Epilepsy Research

Fascinating research is being done in Ontario to find ways to improve the lives of people with epilepsy. 

This work is being done through EpLink--The Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute. A team at Toronto Western Hospital, is researching the use of brain stimulation to help stop or prevent seizures. So far they've found it has been effective in stopping seizures in animals. I hope it has the same effect on humans.

In another study, by a group at the Hospital for Sick Children, a computer-based program using brain-wave patterns is being developed to predict seizure activity in those with drug-resistant epilepsy. How wonderful if an individual could be warned about an upcoming seizure. This would be life-changing for those who don't receive any warnings or auras about imminent seizures. Imagine walking across a road, and suddenly falling to the ground convulsing? With a warning an individual would know to lie down in a safe place, thus reducing the likelihood of injuries. I can't imagine how many emergency room visits for broken bones, concussions and cuts this would help to eliminate.

In another study, researchers in Hamilton are looking at the possibility of children with epilepsy starting the ketogenic diet at home rather than in hospital. The diet,which has been proven effective for managing seizures in some children, is typically started in the hospital. This is done for safety reasons, but this means the child must wait for a hospital bed to become available, and must spend time away from home. 

A new approach would have the diet--which is high in fats, low in carbohydrates and provides adequate protein--begun in the child's own home, instead of the hospital. By starting the diet at home, there will be less waiting time, less disruption for the child and fewer expenses for the Province.  It would also make the diet more accessible to more children. Before the at-home approach can be widely used, however, it must be proven as safe and as effective as starting the diet in hospital. If the at-home approach proves to be safe and effective, it could become standard practice in Ontario. 

At Toronto Western Hospital researchers are studying a different approach to diet therapy-- one which involves adding fish oil to a normal diet. Fish oil – available over-the-counter at pharmacies and health food stores – is a food supplement rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. 

A previous study showed that children taking fish oil supplements had fewer and less severe seizures. The goal of this study is to test whether fish oil supplements can also help adults with epilepsy. One round of the study has been completed and analyses are ongoing to determine the next steps.

I sure hope it works. How lovely life would be if the addition of fish oils actually prevented or reduced seizures. No brain surgery! No horrible diet! No seizures every day! Just swallow your fish oil supplements and see an improvement in the number and severity of seizures.

This reminds me of a study James participated in at Sick Kids when he was four years old. It involved giving him large doses of Vitamin E once a day for three months. Oh, the fantasies I had of his seizures being eliminated by a large, miraculous spoonful of Vitamin E! No such luck. Vitamin E didn't hurt him, but it didn't help him either. Still, it was nice to dream.

On a sunnier note, here are sunflowers fresh from my neighbour's garden. Aren't they gorgeous!