March 13, 2012 Barbara Turnbull A new survey about the impact of epilepsy reveals that many of the 300,000 Canadians who live with and suffer from the common neurological condition face serious obstacles to health, treatment options and satisfying social lives. Its the second most common neurological condition next to headaches, but a lack of understanding and support causes social isolation, work barriers and relationship issues for those living with the disorder. The Impact of Epilepsy on Canadians is the first survey to explore the challenges faced by adults living with epilepsy on life and health issues. It solidifies what they hear anecdotally from clients, according to Epilepsy Ontarios executive director Rozalyn Werner-Arce. This survey confirms for us what the issues are and starts to give us some real numbers that we can go forward with and to advocate for better supports, services and treatments for people, she says. The survey makes it clear that epilepsy, a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, has severe impact on independence, productivity and overall quality of life. Seventy per cent of epileptics control their seizures with medication, but they still feel the stigma, the survey shows. It also revealed inadequate access to specialized … Continue reading →

Public release date: 14-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Richard Pietzak riz2008@med.cornell.edu 212-821-0560 New York- Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center/Weill Cornell Medical College NEW YORK (March 14, 2012) -- Nationwide ambulance use by patients suffering from a stroke has not changed since the mid-1990s, even though effective stroke treatments are now available. In a study published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center found that the number of stroke victims transported via ambulance has remained relatively static over the years, highlighting the need for more education about stroke symptoms and the importance of early intervention. The study, led by Dr. Hooman Kamel, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell and assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, analyzed data collected by the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) between 1997 and 2008. "People do not always recognize the seriousness of stroke symptoms, or instead of calling 911, they may call their primary care physician for an appointment and lose valuable time as the damage becomes irreversible," says Dr. Kamel. Based on 1,605 cases, the study found that just 51 percent of adults diagnosed with stroke in … Continue reading →

NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Research on Ambulance Use Underscores Need to Urgently Recognize Stroke Symptoms Newswise NEW YORK (March 14, 2012) -- Nationwide ambulance use by patients suffering from a stroke has not changed since the mid-1990s, even though effective stroke treatments are now available. In a study published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center found that the number of stroke victims transported via ambulance has remained relatively static over the years, highlighting the need for more education about stroke symptoms and the importance of early intervention. The study, led by Dr. Hooman Kamel, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell and assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, analyzed data collected by the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) between 1997 and 2008. "People do not always recognize the seriousness of stroke symptoms, or instead of calling 911, they may call their primary care physician for an appointment and lose valuable time as the damage becomes irreversible," says Dr. Kamel. Based on 1,605 cases, the study found that just 51 percent of adults diagnosed with stroke in emergency departments nationwide arrived via ambulance, with no significant change over … Continue reading →

E-mail this page to a friend! Health & Medicine for Senior Citizens JAMA Study Finds People with Stroke Symptoms Still Not Calling 911 Study showing ambulance use for fast, effective treatment not increasing; urgent need to recognize stroke symptoms- see videos March 14, 2012 Despite the efforts to inform the public of the urgency for rapid treatment for stroke victims and the effective treatments now available, the number of patients using an ambulance for rapid transportation to a treatment center has not changed since the mid-1990s. In a study published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center say their research highlights the need for even more education about stroke symptoms and the importance of early intervention. The study, led by Dr. Hooman Kamel, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell and assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, analyzed data collected by the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) between 1997 and 2008. "People do not always recognize the seriousness of stroke symptoms, or instead of calling 911, they may call their primary care physician for an appointment and lose valuable time as the damage becomes irreversible," says … Continue reading →