Gene test hope for common epilepsy

[izabsmiling]

Gene test hope for common epilepsy thanks to researchers in Universities of Melbourne and South Australia

AUSTRALIAN researchers have discovered a gene they believe is responsible for the most common form of epilepsy, opening the door to genetic screening.

The researchers also suspect a link between this gene and other neurological issues, such as autism and some psychiatric disorders.

The discovery, by researchers at the Universities of Melbourne and South Australia, has been described as a major breakthrough.

Until now, many experts believed this type of epilepsy came from a neurological trauma, such as a hit on the head.

"This is going to completely shift thinking," Professor Ingrid Scheffer, the study's senior author and a paediatric neurologist, said. "Instead of saying 'we don't know the cause', they can test for this gene."

About 25 genes for rarer types of epilepsy have already been found - more than half of them by Australian scientific groups.

But this gene causes focal epilepsy, which affects 60 per cent of people with epilepsy.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/gene-test-hope-for-common-epilepsy-thanks-to-researc...

[izabsmiling]

I agree with the researcher.This is a major breakthrough

[izabsmiling]

Are there any other posters who have epilepsy ?

[topsidesoul]

Me, no mention of it being used for any type of cure or being able to switch that gene off.

[izabsmiling]

Hi Soul, The identification of the gene may lead to things like that in the future.

[topsidesoul]

If it wasn't for epilepy I would have been in Afghanistan.

Not sure if that would have been a good or bad thing?

[izabsmiling]

It could be both Soul, both good and bad 🙂

if the reason you couldn't go was because were uncontrolled at the time ...that in itself isn't good .If that was the case I hope that all is OK now.

or was it just having the diagnosis that prevented you going ? 

It's always harder when it's something you really want to do ...I've always wanted to deep sea dive but have never found anyone who would take me down (not even a good friend who used to give lessons).Though he was perhaps more concerned about the associated risks for my sake than anything else .

[izabsmiling]

I have accepted that it is something I can't do 

[izabsmiling]

Bid for epilepsy early warning system

Updated: 09:10, Thursday May 2, 2013

Scientists have developed an early warning device that could dramatically improve the quality of life of epileptic adults, according to an Australian professor who tested the system.

The small, brain implant is designed to predict the onset of seizures in adults who have epilepsy that does not respond to treatment.

Knowing when a seizure is likely to happen would help people avoid dangerous activities such as driving or swimming. It might also be possible for them to take fast-acting drugs to prevent the imminent seizure, says Professor Mark Cook from the University of Melbourne.

The technology, developed by US company NeuroVista, detects abnormal electrical activity in the brain that precedes a seizure. It uses electrodes implanted between the skull and brain surface which constantly monitor electrical activity.

 read more http://www.skynews.com.au/health/article.aspx?id=868732

[izabsmiling]

If anyone is interested ..this has some promising news re epilepsy 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/topic/epilepsy