New drug may treat Epilepsy in children

There is hope children with a certain type of epilepsy could soon be able to cut their rate of seizures by up to two thirds.

Tests have shown a new drug can help those who suffer frequent seizures.

Scientists hope by targetting a particular receptor in the brain with the drug the number of seizures could be significantly reduced.

University of New South Wales researcher Margaret Morris says there are already some drugs out there, but they hope to improve them.

“Some people don’t get much relief and some people have unacceptable side effects like weight gain,” Professor Morris said.

“So the search for better treatments is always important because we hope to be able to treat the seizures and prevent side effects.”

Currently some of those with certain types of epilepsy can suffer up to hundreds of seizures a day.