated with medication. However, these do not cure epilepsy they provide control of seizures only. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can successfully control up to 70-80% of epileptic seizures. … Continue reading →

Your neurology team at the Epilepsy Center, along with your primary care doctor, will design a treatment plan tailored to your condition and individual needs. You may require more than one kind of treatment such as medication and surgery and may be referred to other medical professionals. Most seizures can be prevented with medication. The type of medication prescribed will depend on your condition. Your neurologist will explain how to take your medication and what side effects might occur. Over time, your medication may be changed to find the right drug and dose. Be sure to take your medication as directed. Call your neurologist if you have questions or experience any unexpected side effects. For some patients, surgery may be recommended to prevent seizures or to implant devices that deliver medications or stimulators to emit electrical impulses. Your neurologist will explain the procedure as well as possible risks. These procedures include: If you have a vagus nerve stimulator implanted, you'll continue to take medication but may be able to reduce the amount or number of medications. This procedure can treat a wide variety of seizure disorders when other surgical procedures aren't an option. Most medical treatments may involve some risks … Continue reading →

New Hope For Epilepsy Patients - Indian Epilepsy Centre (IEC) Epilepsy is the commonest serious disorder of the brain. As per the estimates, 1 out of every 100 - 200 persons in India, suffers from epilepsy. Though epilepsy need not be feared more than diabetes or hypertension, yet there is social stigma as well as myths attached to it. These baseless apprehensions stem from the widespread ignorance about epilepsy. However, the truth is, that epilepsy can be treated. Patients of epilepsy can also lead a normal, healthy life. All patients with epilepsy have "fits", but not every patient who has suffered a "fit" can be declared an epilepsy patient. To be diagnosed as a case of epilepsy, a patient must have suffered at least two unprovoked fits. Epileptic fits or seizures occur as a result of an occasional, sudden, excessive electrical discharge from cells in the brain. It is like an electrical short-circuiting or an electrical storm in the brain cells. Epilepsy can result from an injury to the brain, infection in the brain or any other insult to the brain. Many times there is no obvious cause for epilepsy, when it is believed to be due to hereditary abnormalities. … Continue reading →

Our ultimate goal of treatment is to completely control or even cure your epilepsy. At the University of Chicago Medicine, we put our patients first when developing treatment plans. Our ultimate goal of treatment is to completely control or even cure your epilepsy. Even with the most difficult cases, we will work with you to design a tailored treatment plan that will optimize your quality of life. When you come to us, you can expect treatment that is unique to you and the way you experience seizures. Learn more about: Our multidisciplinary team will work together to treat you as whole person -- not just your epilepsy. Whether your seizures are straightforward and easy to control or you have a difficult or rare case, you can count on the quality of care that can only be provided by a top hospital with two Level 4 Epilepsy Centers, one for adults and one for children. Youre an important part of your medical team, so we will seek your input whenever possible and keep you informed about your care plan. We are dedicated to engaging you in your care and making sure you feel informed and comfortable with your treatment decisions. At … Continue reading →

Keeping current on evidence-based guidelines and practice parameters is critical for epilepsy professionals to provide quality care to patients and families.The following sections provide resources or links to epilepsy-related guidelines or practice parameters that may be useful for health care professionals. ComorbiditiesResources pertaining to comorbidities of epilepsy are listed by Guidelines or Practice Parameters.All practice parameters and guidelines related to the care and treatment of epilepsy are developed collaboratively between the AmericanEpilepsy Society and the American Academy of Neurology. Members of the AES sit on all epilepsy-related guideline workgroups. Evidence-based Guidelines Practice Parameters Additional Papers Other AAN Epilepsy Guidelines and Practice Parameters Note:The American Epilepsy Society offers the following definition of Guidelines listed in this section. Guidelines evidence based. Examples are the guidelines developed through the AAN mechanism with input and inclusion from AES members. Each guideline makes specific practice recommendations based upon a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of all available scientific data. ILAE is another common resource. Others organizations will be considered such as American Academy of Pediatrics, and nursing organizations. Approval process: Approval is through individual societies, but then scored by the AES Guidelines Committee. Disclaimer: These guidelines are designed to assist clinicians by providing an analytic framework … Continue reading →

Your usually happy-go-lucky pooch seems unsteady and confused. Then he flops to the floor. Even though hes unconscious, he looks like hes treading water. Hes having a seizure. Why is this happening, and what can you do? If your dog has them often, he may have a seizure disorder. Another name for that is epilepsy. Abnormal, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in your dogs brain cause seizures, affecting how he looks and how he behaves. Seizures can look like a twitch or uncontrollable shaking and can last from less than a minute to several minutes. Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet Whether youve recently adopted a pet or youre considering it, one of the most important health decisions youll make is to spay or neuter your cat or dog. Spaying-removing the ovaries and uterus of a female pet-is a veterinary procedure that requires minimal hospitalization and offers lifelong health benefits. Neutering-removing the testicles of your male dog or cat-will vastly improve your pets behavior and keep him close to home. Many states and counties have established low-cost spay/neuter... Read the Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet article > > Symptoms can include collapsing, jerking, … Continue reading →

Status epilepticus (SE) is an epileptic seizure of greater than five minutes or more than one seizure within a five-minute period without the person returning to normal between them.[1] Previous definitions used a 30-minute time limit.[2] The seizures can either be of the tonicclonic type with a regular pattern of contraction and extension of the arms and legs or of types that do not involve contractions such as absence seizures or complex partial seizures. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening medical emergency particularly if treatment is delayed.[1] Status epilepticus may occur in those with a history of epilepsy as well as those with an underlying problem of the brain.[2] These underlying brain problems may include trauma, infections, or strokes among others.[2] Diagnosis often involves checking the blood sugar, imaging of the head, a number of blood tests, and an electroencephalogram. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures may present similarly. Other conditions that may also appear to be SE include low blood sugar, movement disorders, meningitis, and delirium among others.[1] Benzodiazepines are the preferred initial treatment after which typically phenytoin is given.[1] Possible benzodiazepines include intravenous lorazepam as well as intramuscular injects of midazolam.[3] A number of other medications may be used if these are … Continue reading →

Determining the best treatments for epilepsy depends on obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Once epilepsy is confirmed, any underlying causes identified and the type determined when possible, doctors can respond with an array of therapies including medications and surgical intervention. Specialists in different areas of medicine provide treatments for epilepsy. In addition to the primary care physician, a neurologist or epileptologists (a subspecialty focused on epilepsy) confirms the diagnosis and consults on care. The patient may also be referred to a neurosurgeon for treatment. For about two thirds of people with epilepsy the most effective treatment options are antiepileptic medications that may be used singly or in combination. Depending on how the patient responds, the doctor may adjust dosage or change drugs. More than 20 types of antiepileptic medications are now available including ethosuximide, clonazepam, phenobarbital, and primidone. Some of these drugs cause fatigue, weight gain, dizziness and other side effects and suddenly discontinuing drug therapies can trigger sudden, severe seizures. When seizures always begin in one area of the brain, and medication alone does not control seizures, surgery may be considered as a treatment for epilepsy. Location is critical as doctors prefer not perform surgery in areas of the brain … Continue reading →