HATFIELD, England, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Data from a three-year safety study of Fycompa (perampanel), published online today in leading clinical journal Epilepsia, demonstrate that the first-in-class epilepsy treatment controls and reduces seizures over sustained periods of time (up to three years).[1] Perampanel 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.[2] Results from the 307 extension study of 1,216 adolescents and adults (12 years) with partial onset seizures, despite previous treatment with 3 anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), show that perampanel provides stable reductions in seizure frequency over treatment periods of up to three years*. Up to 90% of patients achieved a reduction in secondarily generalised seizures and 5% of patients achieved seizure freedom lasting at least one year.[1] The study showed that perampanel was well tolerated for up to three years of treatment** at a median daily dose of 10.6 mg/day. The most frequent AEs which were reported in 10% of patients were dizziness, somnolence, headache, fatigue, irritability and weight increase. Only dizziness and irritability caused discontinuation of the study in >1% of patients (3.9% and 1.3%, respectively).[1] Safety and seizure responses were … Continue reading →

The vagus nerve is one of 12 cranial nerves, extending from the brain stem to the abdomen. The vagus is part of the involuntary nervous system and controls unconscious bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion. Based on the location and function of the vagus nerve, it is a favorable pathway to the brain for epileptic treatment. What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)? Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a treatment option for patients with epilepsy. This treatment involves implanting a small device, which is similar to a pacemaker, that sends pulses of electricity to the vagus nerve at regular intervals based on the patients condition and tolerance level. The patient is also able to control the stimulator with a handheld magnet for an immediate current of electricity to stop a seizure or reduce the severity of a seizure. VNS is commonly used as an add-on therapy that goes along with anti-seizure medication or epilepsy surgery. Many people with epilepsy can control their seizures with medication, but, for those who do not respond to anti-seizure medication or cannot tolerate the side effects, VNS may be the best option. Although VNS is not a cure, many people with epilepsy see a … Continue reading →

Franklin County lacks some services to better serve autistic children and their families, officials say. Moreover, a taxpayer-funded agency charged with helping people with disabilities such as autism is not even aware of all the people in Franklin County who have the condition. Nobody knew we were going to have this kind of growth in autism, said Dr. Ron Kruse, executive director of Developmental Services of Franklin County. Thats what were still struggling with is how can we expand these services. Autism is more complicated than some of the other disabilities, Kruse said. Developmental Services of Franklin County is aware of 120 children in the county who have autism, but it is estimated that there are at least 300 in the county on the autism spectrum. That means there are at least 180 children with autism in Franklin County that developmental services doesnt really know anything about, Kruse said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 68 children has autism. If the other 180 or more children in the county with autism sought treatment, developmental services would definitely be falling short of meeting those needs, Kruse said. More behavior analysts would have to be hired. The … Continue reading →

The incidence of autism is increasing dramatically and one in every 68 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. It's precious time lost, because the earlier autism is detected, the better the outcome. Jim and Kim Derk brought one child apiece into their marriage before deciding to adopt just one more. Kim says, "we ended up going through a lot of - we believe divine intervention -- we had a lot of help and we ended up identifying a sibling group over in Hungary and so what we thought we were coming back with one child, we actually came back with four the first time." They went back two more times for two more kids from the same sibling group. The Derks call them their Hungarian six pack. Kim says, "probably about six months in we were seeing a level of tempers and a level of aggression and a lot of things going on." Those "things" eventually led to four of the children being diagnosed with autism. 19-year-old Willie got the first diagnosis when he was in first or second grade. "It was a situation where we were told that if you are going to get … Continue reading →

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina lawmakers reached an impasse on disputed legislation surrounding autism insurance coverage and the federal health care overhaul before the first gavel fell Wednesday to open this years session. A General Assembly study committee examining the effects of the federal health care law on the state canceled its meeting after leaders again couldnt gather enough members to do business. The panel also had tried twice to meet Tuesday but failed to get quorums each time. Most House members stayed away in protest of proposed legislation that would place an 18-month moratorium on new insurance mandates, according to legislators. Some stayed away because they feared it would conflict with a bill passed by the House last year requiring health insurance providers to cover autism diagnosis and treatment. Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg, has been a champion of the autism community. I think any time you have three committee meetings in a row that members dont show up thats probably an organized effort, said Rep. Charles Jeter, R-Mecklenburg, a committee member. Committee co-chairmen said the draft legislation was designed to address concerns by committee members in recent weeks about an unstable insurance market due to the federal health … Continue reading →

Farmington, MI (PRWEB) May 14, 2014 Recent studies have revealed a link between stroke risk and gum disease, which is why Dr. Shlafer is urging patients to seek early gum disease treatment in Farmington to decrease their risk of serious future complications. Recently, many studies have come to light revealing a disturbing connection between severe periodontal disease and an increased risk of stroke. A study out of Harvard University showed that tooth loss (which can be one of the gum disease symptoms) may be one of the factors that increase a persons stroke risk. This study discovered that man who had less than 25 teeth had 57% higher risk of experiencing a stroke than those who had more than 25 teeth. Other studies have shown that people suffering with moderate to severe gum disease had a risk of stroke that was 4.3 times higher than those with mild to no gum disease. Researchers believe that the bacteria responsible for causing gum disease can enter the blood stream and cause a build-up of plaque as well as inflammation that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. There are also scientists who believe that gum disease increases the likelihood of blood … Continue reading →

Upper St. Clair, PA (PRWEB) May 14, 2014 Recent studies have shown that periodontal disease is linked to an increased risk of stroke, which is why Dr. Stypula urges patients suffering with gum disease to receive treatment as soon as possible. Dr. Stypula now offers gum disease treatment to patients in Upper St. Clair that is an effective gum surgery alternative called the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). LANAP offers patients many advantages over traditional gum surgery like faster recovery time and no required cutting or sutures. Treating gum disease is one of the first steps a person can take to improve both their oral health and overall body health, and LANAP makes this step an easy one to take. Recently, a study out of Harvard University has shown that lost teeth (a symptom of gum disease) can increase a persons risk for ischemic stroke. This study found that men who had less than 25 teeth had a stroke risk that was 57 percent higher than men who had 25 teeth or more. Other studies have shown that patients with severe gum disease had a risk of stroke that was 4.3 times higher than those with mild or no … Continue reading →