News

We have published a new mini-site on the subject of Medicinal Cannabis and epilepsy.  This is a topic which is of great interest to many people with epilepsy and parents of children of epilepsy.

Our mini-site has aimed to provide clear and concise information for people on the topic and discusses the evidence that has emerged over the last number of years; access programmes that currently exist and other relevant information on the subject. 

As you know, in the lead up to Purple Day® 2021, we launched the #PurplePatchForPurpleDay challenge. 

This challenge asked people to stay safe in lockdown and do a little bit of knitting for the person with epilepsy in their lives or to just lend a hand to help raise awareness in the lead up to Purple Day®.

All we can say is WOW!!!

Procurement Leaders have today announced a year-long partnership with Epilepsy Ireland in support of our work on behalf of people with epilepsy across Ireland. 

The Irish Epilepsy Leage (IEL) Council - the Irish branch of the International League Against Epilepsy - has launched a new iniative aimed at recognising and rewarding excellence in epilepsy research conducted in Ireland. 

We are delighted to announce that our Training For Success Course Manager, Maire Tansey, has been acknowledged in the European Federation of Neurology Associations Advocacy (EFNA) Advocacy Awards.

The biannual awards recognise the contribution of an individual or group to the development and promotion of advocacy for people with neurological disorders in Europe. The topic this year was ‘Action against stigma’.

To mark Brain Awareness Week 2021, our colleagues in the Neurological Alliance of Ireland(NAI) have launched a report on the resourcing of neurology services in Ireland. 

The report is an update to a similar paper published 5 years ago and offers an update on how access to services currently stand. Unfortunately, the report notes that there is significant progress to be made when it comes to improving access to neurological services in Ireland.

The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) have issued their recommendation to the HSE regarding the reimbursement of Epidyolex.

Epidyolex is a cannabidiol (CBD) medication which through clinical trials has been shown to have a positive impact in the treatment of two rare epilepsies – namely Lennox Gastaut Syndrome & Dravet Syndrome.

The Midlands offices of Epilepsy Ireland, the Migraine Association of Ireland, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland have announced details of a week-long series of seminars to support people who are living with neurological conditions, their families, friends and carers.

A new study from Iran which focussed on the impact of COVID-19 in patients with epilepsy has recently been published in the medical journal Acta Neurologica Scandinavica.

The findings present some welcome news, reiterating that there is no evidence that people with epilepsy are more susceptible or more adversely affected by COVID-19. However, the researchers also found that COVID-19 may present differently in people with epilepsy compared with people without epilepsy.

In their latest meeting, members of Wexford County Council passed a motion supporting the issue of Free Travel for People with Epilepsy and for Reasonable Accommodations for students with epilepsy who may have a seizure during state examinations.

The passing of the motion follows a similar decision from Louth County Council earlier this year. The motion in Wexford was submitted by Cllr. George Lawlor.