Device to control seizures Implant for epileptics

Sunday Herald Sun, 10-09-2006, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 017, , NEWS   Health reporter Suellen Hinde   Sam Crawford will be one of the first people in the world to be fitted with a breakthrough device to cure his painful and debilitating epilepsy. Sam, 22, developed epilepsy as a result of an infection when three. It caused him to have up to 150 seizures a day. In a trial by Melbourne scientists, a small bionic device that reads signs of convulsions will be implanted in  his brain.   As it monitors the brain waves and detects abnormalities, scientist say it will deliver an electrical current or drug to the brain to stop the seizure.   The pioneering treatment is expected on the market within 3 years. It could mean an end to crippling seizures for about 150,000 Epileptics in Australia and millions worldwide.   Sam’s father, Graeme, said his son’s seizures could leave him unconscious for up to an hour.   “Sam, reaches a state where he has muscle spasms, incontinence and can stop breathing” Mr Crawford said. “At the moment he cannot be left unsupervised. “We have tried everything. We have had cocktails of Medications and brain surgery. “ I am getting old. He must be fixed before I die”   St. Vincents Hospital neurosurgeon Professor Mark Cook – head researcher for Biotechnology Australia – said: “We have known electrical current can stop a seizure, but until now there has been no way to deliver it to the brain. “We can implant a ‘micro computer’ device and connect it to the brain through engineered tissue.

Cent_Wa_Epilepsy_Support@yahoogroups.com wrote:

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1. NEW MEDS?
From: amanda sawyer


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1. NEW MEDS?
Posted by: "amanda sawyer" mandasue2000@... mandasue2000
Date: Wed Sep 6, 2006 8:48 pm (PDT)

MY DAUGHTER HAS HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH HER MEDS. AND NOW WE ARE GETTING READY TO CHANGE THEM AGIAN DOSE ANYONE KNOW IF KEPPRA IS A GOOD MED. WITH FEW SIDE EFFECTS? THANKS SO MUCH AMANDA!!!!

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