(MENAFN - The Peninsula) The average length of stay (LOS) for stroke patients at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) has been declining this year. In January, the average LOS was 12 days, that has fallen to eight. The shorter LOS demonstrates the effective care being given to patients who benefit greatly from being discharged as early as possible, when clinically appropriate, to continue their recovery at home with ongoing support from care teams, according to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). The percentage of patients receiving thrombolysis treatment (which must be administered within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms) has doubled since 2013. Thrombolysis can greatly increase a stroke patient's chances for a full recovery, but it must be given within the 4.5 hour timeframe. HMC's stroke team organised a symposium to mark World Stroke Day on October 29. More than 300 delegates attended, including Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Managing Director, HMC, and top leaders involved in the delivery of care for stroke patients. HMC has been working to improve the care for stroke patients. The opening of a Stroke Ward at HGH in March 2014 has played a key role in improvements. A multi-disciplinary team of stroke neurologists, rehabilitation physicians, stroke … Continue reading →

Hatfield, England (ots/PRNewswire) - PRESS RELEASE FOR EU MEDIA ONLY: NOT FOR SWISS/U.S. JOURNALISTS Fycompa(R) (perampanel), the first in an entirely new class of treatment for partial onset seizures (the most common form of epilepsy), has received reimbursement in Australia. It is indicated for the adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures, with or without secondarily generalised seizures, in patients with epilepsy aged 12 years and older.[1] Perampanel is the only licensed anti-epileptic drug (AED) to selectively target AMPA receptors, a protein in the brain which plays a critical role in the spread of seizures.[2] This mechanism of action is different to other currently available AEDs. In addition, perampanel has the added benefit of convenient, once-daily dosing at bedtime[1] and, significantly, is the only new-generation partial epilepsy treatment approved to treat adolescents (>12 years) with epilepsy from launch. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world.[3] In Australia it is estimated that 225,000 Australians live with epilepsy, and approximately 800,000 will be diagnosed with the condition at some stage in their life.[4] The successful treatment of partial onset seizures remains a significant challenge in some people and the incidence of uncontrolled partial epilepsy remains high despite many … Continue reading →