Epilepsy is twice as common in low and middle-income countries as it is in the developed world, according to an international team of researchers. They say the higher incidence is linked to increased risk factors, including head injuries and infections such as pork tapeworm and river blindness. And more than 60% of sufferers in those countries receive no appropriate treatment, they say in the Lancet. A Lancet editorial said epilepsy had to be a global health priority. Epilepsy is a condition in which disturbances to the brain's normal electrical activity cause recurring seizures or brief episodes of altered consciousness. There are about 40 different types. Epilepsy is not a mental illness, but can develop after injury or damage to the brain. About 85% of the global burden of epilepsy occurs in low and middle-income countries. 'Bewitched' Writing in the Lancet, researchers led by Prof Charles Newton, of the University of Oxford, say the death rate in developing countries is much higher than in developed ones - and that the reason for this is likely to be a failure to treat people with the condition. Prof Newton said: "The burden of epilepsy in these regions is at least double that found … Continue reading →

By Traci Pedersen Associate News Editor Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on September 26, 2012 According to Vanderbilt University researchers, there is little evidence backing up the use of medical interventions such as drug treatment to help teens and young adults with autism. Although many adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders are being prescribed medications, there is almost no evidence showing that these drugs are doing any good, the researchers said. Newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in 88 children now have an autism spectrum disorder. Boys outnumber girls 5-to-1, which means that about one in 54 boys in the United States has autism. We need more research to be able to understand how to treat core symptoms of autism in this population, as well as common associated symptoms such as anxiety, compulsive behaviors and agitation, said Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele, M.D., assistant professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center investigator. Individuals, families and clinicians currently have to make decisions together, often in a state of desperation, without clear guidance on what might make things better and what might make things worse, and too often, people with … Continue reading →

Public release date: 28-Sep-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Jane E. Rubinstein jrubinstein@rubenstein.com 212-843-8287 Autism Speaks New York, N.Y. (September 28, 2012) Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, today announced the awarding of new research grants totaling nearly $5 million. "Autism Speaks is committed to continuing our research which has tremendous potential to increase our understanding of autism and addressing the needs of individuals with autism," said Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright, "and we are grateful to the donors who make this research possible." This round of grants includes studies of pre-and post-natal environmental risk factors and their interaction with autism risk genes; prenatal supplements for reducing autism risk; a web-based autism screening tool; new approaches for teaching language to nonverbal children with autism; an intervention to expand food choices in adolescents with autism who are picky eaters; a community-based parent-training program to promote social communication; acamprosate, an experimental medication for relieving social disabilities; identification of biomarkers that can predict response to autism medications; a large-scale evaluation of autism prevalence and risk factors in South Asia; and new interventions for enhancing social interaction, language and motor development. "With each round of research grants we're … Continue reading →

Eyewitness News NEW YORK (WABC) -- Stroke is the third largest killer in America. Strokes kill 140,000 people each year. They're often caused by a blood clot that blocks a brain artery. Doctors now can use a hi-tech device to reach in and remove the clot. Drugs called clot-busters can dissolve the clot. But when they don't work, a wire mesh catheter may save a victim's life. Georgia Moini, 74, had a stroke two weeks ago after a family get-together that would have killed her if not for the quick action of her husband and son. She remembers cleaning up after her husband stepped out of the house to say goodbye to his folks, then she collapsed on the floor. Georgia's husband John Moini went over and said "do you want me to help you up?" When she didn't answer, he knew there was a problem. Georgia's stroke responded to the wire device mentioned earlier, which literally pulled out the blood clot that was blocking blood flow to almost the entire left side of her brain. Georgia's ER CAT scan showed the left side of her brain orange and red which shows abnormal blood flow and the risk of a … Continue reading →

CALGARY, Sept. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Researchers from across Canada and around the world are gathering in Calgary for the largest-ever Canadian Stroke Congress, drawing much-needed attention to one of society's leading health issues. The Canadian Stroke Congress runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre. A joint initiative of the Canadian Stroke Network, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Stroke Consortium, the congress brings together leading experts from basic research, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and health promotion. Over 100 speakers will cover diverse topics, including: "The Congress delivers an appealing blend of research innovation, clinical best practices, hands-on workshops, and big-picture thinking," says Congress Co-chair Dr. Michael Hill of the Calgary Stroke Program. "The Canadian Stroke Congress is the place to meet, interact and network with the best and brightest in stroke care in Canada and beyond," says Dr. Mark Bayley, Co-chair of the Canadian Stroke Congress." "A stroke occurs in Canada every 10 minutes," says Ian Joiner, director of stroke for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "Huge progress has been made in stroke treatment and prevention but there's still much to be done. This Congress brings together Canada's stroke community, focused, united and determined … Continue reading →