Introduction Seizures are uncontrolled spasms or convulsions caused by abnormal patterns of electrical activity in the brain. Because the entire brain, or any part of the brain, can be affected, there are many types of seizures with many manifestations. Seizures can result from almost any type of damage to the brain, including injury and infection. Recurrent seizures are a sign of epilepsy. The most common types of seizures are partial, petit mal, and generalized tonic-clonic, or grand mal, seizures. Partial seizures only affect a small part of the brain and may have very specific symptoms. Petit mal seizures may only manifest themselves in a brief episode of staring and unresponsiveness. Grand mal seizures affect the entire brain. Grand mal seizures are marked by spasms of the entire body and complete loss of consciousness. Seizures may also be classified according to their cause or age of onset. Seizures generally stop on their own. Because a person having a seizure is unconscious, it is important to make sure they do not injure themselves. Following a seizure, the person may be tired and require rest. Weakness, fatigue, and changes in mood and behavior are normal after seizures. Seizures should be evaluated by medical … Continue reading →

Jack Royall who has had life saving drug treatment to treat tuberous sclerosis. Pictured with his mum Ali. Picture: ANTONY KELLY Rosa McMahon Saturday, April 4, 2015 10:25 AM A student who has fought an incurable genetic disease all his life has today pleaded with health bosses after they refused to pay for his life-saving treatment. To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in. A spokesperson for NHS England said: No new treatments are made routinely available on the NHS without having been approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) or forming part of a NHS England clinical commissioning policy. NHS England is considering the formation of clinical policy on Everolimus for a number of indications as part of our work programme for the coming year, along with a large number of other competing priorities, including working with NICE to determine whether any of those indications will be included in their work programme. In the interim, the Individual Funding Request route remains open to clinicians for patients with exceptional need. Jack Royall suffers from tuberous sclerosis, a condition which causes non-cancerous tumours to grow in major body organs. The family … Continue reading →