Credit: Image courtesy of Stanford University Medical Center, from ScienceDaily According to a press release from Stanford University, California sea lions develop epilepsy from exposure to a toxin produced by algae called domoic acid. The animals develop seizures which can result in memory loss, tremors, convulsions and even death. The hippocampal region in the brain of the affected sea lions shows similar damage as humans with epilepsy, with losses of about 50 percent of neurons. Dr. Paul Buckmaster, professor of comparative medicine at Stanford was quoted as saying, We found there was a loss of neurons in specific patterns that closely matched what is found in people. And there is synaptic reorganization a rewiring of surviving neurons. This also matches what is found in humans with temporal lobe epilepsy. This form of epilepsy is the most commonly observed in humans and there is currently no cure. It usually starts following a traumatic brain injury, fever or lack of oxygen that causes an initial seizure and later on progresses to epilepsy with periodic seizures. According to the press release, hundreds of California sea lions have washed ashore every year. The problem is with recent increases in algae blooms small fish that … Continue reading →

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Legislators are making progress on a measure that would mandate that insurance companies provide health coverage and treatment for Kansas children diagnosed with autism. The issue has been the topic of debate in the Statehouse for several sessions and is moving closer to reality. Coverage would help families cope with the cost of providing treatment for autistic children. The House voted 114-3 on Friday to send the bill to the Senate where its passage was uncertain. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/OFAJKd) that during debate on the House floor that supporters argued the autism mandate imposed on state-regulated insurance companies was needed to bring Kansas in line with other states. The progress was the first significant advance of legislation regarding autism after years of efforts by legislators and parents to help autistic children. This is important public policy, said Rep. John Rubin, a Shawnee Republican involved with drafting the bill. Its the right thing to do. As advanced by the House, the measure would set requirements for the number of hours autistic children would receive services, as well as age limits. Insurers would have to cover applied behavior analysis for up to 25 hours weekly for four … Continue reading →

NEW YORK (AP) Andrea Esteban tried to smile with half her face, crossing her eyes in the process, and her third-grade classmates giggled. Matthew Velez struggled to speak, "Luh, luh, uh, gronk," and the kids erupted in laughter. But the funny faces, the gibberish and some arm flapping were all part of a serious lesson to help kids learn the telltale signs of a stroke by imitating them. The idea is to enlist children, particularly those who may live with older relatives, as an army of eyes to help recognize the warning signs, get help for victims more quickly and hopefully save lives. "If my mom has a stroke, I'll know what to do," said 10-year-old Madison Montes. "Run to the phone and call 911." The experimental health education program at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx is aimed at the most crucial factor when it comes to a stroke: time. Each year, about 795,000 Americans have a stroke and about 130,000 die. Some are caused by bleeding in the brain, but the vast majority is caused by a clot that blocks blood flow, starving brain cells. The drug TPA can dissolve those clots and reduce disability but only if … Continue reading →