Cerebral Palsy, Ohtahara Syndrome and seizures

Although he seemed healthy at birth, Ivan's parents knew within days that something was wrong.

Doctors soon gave the Camerons a distressing prognosis - their little boy was not expected to survive beyond his third birthday.

He was severely disabled by both cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

The combination of these conditions is quite common, but in Ivan's case it was even more serious because he also had Ohtahara syndrome.

Samantha Cameron with her son Ivan last year. He had severe cerebral palsy that required nursing around the clock

This is an extremely rare complication of epilepsy, affecting just one in 500 sufferers, and boys more than girls.

It is caused by an underlying structural brain abnormality which might have a genetic origin or, more likely, is the result of brain damage before or around the time of birth.

It is rarely an inherited disorder and it is thought only four families in the world have two affected children.

Seizures start before the baby is three months old. Most die before the age of three, often due to chest infections or pneumonia.

A phenomenon known as sudden unexplained death in epilepsy is also a constant fear.

Babies with Ohtahara syndrome - which was first described in medical textbooks only 30 years ago - are often very floppy, excessively sleepy and over time develop stiffness in their limbs.

Medication has limited effect and the children make little developmental progress, being totally dependent on others.

They often feed poorly and their sleep is punctuated by seizures and muscle spasms - between ten and 300 every 24 hours, which make round-the-clock care a necessity. Some people with cerebral palsy suffer only minor problems but, as in Ivan's case, others have severe disabilities.

David Cameron with sons, Ivan (left), and Arthur, talking to Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu after attending Christmas Day service at York Minster

Depending on which part of the brain is damaged, the cerebral palsy can lead to problems with sight, hearing, perception and learning difficulties.

There are three types of cerebral palsy: spastic, dyskinetic and ataxic and generally relate to which part of the brain has been affected.

Treatments to reduce the impact of the condition include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy - much provided by Scope, the charity once known as the Spastics Society. Surgery can correct severe deformities and medication can remove muscle spasms.

No two cases of cerebral palsy are the same - with the condition ranging from minor walking problems to severe disabilities.

Ivan was unable to walk or talk. He was fed drugs and liquid food through a tube in his abdomen and required 24-hour care.

All the different types of epilepsy affect more than 450,000 people in the UK.

Epilepsy in general is defined by having recurrent seizures (sometimes called fits).

A seizure is caused by a sudden burst of excess electrical activity in the brain, which causes disruption to the way messages pass along the body's systems.

The number and type of seizures will vary from person to person and there are many different associated syndromes.

Scientists know about 40 different types of seizure alone and a person may have more than one type.

Sometimes the reasons for epilepsy are known - such as brain damage suffered during a difficult birth or a stroke which starves the brain of oxygen.

However, most people with the condition (60 per cent) will not know the reason behind their epilepsy.

There is no current cure for epilepsy but medication can help control seizures and allow people to live as normal a life as possible.

What can cause seizures in pets?

Many of the things that we enjoy eating can make dogs very sick and some things can even kill them. Here are a few of the things your dog should never have.

Chocolate- Chocolate contains a chemical called Theo bromine which dogs cannot seem to metabolize. Milk chocolate contains lower levels but dark chocolate and baking chocolate have enough to potentially kill, even in small quantities. Theo bromine attacks the central nervous system and causes symptoms such as restlessness, quivering and vomiting. Higher doses can cause seizures, coma and even death.

Acetaminophen- Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It can be fatal to both dogs and cats.

Garlic, onions and chives- All fine in low doses garlic, chives and onions are toxic to dogs when consumed in large amounts.

Grapes and raisons- Even in small amounts, gapes and raisons are highly toxic and should never be given to dogs. Although veterinarians do not yet know why they are so toxic, they do agree that they can quickly cause non-specific renal (kidney) failure. Dogs become so sick that euthanasia is almost always the end result.

For more info: Contact K9 Superstarz Dog Training at (720) 382-8113 or visit us the web at www.k9superstarz.com

Rare seizure disorder takes toddler's life!

She lived for only 20 months, but a Phoenix woman hopes her daughter's memory will live on and help draw attention to a rare deadly disease.

ABC15 first started following the story of Teresa Villalpando back in May. The girl had just turned 1. Weeks before what would be her only birthday, she was diagnosed with Sandhoff disease.

The disease is a rare genetic disorder that deteriorates the nervous system. The disease kills its victims before the age of three. Teresa was one of only a very few documented cases of the disease in Arizona.

Teresa died Thursday. She lived four months longer than doctors expected.

Teresa started showing symptoms of the disease when she was just two months old and got worse from there. Her mother Liahla Roberts says many doctors didn't know anything about the disease and it wasn't diagnosed until months later.

"I didn't know what to do, my baby was not well and no one could tell me what was wrong." Roberts said. She documented Teresa’s life on her website. In the following excerpt she describes when she realized something was wrong.

“We had never seen this before – my baby turning blue, then purple. ‘Quick, watch the kids! Lets go to the hospital’. Weeks with no sleep soon turned into months. Hospital after hospital telling me it was just a cold and that she would get better soon. ‘Get some sleep,’ the doctors would tell me, until the right doctor listened and said, ‘We have to do something now.’"

Cat scans, MRIs, and a slew of tests followed as Teresa continued to get worse.

Roberts says over time Teresa would gain some skills and then lose them again.

Infants with Sandhoff lose motor skills such as turning over, sitting, and crawling. As the disease progresses, infants develop seizures, vision and hearing loss, mental retardation and paralysis.

"It's difficult as a mom to go through this," said Teresa's mother Liahla Roberts told ABC15 during one of her daughter's numerous hospital stays. "She is an angel. There is some reason she is here."

Since her daughter's diagnosis, Roberts has been fighting to draw more attention to the disease. The disease is a form of Tay-Sachs.

A specialist explains that in order for the disease to be passed on both parents must be carriers of the gene that causes it, and even in that circumstance it occurs about 25 percent of the time.

Roberts spent countless hours caring for her daughter at home despite having to care for her other five young children. She had to monitor the girl twenty-four hours a day, clearing her throat and nasal passages. As the disease progresses, the children even lose the ability to cough.

"I'm honored to be her mother," said Roberts.

Through various fundraisers like carwashes, and concerts, Roberts has managed to make a lot of connections with the community, helping people understand what the disease is through her daughter.

The money raised will go to Teresa's funeral expenses and to research for the disease. Roberts intends to continue to raise money for research in her daughter’s memory.

Viewing for Baby Teresa will be Thursday February 26th from 5pm to 8 pm, at Thompson’s Valley West at 926 Litchfield Road in Goodyear.

Funeral services are Friday February 27th at St. John Vianney Catholic Church at 539 E. La Pasada in Goodyear at 9 am.

Seizures affect development of 19 years old young woman

Hi, everyone. Happy New Year. I started off the New Year with a cold and a seizure.

Margaret Gaer lives in West Des Moines. She's 19, a Valley High School student. Her seizures come about once a week, sometimes twice a day. No one is quite sure what causes them or how to stop them, but they have left her to function as a 4- or 5-year-old child.

My mom and I heard fireworks last night, but we couldn't see them in the sky. I love fireworks.

Gaer's mother, Sally, keeps a blog to chronicle how her daughter copes with the seizures. She posts the messages in Margaret's voice. This one's dated Jan. 1, 2008:

We go to Florida on the 10th, so my mom had to explain to me that we don't leave at 10 a.m., but on the 10th.

The Give Kids the World Village in Orlando is a place where "families do not have to worry about tomorrow." The trip was paid for by the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which helps children who suffer from rare diseases.

The Gaers, though, do worry about tomorrow.

The seizures started when Margaret was 4 months old. Doctors think they might be caused by a childhood vaccine shot. They didn't diagnose her condition until about two years ago, after researchers uncovered a rare and extreme form of epilepsy called Dravet's syndrome. It affects as few as one in 40,000 people.

The seizures used to last up to 25 minutes. One was more than an hour. Now they mostly come when Margaret is asleep.

Her parents do what they can. But Margaret still gets upset when she has to go to school. She doesn't handle new situations well.

Sometimes her father, Steve, takes her for a ride around town to look for animals. Margaret loves animals. And babies. And dancing. And the color green.

Her 19th birthday was Sunday. There was a party with cake, puzzles and games. Margaret got a green iPod.

But perhaps her most special gift arrived six months ago. Her name is Emma.

Sally Gaer had heard on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that dogs can be trained to detect seizures and call 911 for help. So she researched the possibility and found 4 Paws for Ability, a training center in Xenia, Ohio.

She applied.

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Oh, my! I'm so excited, I got my e-mail from Emma today. She has been working hard to be the best dog ever for me.

The blog post is from July, about two weeks before Margaret and her parents traveled to Ohio.

The Gaers had to raise almost $10,000 for Emma's training. Then they sent two of Margaret's undershirts - one that she wore while having a seizure and one not - each week for about five months. The experts say there's a 78 percent chance that Emma will be able to tell the difference and know instinctively what to do next.

Here's part of the e-mail to Margaret:

I have not had a very best girlfriend before, so will you show me the ropes? ... I know just what you smell like and bet I could pick you out in a crowd without ever having set eyes on you! Love and doggie kisses, Emma.

Margaret and her parents trained with Emma in Ohio. Nine days, six hours a day.

Day 2: Wow, Emma slept with me all night. I had a big seizure at 4:30 a.m., but she didn't really understand. She was very calm, but didn't do much else. I slept most of the day through class.

Day 3: I had another seizure today, at 6:30 a.m., and Emma didn't get it. ... It's just all so overwhelming, but I know she'll get it 'cause she's so smart.

Day 8: I have had a few seizures, one when Emma wasn't here, one when she was here, but she doesn't get it yet. Jeremy, the trainer, said it would take time before she will get it. ... Please pray she gets it, 'cause Mom is sad about it so far.

On Day 10, Margaret and Emma graduated. They traveled back to West Des Moines and got ready for a new school year. They have barely been apart since.


Making new friends has always been difficult for Margaret.

Few of the neighborhood kids or her classmates have wanted - or been allowed by their parents - to play with her. Those who did quickly outgrew Margaret.

On Friday mornings, she goes with other Valley students who are disabled to Target, or the mall, or the library. They learn how to open doors, say "please" and "thanks," and pay for things with money. Even in the group, Margaret finds it hard to fit in. She can't talk very well, and she has mood swings.

Sometimes when she gets really excited, she grabs other students' hands too tightly.

It's been six months since the 4 Paws graduation. Sally and Steve, who is West Des Moines' mayor, have worked tirelessly to help Emma detect seizures. Nothing has worked yet.

Friends and relatives sometimes post on Margaret's blog. This one's from Lisa H.:

Margaret, don't give up hope. I know that Emma will understand her job soon. And when she does, won't she be great for you and your mom?

The trainers will ask for Emma to come back to Ohio for an evaluation soon, at which time the Gaers could opt for a new dog. They say they might have to. It's important for Margaret that the experiment work.

Until then, Emma will stay by her best girlfriend's side.

She doesn't seem to care when she's squeezed too tight.

Is there a link between Autism, a vaccine and the seizures it may cause?

For parents who believe that childhood vaccinations can cause autism, this week's ruling by a special federal court that no apparent link exists between autism and one common vaccine is hardly the end of the matter.

"This doesn't put this issue to rest, and scientific research is going to continue" into possible connections between vaccines and autism, said Ellen Cicconi of North Strabane, who has two sons who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

"The interaction of the environment and autism is an area that needs to be explored," she said, "and I don't think vaccines are the only environmental issue of concern here."

Special masters appointed by the vaccine court in Washington ruled Thursday in three test cases that there is no evidence to support a connection between autism and the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, with or without the mercury preservative thimerosal.

Those who have been following the court's work say that could be followed in the near future by a separate ruling that thimerosal also isn't linked to autism when it is used with other vaccines.

Cindy Waeltermann, of McCandless, is another parent who isn't convinced by the court's ruling.

Mrs. Waeltermann, who runs a parent support group called AutismLink and also has two sons with the disorder, said, "We're disappointed, obviously, and it's not just parents in Pittsburgh but all over the autism community, because we still feel that vaccinations played a large part in our children's autism."

Mrs. Waeltermann stressed that she was speaking for parents who believe vaccines are a culprit in autism and not for AutismLink, which takes no official stance on the issues. "Some of our parents believe it's genetic, and some believe it's biomedical. I happen to believe it's both."

"None of us are anti-vaccine," Mrs. Waeltermann insisted. "I just think there are too many vaccinations too soon." Noting that children today routinely get more than 20 vaccinations in their first 18 months of life, she said, "I never had to get that many, and I never died or had any hideous disease."

She said she was particularly disappointed in December, when a federal panel overseeing new research into autism switched directions and decided it would not fund any studies into the vaccine-autism link.

She got backing on that point from one noted autism researcher, Geraldine Dawson, medical director of Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism advocacy group.

The last-minute decision by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee to eschew vaccine research "happened extremely quickly," Dr. Dawson said. "There should have been more time for public input, especially when there was going to be a change in something people feel so emotional and passionate about."

The turnaround could have the unintended effect of making many people mistrust the nation's childhood vaccinations system even more, she said.

Dr. Dawson said Autism Speaks plans to continue funding research into possible vaccine-autism links.

One study will examine whether children who have a rare disorder known as mitochondrial disease are especially vulnerable to developing autism after they are vaccinated. Another study in the early planning stages would look at whether children who are prone to getting seizures after vaccinations are also at greater risk for autism.

But Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said he thinks the vaccine court's rulings should put an end to the debate.

"It would be nice if autism advocacy organizations actually advocated for children with autism," Dr. Offit said. "Instead, they are anti-vaccine organizations, and the fact of the matter is vaccines have nothing to do with autism and it's high time that these organizations stopped deluding people into thinking that vaccines do have something to do with autism and started focusing on the real causes of autism," which he strongly believes are genetic.

Nancy Minshew, director of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Excellence in Autism Research, seconded Dr. Offit, in more muted tones.

"I just hope families can carefully consider the comments of the judges who heard all the evidence and truly realize that valid scientific evidence does not support a connection between vaccines and autism," Dr. Minshew said. "I also hope this begins to end the death threats and character assassination against scientists and physicians who have tried to convey the science of this to the public."

Dr. Offit said the vaccine controversy had diverted energy and money that is needed for research into the genetics of autism. "It's a dead-end hypothesis, and it's time to move on. By continuing to have this notion that never ends, I think it keeps us from going after the true causes of autism."

Mark Roth can be reached at mroth@post-gazette.com or at 412-263-1130.

Brain damage due to birthing process, seizures are a result of it in this case!

The first time Timmy Fenlon almost died, he was younger than two years old.

It was a summer night in 1992, and the Fenlons, from Fayetteville, were visiting Timmy's grandmother at Amelia Island, Fla.

He was only 18 months old at the time, but Timmy enjoyed the trip and the kind of attention that is usually given to the very little and very special.

He was different than most children his age.

The usual baby milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, walking and talking, had eluded him because of brain damage suffered during the birthing process.

The Fayetteville Observer reported that the Fenlons could only feel joy when they looked at their son. Everybody did. Even as a baby, there was something unique about the way Timmy expressed love for everyone he met.

Besides, they knew the rest would come eventually. Timmy was happy, and otherwise healthy.

But they weren't prepared for the seizure that would change their lives forever.

Around 8:30 that night, Eileen Fenlon, Timmy's mother, went to check on her son, not long after she'd put him to bed.

Walking into his room, Eileen smelled a strange, sickly smell. At first, she thought it was a dirty diaper. But when she got closer, she realized her son was covered in vomit and had stopped breathing.

Fenlon'smother-in-law, who is a nurse, began performing CPR, while Eileen called 911 and her husband, Tim, flagged down the ambulance.

The Fenlons didn't know it at the time, but Timmy was having the first of what would become hundreds of seizures. They were seizures that could last for days or weeks. And, eventually, they would leave Timmy with a brain so damaged he would become incapable of eating or walking by himself.

Now that he's 18, death is still a shadow in Timmy's room, hidden somewhere behind his favorite Barney DVDs, and buried underneath his laughter and hand-clapping.

His seizures are mostly under control with medication and medical devices, but his brain has been damaged beyond repair, and there's no certainty of anything in the Fenlon household.

Since that night in Florida, the family has learned to stay home when they can, and stay close to a hospital if they can't.

Timmy is unable to tell his parents when he feels bad, or when a seizure could be coming on. They only know that when his smile disappears, something is wrong.

Mostly, it's the uncertainty that gets them, but it also makes them grateful for each day they have with their son. They can only assume he will continue to have seizures, and they will leave him more helpless than he already is.

So when Eileen Fenlon heard about actor John Travolta's son, Jett, who died last month at 16 from a seizure disorder, she wanted to say something. She wanted people to know what it's like to live in the shadow of the next seizure, and that it's probably more common than many people realize.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 2.5 million Americans suffer from epilepsy, a medical condition that causes seizures. And more people suffer from seizure disorders not necessarily associated with epilepsy.

For some, a seizure — which Eileen Fenlon likens to an electrical storm in the brain — is a one-time occurrence, brought on by circumstances such as high fevers, a severe head injury or something that has cut off oxygen to the brain.

For others, it's a childhood problem that is eventually outgrown.

But for Timmy, it's a life sentence, according to his pediatric neurologist, Dr. David Jaffe.

Jaffe treats more than 1,000 children with seizure disorders at any given time, as well as many adults at his offices in Fayetteville and Cary.

"I have children that come to me who have multiple seizures per day, and some who only have four or five seizures a year," he said.

Some of the seizures last for seconds, he said, while others, like Timmy's, can last more than a week.

Jaffe said he doesn't know enough about Jett Travolta's seizure disorder to understand what went wrong — too little information was released on the subject.

Lawyers for John Travolta were quoted as saying the boy suffered from grand mal seizures, in which the victim loses consciousness and experiences violent muscle contractions.

The lawyers went on to say that Jett had been taking Depakote, a drug used for treating seizures, but that it had become ineffective, and he quit taking it.

Since going off the drug, Jett was said to have been experiencing about one serious seizure a week, according to the lawyers.

The story frightened Eileen, although Timmy's seizures seemed to have come under control through medication and a vagus nerve stimulator that was implanted in his chest in 2001.

The device, which looks similar to a pacemaker, is wired to the vagus nerve in the neck and sends electric signals to the brain that help prevent the electrical bursts that cause seizures.

Now, when Timmy has a seizure, it's usually stopped before it gets going, which has given the Fenlons peace of mind and a better quality of life, Jaffe said.

While the seizures have taken their toll, Timmy still loves to smile and give hugs to anyone who'll have one.

And despite what his family has been through, somehow it works, Jaffe said.

"I think a person and a society should be judged for how they treat people who are most vulnerable," he said. "Maybe knowing him, you can see how he feels about the people who love him and take care of him."

Infantile Spasms

Nicole Parker still remembers where she was sitting when the phone call came. The couch in the living room is still there. The floor is now covered by colorful pieces of foam tile, where her 16-month-old daughter Aubrey plays.

It was an April day. For five months, Parker had suspected that there was something wrong with Aubrey. And on that day a voice on the other end of the phone gave her the answer: Aubrey had infantile spasms.

"I just lost it," she said recently. "I knew it, but I wasn't ready to hear it."

Infantile spasms is a relatively rare seizure disorder in infants. Some estimates show that one in 1,000 infants have IS. Its onset is usually between 3 and 6 months. The typical signs are a sudden bending forward and stiffening of the body, arms and legs, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Individual spasms last only a few seconds and occur in clusters, ranging from 2 to 100 spasms at a time.

But because the infants' movements are not well-controlled, the condition is sometimes mistaken for reflux or simply goes undiagnosed, marked up as the parents' imagination or just something that the infant will grow out of.

Yet infantile spasms is a serious condition, and if untreated it could turn to epilepsy in later years and lead to significant learning disabilities and other seizure disorders.

There are a wide range of causes for IS, including a genetic condition called tuberous sclerosis complex. Sometimes the cause is unclear. Though there is no cure for IS, there are treatments that have proven effective in 60 to 80 percent of cases.

Dr. Paul R. Carney, a pediatric neurologist in the Department of Pediatrics at Shands at the University of Florida, estimated that nearly 1 percent of children in Florida have epilepsy that's not well controlled.

He suspected that many babies' seizures begin with infantile spasms.

Parker noticed the first signs when Aubrey was almost 4 months old. She would flail her arms out "as if she was startled. [She would] then bring her head and knees towards her chest while bulging her eyes," Parker recalled. With Aubrey being her first child, she reasoned that the 4-month-old would grow out of it.

Then, she noticed another strange movement. While playing, Aubrey's head would sometimes "drop so quickly and then pop right back up as if nothing had happened. Then a few seconds later she would do the same thing. This would go on for a good three to five minutes long and then she would get very sleepy afterwards," Parker explained.

Family and friends weren't sure what to tell Parker. That was until her parents, who now live with Nicole, and her husband, Cody, saw the head drops, too.

But getting Aubrey diagnosed turned out to be a frustrating process for the Parkers.

The Parkers had to go to two pediatricians until they received a definite diagnosis - on that April day - from the pediatric neurologists at Shands. The first doctor said there was nothing wrong with Aubrey. The second saw the signs and referred the Parkers to specialists at Shands.

"Most pediatricians recognize it, but it depends on their training and background," said Carney, of Shands.

"The condition is sometimes underdiagnosed and underrecognized," he said.

In addition, a lack of research done on children's brain disorders for now limits the available treatment to a steroid called ACTH, for adrenocorticotropic hormone. The drug has proven effective in many cases, but it has its side effects.

IS also affects the infants' development, especially when it's not treated. At 8 months, Aubrey scored at a 1-month-old's level. But after ACTH treatment last year, and a regular regimen of physical therapy, she's catching up, although at 16 months she's not yet walking.

Nicole Parker, who is studying to become a pediatric physical therapist, is now thinking about starting an infantile spasms foundation to raise awareness about the condition and eventually raise funds for parents with no insurance.

The cost of three vials for ACTH is more than $100,000.

Aubrey improved for several months, but her seizures returned again in December, and she recently finished her second round of ACTH treatments.

"Now we'll wait and see what happens," Parker said, watching her cheerful little girl crawl around the living room.

"I always knew I was strong, but this little girl is 10 times stronger than me," Parker said.

Rasmussen’s Encephalitis and seizures

Larissa Harris has a rare brain disease that has left her bedridden.

Her family need your help so that they can bring her home.

Mother of four Chris Harris wants her eldest daughter Larissa to be able to come home on the weekends.

Larissa, who is bedridden, contracted Rasmussen’s Encephalitis early in her life.

The extremely rare brain disease causes progressive inflammation of the brain and affects only one side of the brain.

The inflammation leads to a loss in nerve cells and scar formation, which results in severe disability.

The only cure for the disease is to remove the affected half of the brain.

Larissa’s condition affects her dominant right side, which made the operation not an option.

Now at 27, Larissa still experiences up to 10 seizures a day and is barely able to communicate.

A former student of Merewether High School and the University of Newcastle, Larissa completed her degree in communications in 2005 before her health took a turn for the worse in 2006.

Soon after her 21st birthday she started to experience multiple seizures.

And since then she has lived in Wallsend’s Aged Care Facility.

To bring her home on weekends and special occasions, the family is raising money to buy Larissa specialised equipment.

They aim to raise $9600 in order to buy an electric hospital bed, an electric hoist, a pressure care mattress and high back tilting shower chair for Larissa to use at home.

The equipment being used at the moment is being subsidised by the government but that will soon change as Larissa is staying in residential care during the week, at Wallsend’s Aged Care Facility.

The family, with the help from friends, will hold a giant garage sale this Saturday, February 14, at St John’s Anglican Church Hall in Morehead Street, Lambton, starting from 7.30am.

Before the sale takes place, they are asking for good quality donations to sell at the garage sale – furniture, clothes, books, CDs, crockery, toys and other bric a brac.

People with suitable items to donate can phone Ann on 4952 5619 or Kay on 4969 4286 to arrange a drop off or collection of goods.

Meningitis and seizures

Easir Abedin

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord, usually due to the spread of an infection. The swelling associated with meningitis often triggers the "hallmark" symptoms of this condition, including headache, fever and a stiff neck.

Most cases of meningitis are caused by a viral infection, but bacterial and fungal infections also can lead to meningitis. Depending on the cause of the infection, meningitis can resolve on its own in a couple of weeks - or it can be a life-threatening emergency.

If you suspect that you or someone in your family has signs or symptoms of meningitis, seek medical care right away. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.

Symptoms

It's easy to mistake the early signs and symptoms of meningitis for the flu (influenza). Meningitis symptoms may develop over a period of one or two days and typically include:

A high fever

Severe headache

Vomiting or nausea with headache

Confusion, or difficulty concentrating - in the very young, this may appear as inability to maintain eye contact

Seizures

Sleepiness or difficulty waking up

Stiff neck

Sensitivity to light

Lack of interest in drinking and eating

Skin rash in some cases, such as in viral or meningococcal meningitis

Earlier signs and symptoms that may suggest a serious infection, although not necessarily meningitis, include:

Leg pain

Ice-cold hands and feet

Abnormally pale skin tone

Signs in newborns

Newborns and young infants may not have the classic signs and symptoms of headache and stiff neck. Instead, signs and symptoms of meningitis in this age group may include:

Constant crying

Excessive sleepiness or irritability

Poor feeding

A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby's head (fontanel)

Stiffness in the baby's body and neck

Infants with meningitis may be difficult to comfort, and may even cry harder when picked up.

If you or your child has bacterial meningitis, delaying treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage. In addition, bacterial meningitis can prove fatal in a matter of days. Seek medical care right away if you or anyone in your family has any signs or symptoms.

When to see a doctor

If you or someone in your family has signs or symptoms of meningitis - such as fever, severe headache, confusion, vomiting and stiff neck - seek medical care right away. There's no way to know what kind of meningitis you or your child has without seeing your doctor and undergoing testing.

Viral meningitis may improve without treatment in a few days, but bacterial meningitis is serious and can come on very quickly. If you or your child has bacterial meningitis, the sooner the treatment begins, the better the chances of a recovery without serious complications.

Also talk to your doctor if a family member or someone you work with has meningitis. You may need to take medications to prevent getting sick.

Causes

Meningitis usually results from a viral infection, but the cause may also be a bacterial infection. Less commonly, a fungal infection may cause meningitis. Because bacterial infections are the most damaging, identifying the source of the infection is an important part of developing a treatment plan.

Bacterial meningitis

Acute bacterial meningitis usually occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and migrate to the brain and spinal cord. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges, as a result of an ear or sinus infection or a skull fracture.

A number of strains of bacteria can cause acute bacterial meningitis. The most common include:

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants and young children in the United States. It can also cause pneumonia and ear and sinus infections. When pneumococcal meningitis is associated with an ear infection, it's not always clear which came first - the meningitis or the ear infection - because they usually occur together.

Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). This bacterium is another leading cause of bacterial meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis commonly occurs when bacteria from an upper respiratory infection enter your bloodstream. This infection is highly contagious and may cause local epidemics in college dormitories and boarding schools and on military bases.

Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus). Before the 1990s, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacterium was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis. But new Hib vaccines - available as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule in the United States - have greatly reduced the number of cases of this type of meningitis. When it occurs, it tends to follow an upper respiratory infection, ear infection (otitis media) or sinusitis.

Listeria monocytogenes (listeria). These bacteria can be found almost anywhere - in soil, in dust and in foods that have become contaminated. Contaminated foods have included soft cheeses, hot dogs and luncheon meats. Many wild and domestic animals also carry the bacteria. Fortunately, most healthy people exposed to listeria don't become ill, although pregnant women, newborns and older adults tend to be more susceptible. Listeria can cross the placental barrier, and infections in late pregnancy may cause a baby to be stillborn or die shortly after birth.

Viral meningitis

Viruses cause a greater number of cases of meningitis each year than do bacteria. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own within two weeks. A group of common viruses known as enteroviruses are responsible for about 90 percent of viral meningitis in the United States.

The most common signs and symptoms of enteroviral infections are rash, sore throat, joint aches and headache. Many older children and adults with enteroviral meningitis describe the "worst headache I've ever had." These viruses tend to circulate in late summer and early fall. Viruses associated with mumps, herpes infection, West Nile virus or other diseases also can cause viral meningitis.

Chronic meningitis

Ongoing (chronic) forms of meningitis occur when slow-growing organisms invade the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain. Although acute meningitis strikes suddenly, chronic meningitis develops over four weeks or more. Nevertheless, the signs and symptoms of chronic meningitis - headaches, fever, vomiting and mental cloudiness - are similar to those of acute meningitis. This type of meningitis is rare.

Fungal meningitis: Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon. Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. It's life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication.

Other meningitis causes

Meningitis can also result from noninfectious causes, such as drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as lupus.

Risk factors: Not completing the childhood vaccine schedule increases your risk of meningitis. So do a few other risk factors:

Age. Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children younger than age 5. In the past, bacterial meningitis also usually affected young children. But since the mid-1980s, as a result of the protection offered by current childhood vaccines, the median age at which bacterial meningitis is diagnosed has shifted from 15 months to 25 years.

Living in a community setting. College students living in dormitories, personnel on military bases, and children in boarding schools and child care facilities are at increased risk of meningococcal meningitis, probably because infectious diseases tend to spread quickly wherever large groups of people congregate.

Pregnancy. If you're pregnant, you're at increased of contracting listeriosis - an infection caused by listeria bacteria, which may also cause meningitis. If you have listeriosis, your unborn baby is at risk, too.

Working with animals. People who work with domestic animals, including dairy farmers and ranchers, have a higher risk of contracting listeria, which can lead to meningitis.

Compromised immune system. Factors that may compromise your immune system - including AIDS, diabetes and use of immunosuppressant drugs - also make you more susceptible to meningitis. Removal of your spleen, an important part of your immune system, also may increase your risk.

Complications

The complications of meningitis can be severe. The longer you or your child has the disease without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and of permanent neurological damage, including hearing loss, blindness, loss of speech, learning disabilities, behavior problems and brain damage, even paralysis. Non-neurological complications may include kidney failure and adrenal gland failure. Your adrenal glands produce a number of important hormones including cortisol, which helps your body deal with stress. Bacterial infections of your central nervous system progress quickly. Within a matter of days, the disease can lead to shock and death.

Tests and diagnosis: Your family doctor or pediatrician can diagnose meningitis based on a medical history, a physical exam and certain diagnostic tests. During the exam, your doctor may check for signs of infection around the head, ears, throat and the skin along the spine. You or your child may undergo the following diagnostic tests:

Throat culture. A throat culture can find and identify the bacteria causing throat pain, neck pain and headache, but can't determine what pathogens may be in your spinal fluid.

(To be continued)

Imaging. X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the chest, skull or sinuses may reveal swelling or inflammation. These tests can also help your doctor look for infection in other areas of the body that may be associated with meningitis.

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). The definitive diagnosis of meningitis is often made by analyzing a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is collected during a procedure known as a spinal tap. In people with meningitis, the CSF fluid often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein. CSF analysis may also help your doctor identify the exact bacterium that's causing the illness. Traditionally, it can take up to a week to get these test results. In March 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Xpert EV test, a test that takes only two and one-half hours. This test identifies any genetic material in the CSF from a class of viruses responsible for approximately 90 percent of viral meningitis cases. A positive test tells your doctor you likely have viral meningitis, and a negative test strongly suggests no viral meningitis, making the less common bacterial form of meningitis more likely. This can help those with viral meningitis avoid unnecessary treatment with antibiotics.

Polymerase chain reaction analysis. If your doctor suspects meningitis, he or she may order a DNA-based test known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification to check for the presence of certain causes of meningitis.

If you have chronic meningitis caused by cancer or an inflammatory illness, you may need additional tests.

Treatments and drugs

Bacterial meningitis

Acute bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics that your doctor may choose depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Often, analyzing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid can help identify the bacteria. If you or your child has bacterial meningitis, your doctor may recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic until he or she can determine the exact cause of the meningitis.

If you or your child has bacterial meningitis, your doctor may recommend treatments for brain swelling, shock, convulsions or dehydration. Infected sinuses or mastoids - the bones behind the outer ear that connect to the middle ear - may need to be drained. Any fluid that has accumulated between the brain and the membranes that surround it may also need to be drained or surgically removed.

Viral meningitis

Antibiotics can't cure viral meningitis, and most cases improve on their own in a week or two without therapy. Treatment of mild cases of viral meningitis is usually with bed rest, plenty of fluids and over-the-counter pain medications to help reduce fever and relieve body aches. If the cause of your meningitis is the herpes virus, your doctor may also recommend an antiviral medication aimed at this virus.

Prevention

Meningitis typically results from contagious infections. Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette. You're also at increased risk if you live or work with someone who has the disease.

These steps can help prevent meningitis:

Wash your hands. Careful hand washing is important to avoiding exposure to infectious agents. Teach your children to wash their hands often, especially before they eat and after using the toilet, spending time in a crowded public place or petting animals. Show them how to wash their hands vigorously, covering both the front and back of each hand with soap and rinsing thoroughly under running water.

Stay healthy. Maintain your immune system by getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Cover your mouth. When you need to cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your mouth and nose.

If you're pregnant, take care with food. Reduce your risk of listeriosis if you're pregnant by cooking meat thoroughly and avoiding cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.

Immunizations

Some forms of bacterial meningitis are preventable with the following vaccinations:

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. Children in the United States routinely receive this vaccine as part of the recommended schedule of vaccines, starting at about 2 months of age. The vaccine is also recommended for some adults, including those who have sickle cell disease or AIDS and those who don't have a spleen.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). This vaccine is also part of the regular immunization schedule for children younger than 2 years in the United States. In addition, it's recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 5 who are at high risk of pneumococcal disease, including children who have chronic heart or lung disease or cancer.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). Older children and adults who need protection from pneumococcal bacteria may receive this vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the PPV vaccine for all adults older than 65 and younger adults and children who have weak immune systems, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes or sickle cell anemia, and those who don't have a spleen.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that a single dose of MCV4 be given to children ages 11 to 12 or to any children ages 11 to 18 who haven't yet been vaccinated. However, this vaccine can be given to younger children who are at high risk of bacterial meningitis or who have been exposed to someone with the disease. It's approved for use in children as young as 2 years old.

(The writer is an Assistant Manager Quality Control at NOVO Healthcare and Pharma Ltd)

Heart condition can be linked to seizures!

CARWYN Jones was a healthy 24-year-old who one day, after watching Wales beat France in the Six Nations, collapsed and died just seconds from his front door.

The keen rugby player from Rhydfelin had not been drinking heavily and had no health problems, so when doctors told his mum they had no idea what had caused his death, an earlier tragedy was brought back to the family.

While still grieving for her son, Carol Jones, now 63, was forced to ask herself whether she had lost one of her other sons years ago of the same condition she would later find out claimed the life of Carwyn, inset.

Thirty-four years ago, Carol and husband Bill’s three-year-old son Geraint died four days after being admitted to hospital with suspected meningitis, whilst Carol, a learning disabilities carer, was in hospital preparing to give birth to son Gafyn.

She says she was later told by a medic that Geraint may have suffered an aneurysm – yet on his death certificate it states the child died of a brain tumour.

“For 27 years, I didn’t know why my baby had died,” said the busy mum.

After Carwyn’s shock death, she said: “I could not go through the rest of my life not knowing what killed another one.”

Carwyn was a driver for an industrial manufacturing firm with his older brother Gafyn, and was planning on proposing to his girlfriend of two years, Betty.

“He was a fit, 6ft 5in rugby player who had only ever been to the doctor for sinus problems or the odd dislocation with rugby,” said Carol, now a grandmother of eight.

On March 17, 2001, Betty was waiting at the family home to go for a meal with Carwyn after he had watched the game with friends at the local social club. When he was uncharacteristically late, Betty began walking to the club to look for him – and found him lying in the garden.

Carwyn, who his family say was not a big drinker, had walked part of the way home with a friend who had described him as “bouncing” with high spirits after a good day out – he had collapsed just outside the alleyway near his house.

His parents administered CPR but it was clear the “gentle giant” had died – the only explanation at A&E was that his heart had stopped.

A post-mortem examination failed to find a cause of death, but with memories of Geraint’s passing, Carol was not willing to accept the words “unascertainable cause” on his death certificate.

“A healthy 24-year-old just does not die for no reason,” said Carol. “I was told ‘your son’s dead, you’ve got to go home and get on with your life’.”

Carol spent nine months educating herself in genetics, where by day two she was “drained” but determined not to give up on her research.

After help from a genetics nurse at the University Hospital of Wales she was put in contact with a heart specialist in London, and within a month the whole family had been tested for Brugada syndrome at the Heart Hospital in London – Bill and their 39-year-old daughter Andrea were found to have the same condition.

Brugada syndrome is a condition that causes a disruption of the heart’s normal rhythm and can lead to an abnormality called ventricular arrhythmia, which if left untreated can cause fainting, seizures, breathing difficulties or sudden death.

In most cases, it is passed on by an affected parent, in this case Bill, and the condition is more common in men. But Gafyn has tested clear – as have the couple’s other daughters Terri, 43, and Julie, 40.

Andrea has now been fitted with a defibrillator to monitor her heart, but Bill, 67, decided against it because he was showing no symptoms and had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, which is now in remission.

Andrea’s own children tested clear, but when Carol found out the gene can skip a generation she had her remaining six grandchildren tested – they will now have to be tested every three years.

“It put years on my life again when the kids were tested,” she said.

“Now we’ve all just got to wait – I’m keeping my fingers crossed every time they go.”

While there is no evidence Geraint died of Brugada syndrome all those years ago, Carol says she will always wonder whether if he had it, and she had known, Carwyn may have been saved.

“Back then, they didn’t know it existed and the sad thing is you have to lose one to save another.

“What upsets me most is that if I hadn’t been so determined to look into Carwyn’s death, I could have been burying Andrea behind him.

“There was no reason for our family to be tested for Brugada before Carwyn died – as far as I knew, my family was completely normal.”

On February 27, Carol will be remembering what would have been Carwyn’s 32nd birthday and she says she continues to support cardiac charity Sads UK in memory of him. She said: “When I wasn’t well he was the only one to notice – he was so soft, a real gentle giant.”

“Sads UK does a lot of fundraising for machines in doctor surgeries that detect the condition. But it also needs a specialist to read the results.”

Carol, who said a test on Bill failed to show Brugada in 2004, added: “It’s been a help to know other people are there who understand. You don’t realise how many people have been through what we have – you think you are on your own but you’re not.”

Nutrition and Epilepsy go hand in hand!

We hear a great deal these days about what is a healthy diet. The general recommendations are to: eat a variety of food; maintain a healthy weight; eat a diet low in bad fats but high in goods fats; to use sugar, salt and alcohol in moderation; eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables; and drink four pints of water a day. Good quality nutritional supplements help keep us in optimal health. It will contain all the more important vitamins and minerals and various herbs and other substances. There are also nutrition considerations for those with epilepsy.

Why Those With Epilepsy Need Special Nutrition

People with epilepsy are often more sensitive to the world around them than others, therefore it is important to ensure that their nutrition is as well balanced as possible. There are many potential causes of seizures. Those related to nutrition are hunger, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood), nutritional imbalances, alcohol intoxication and alcohol withdrawal.It is essential to try to remove these possible problems.

Vitamin Deficiencies Caused By Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants, like most pharmaceutical drugs, can deplete the levels of certain nutrients in the body. These deficiencies are as follows.

Anticonvulsant	Nutritional deficiencies caused
Phenobarbitone	Vitamin B6 – PyridoxineVitamin B7 - BiotinVitamin B9 - Folic Acid Vitamin B12 - CobalaminVitamin D Vitamin K Calcium
Phenytoin	Vitamin B1 - ThiamineVitamin B7 - BiotinVitamin B9 - Folic AcidVitamin B12 - CobalaminVitamin DVitamin K Calcium
Carbamazepine	Vitamin B7 - Biotin Vitamin B9 - Folic Acid Vitamin D
Primidone	Vitamin B7 - BiotinVitamin B9 - Folic Acid
Valproic Acid	Vitamin B9 - Folic AcidCopperSeleniumZincCarnitine

Further information on each of these nutrients is given below. Obviously it is important to ensure that you have adequate amounts in your body to counteract these deficiencies.

Nutritional Supplements for Epilepsy

Quality nutritional supplements can be supplemented with any of the nutrients listed below, however you will probably find that most of them are already included in it. Have a look at the list of contents before deciding on further supplements. Vitamin B is a combination of vitamins including thiamine, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid and cobalamin.

When taking vitamin B it is usually better to take a B complex rather than any other individual member. This is because they work together and a balance of the parts is important. If you feel stressed then you will probably require a high intake of a B Complex.

It is often necessary to have a fairly high intake for a short time until you find that you are fairly relaxed, and then cut down the dosage. A daily dosage of 100-200mg may be required, this is best split into doses 2 or 3 times a day.

The best way of judging if you are having too much vitamin B is the colour of your urine. Excess of certain B vitamins will cause it to be very yellow. This is the only side effect and does no damage, but if you find that your urine is still yellow even when you are due to take your next pill, then you are probably having too much and should cut down.

Other symptoms of inadequate vitamin B are tiredness, premenstrual syndrome, lack of appetite, lack of concentration and eye problems. B complex deficiencies are particularly common in those who smoke, drink alcohol, don’t eat much meat and who are on the contraceptive pill.

B6

Is a known properties as an anticonvulsant. However more than 200mg a day of B6 taken regularly for over a year can cause problems. That sort of intake should not be necessary, except as a short term measure. B6 can also be destroyed by some of the anticonvulsants.

Folic acid

Is needed because it is destroyed by many anticonvulsants. It sometimes gives a reduction in seizure frequency and it often gives an improvement in peripheral symptoms such as mental state, mood, intellectual speed, alertness, concentration, self confidence, independence and sociability. However, if you are pregnant and not taking any B supplements it is probably a very good idea to have some extra folic acid or brewer’s yeast.

Biotin

Biotin boosts fatty acid production and the utilisation of other B vitamins, it also promotes healthy nerve tissue. A deficiency in biotin can lead to hair loss, depression, anaemia, insomnia, loss of appetite, muscular pain, nausea, tongue soreness, inflammation and pallor of the skin and mucous membranes and an elevation of blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

B12

A deficiency can lead to tiredness, loss of appetite, poor memory, paranoia, pernicious anaemia and a smooth sore tongue. The best source of B vitamins are brewer’s yeast, yeast extract, offal, wheat and rice. Vitamin D is depleted by the intake of anticonvulsants, supplements should not exceed 10mg. The recommended daily intake in most countries is 2.5mg, although in some countries it is as much as 10mg.

If you spend a reasonable length of time in the sun it is probably not necessary to have supplements. However, in the winter, or if you don’t like the sun, supplements may be necessary. Deficiency is more common in vegetarians and those of Asian descent (due to the diet and skin type). Deficiency symptoms are muscular spasms and weakness, bone pain, and brittle bones.

The best sources of vitamin D are sunlight, fish oil, oily fish, tuna, eggs, butter and milk. Vitamin E has been indicated in research to reduce seizure rate by as much as 50%. Generally it works particularly well when used with selenium.

Vitamin E

Many plant oils have Vitamin E, but cooking destroys it's nutritional properties. The recommended daily intake is at least 30mg. Deficiency will result in apathy, irritability and lack of concentration. It reduces the oxygen needs of the muscles which means that it should help if your problem is affected by a lack of oxygen to the brain, for example, if you have a chest problem. A common intake for treatment is 500IU or more. Deficiency can be caused by contraceptive pills and air pollution. The best sources of vitamin E are vegetable and fish oils, wheatgerm, leafy vegetables, egg yolk, legumes, lettuce, peanuts and wholewheat flour.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K positively affects blood coagulation, bone formation and the conversion of glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver. It increases the resistance to infection in children. It is found in yogurt, alfalfa, egg yolk and green leafy vegetables.

Calcium

This vital mineral can be used with the treatment of epilepsy due to its sedative effects. It also affects the absorption of magnesium, so it is often a good idea to take the two together. It is possible to get pills containing a combination of calcium and magnesium. Extra calcium is given to those who have bone problems, allergy problems, depression, anxiety, menstrual pains and muscle and joint pains.

If you are on the contraceptive pill, pregnant or breastfeeding, extra calcium may be needed. The recommended intake of calcium is 500-1500mg. The best sources of calcium are cheese, fish, nuts, root vegetables and eggs.

Chromium

Chromium plays an important role in blood sugar control. It stimulates the production of essential nerve substances. Deficiency can result in nervousness. Chromium is sometimes used in the treatment of low blood sugar. Those most likely to be at risk from chromium deficiency are the elderly, those who drink alcohol, who are slimming or pregnant or have a high intake of refined foods. There is no recommended daily intake but a safe and adequate range is given as 50-200mg. The best source of chromium are yeast, liver, cheese, fruit juices, wholewheat and wheatgerm.

Copper

This reddish mineral helps produce enzymes that break down proteins to rebuild the body tissue. It also helps convert the body’s iron into hemoglobin and to utilise vitamin C. A deficiency can lead to anemia, baldness, diarrhea, general weakness, impaired respiratory function and skin sores.

Magnesium

Convulsions are a known effect of a magnesium deficiency, as are weakness and tiredness, nervousness, muscle cramps, tremors and twitching, especially around the eyes. The recommended daily intake is about 400mg. More may be needed if you suffer from allergies, premenstrual syndrome or menstrual cramps, are suffering from morning sickness or hypoglycemia, or on the contraceptive pill or antibiotics.

More magnesium is needed for those who have a high intake of fluoride – this can occur in areas with fluoridated water and in those who drink a lot of tea. The suggested supplementation of magnesium is 500-1000mg. Magnesium tablets should be taken in conjunction with calcium. There are tablets available which combine the two. This is a very important nutrient in epilepsy.

The best sources of magnesium are soya beans, nuts, brown rice, fish and lentils. Manganese can be used to help in the treatment of epilepsy. One of the functions of manganese is to maintain a healthy nervous system. The recommended daily intake is between 2.5mg and 5mg, but up to half this intake can be provided by tea drinking.

The best source of manganese are soya beans, nuts and brewers yeast. Selenium is very useful in detoxifying the body. However, it can be fatal if taken in excess, the maximum daily dose is 200mg and no more should be taken. It seems to help in cancer and angina cases as well as arthritis and high blood pressure. Its most common natural sources are organ meats, fish and shellfish. Zinc. The quantity of zinc in the diet is greatly reduced by the processing of food. It is also reduced by anticonvulsants, smoking, alcohol and the contraceptive pill. The recommended daily intake is about 12mg although at least 50mg is often recommended. It is thought that intakes of over 150mg may occasionally have side effects.

Zinc

Zinc is used to treat mild mental conditions and to supplement schizophrenics. The most obvious sign of deficiency is white spots on the finger nails, eczema of the face and hands, acne, mental apathy and loss of sense of taste and smell. The best sources of zinc are oysters, meat, pumpkin seeds, cheese and eggs.

Carnitine

An essential amino acid and is required to transport fat through the cell walls. It is the major source of energy for the muscles.

It is possible that the number of seizures is increased by an inefficient digestive system since this means the necessary nutrients will not be absorbed completely from the food eaten. In this case extra digestive enzymes will help this absorption.

Vitamin B15

Dimethyl glycine (DMG) is also known as B15. It is an amino acid that has been used to treat epilepsy. It helps to stimulate your immune system. Therefore a lack of this can mean that you keep getting infections. It also helps increase the amount of oxygen to the brain, so may be particularly helpful if you have chest problems. Supplements of about 90mg twice a day can have a noticeable effect.

There has been a great deal of talk about fats and it is rather confusing. Basically the fats in their natural form are alright but those that are processed can cause a problem. EFAs are Essential Fatty Acids and they help in energy production, formation of red blood pigment, joint lubrication, transportation of cholesterol, boosting the immune system and prevention of allergies. Good sources of EFA are flax oil, hemp oil and safflower oil, fish oil, starflower oil and evening primrose oil.

Ginkgo Biloba

This herb that has proved to be very helpful in restoring memory function. Research has even indicated that it is of help in Alzheimer’s disease.

Taurine

Taurine is a lesser known amino acids, but it is known to help in the treatment of epilepsy. The recommended daily dosage of this is 1-3g. The balance of amino acids can be disturbed in those with epilepsy and additional taurine can help balance this and lead to improved brain function. It also helps balance the zinc/copper ratio because often zinc is low and copper high in those with epilepsy. Adequate zinc is important in the correct processing of taurine. This is one of the most important nutrients used to treat the condition. Taurine is produced in the body and is found in animal proteins.

Chemical Sensitivities Can Trigger Seizures

There are certain foods, herbs and additives that can cause seizures in sensitive people, although none of them will have that reaction on all people with epilepsy. So if you have been taking any of the items listed below and you are certain it has not caused a seizure in you, then you will probably be alright.

There are also certain items which people may be allergic to and obviously these can be specific to the individual. The most common causes of problems are the following. Monosodium Glutamate (E621). This is a flavour enhancer found in sausages, salami, Chinese takeaways and most crisps.

Research has shown it to interfere with anticonvulsant medication and induce seizures. Stimulants such as coffee and alcohol should be minimised. Products with high levels of pesticides, where possible eat organic foods.

Various research has been done with conflicting evidence about whether aspartame can cause seizures. St Johns Wort is a herb that has also produced conflicting research, although it is generally recommended that those with epilepsy avoid it. However it can be very good for depression.

Evening Primrose Oil may lower the seizure threshold and so may lead to seizures in those with a predisposition to temporal lobe seizures. Alcohol is something that is recommended to only be taken with moderation in those with epilepsy.

The following additives may be associated with epileptic seizures and may be worth avoiding:

• Benzoic Acid
• Copper Complexes of Chlorophyllins and Chlorophyll
• Aluminium
• Cupric Sulphate
• Sodium Aluminium Silicate
• Aluminium Sodium Silicate
• Aluminium Calcium Silicate
• Aluminium Silicate

Special Guidelines for Women with Epilepsy

With women, seizures often occur at period time and are basically just a symptom of the change in hormones. This can often be the result of mild hypoglycemia, also symbolised by the increased chocolate cravings that women experience. The recommended procedure is to try to eat three main meals per day with three smaller snacks in between all of which should contain starchy foods. Chromium should also be taken.

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a high fat diet which seems to help some people, especially children, with epilepsy. Long term studies on patients on the ketogenic diet indicates that it does not raise cholesterol levels. If a child’s seizures reduce after vomiting or starving then it is likely that this diet may work. According to research 42-73% of children who follow the diet stop having seizures or experience a reduction.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is caused by the inability of the pancreas to process sugar effectively. Symptoms are varied but include mood swings, tiredness, confusion, allergies and fainting. Some people say that about 50% of the population have hypoglycemia to some degree. It is most common in those who have too much sugar or alcohol in their diet.

Contacts

Nutri Centre, 7 Park Crescent, London W1. Phone: 0207 436 5122Fax: 0207 436 5171Website: www.nutricentre.com Possesses an enormous range of supplements and books, does mail order. Epilepsy TorontoWebsite: www.epilepsytoronto.org Taurine and EpilepsyWebsite: www.indiana.edu/~pietsch/taurine-epilepsy.html

References

National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome41 Old Road, East Peckham, Kent TN12 5APPhone/Fax: 087 7772178Website: www.pms.org.uk The Ketogenic ResearchWebsite: www.mynchen.demon.co.uk Thomas, Caroline (1993) Epilepsy – A Holistic Approach, Images

Further Information

Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill (1993) Erasmus, Udo, Alive Books Budd, Martin, (1983) Low Blood Sugar: Hypoglycaemia the Twentieth Century Epidemic, Sterling Publications Freeman, John Mark, (2000) The Ketogenic Diet: A Treatment for Epilepsy, Demos Medical Publishing

Gardasil vaccine can be linked to seizures

Suddenly, Ashley Ryburn was sick all the time, and her mother didn't understand why.

Ashley, 16, played four sports, danced in her high school's show choir and earned top grades without even trying.

But now, Ashley was exhausted all the time. She was nauseated. She passed out at show choir and blacked out at school.

And then one day Ashley's legs went numb. She couldn't walk.

"You see somebody touch your legs and you can't feel it," Ashley recalled. "That's the scariest thing in the world."

For a year this has gone on: four episodes of temporary paralysis. Back spasms so painful Ashley would tell her mom "bye" and stop breathing. Hospitalizations. More 911 calls than Ashley can count. Trip after trip to doctors who couldn't seem to find anything wrong.

"I've heard so many times I'm crazy, I'm bulimic, I'm on drugs," Ashley said. "It's not your first thought that it's a vaccine."

A vaccine? Lisa Holtman is convinced that's what turned her perfectly healthy daughter into a chronically ill teenager.

In August and October 2007, Ashley was given doses of Gardasil, a vaccine recommended for adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer. Her first Gardasil shot was given in conjunction with a meningitis vaccine.

The combination is said to be safe - and is commonly administered - but Gardasil was never clinically tested with the meningitis vaccine.

Research from the National Vaccine Information Center indicates reactions to Gardasil increase when it is given with the meningitis shot. But Neal Halsey, director of the Institute for Vaccine Safety at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, said general guidelines allow for two or three inactivated vaccines, such as the HPV and meningitis vaccines, to be given at the same time without expecting increased rates of adverse reactions.

The meningitis vaccine was not available when Gardasil began clinical testing, so the Food and Drug Administration agreed to test it post-licensure, Halsey said.

Results of those tests are expected to be released soon.

"There is no reason that I know of that there may be an increased risk of any serious complications associated with the simultaneous administration of these two inactive or killed vaccines," Halsey said in a recent interview.

Ashley didn't receive any other shots with her second dose of Gardasil. It was a month or so after the second Gardasil vaccine that she started getting sick.

"She didn't go to the doctor at all, then after she got the shots, it's boom, boom, boom," Holtman said. "We haven't stopped."

Across the country, there are reports of girls like Ashley becoming chronically ill, and even dying, after being vaccinated with Gardasil - raising questions about whether the vaccine is indeed safe and if there has been enough testing done on its side effects.

Gardasil, manufactured by Merck and Co., was licensed in 2006 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Merck both say the vaccination is safe. So does Dr. Judith Shlay, director of the immunization and travel clinic at Denver Health Medical Center.

Shlay says Denver Health administers thousands of vaccines each year, including Gardasil, and rarely has any problems. The biggest issue with Gardasil was reports of adolescent girls fainting, but Shlay said Denver Health devised a protocol that involved monitoring teens before they left and that has alleviated the concern.

"It's considered a very safe vaccine," Shlay said. "We haven't seen people get sick from it."

As of Aug. 31, the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) had logged 10,326 reports of reactions to Gardasil, according to the CDC. Of those reports, 94 percent were considered to be "nonserious."

The serious reports included Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder that causes muscle weakness, blood clots and death. Each incident was "carefully analyzed by medical experts," the CDC said in a report last updated in October.

"Experts have not found a common medical pattern to the reports of serious adverse events reported for Gardasil that would suggest that they were caused by the vaccine," the CDC said.

'No safety issue'

Merck issued its own statement in July, saying it was "proud of the public health benefit that Gardasil can provide in helping to prevent cervical cancer" and maintaining that "no safety issue related to the vaccine has been identified."

Still, in 2007 and 2008, Gardasil accounted for about 20 percent of reactions reported to VAERS, said Barbara Loe Fisher, co- founder and president of the National Vaccine Information Center, a watchdog group in Virginia.

Fisher calls the percentage "unusual" given that Gardasil is new and isn't mandated.

"This is a whitewash of this vaccine. To say that almost 10,000 reports of reactions, injuries, 30 deaths is all a coincidence is simply not scientifically responsible," Fisher said. "You have perfectly healthy girls go in and get this shot and then suffer a pattern, a very clear pattern of injury, and some of them are dying. This is not acceptable."

The side effects all look a lot like what's been happening to Ashley, Fisher said: brain inflammation, immune system dysfunction, tingling and numbness in the hands, feet and legs, severe headaches, strokes, joint pain, muscle weakness, seizures and memory loss.

"Usually, these girls are very high functioning," Fisher said. "They're honor roll students. They're athletes. They're usually in extremely good health before they have a severe downward turn after receiving one or more Gardasil vaccinations."

But Halsey, of the Institute for Vaccine Safety, said people need to be "very careful not to jump on the bandwagon" that vaccines caused illness. Such allegations have surfaced before only to be disproved in resulting studies.

Serious allergic reactions to the HPV vaccine are rare, about one in a million, putting them in "the same ballpark" as any other vaccine, Halsey said.

"The evidence does not support a causal relationship," he said. "It's much more likely to be coincidental."

Can't go back

Still, Ashley's life looks nothing like it did before Gardasil. Her days consist mostly of going to school, coming home and sleeping. Her hair falls out in clumps. Her nausea is ever present. Her blood pressure drops dangerously low. She can't breathe.

Ashley looks back on pictures of summer camp just before she received the first Gardasil shot. She is saddling horses, hoisting a counselor for fun and leg wrestling.

"It hurts to know that if I went back to that day in my health now, I couldn't do it," Ashley said. "I can't do those things anymore."

Ashley received her vaccinations in Iowa before she and her mother moved to Arvada. It was recommended during a routine physical. Since then, Ashley has had to quit sports and her grades have slipped from A's and B's to B's and C's. Most of the time, she can't remember what she's read from one day to the next.

When she tried out for basketball at her high school this year, her legs were shaking and she couldn't breathe after two drills. Ashley cried.

She takes a handful of pills every day and has to carry a special bag of medical supplies in case she has an "episode."

Even when Ashley has good days, she knows the twitches in her back and the funny feeling in the back of her head will always come back, signaling another episode. Her blood pressure will plummet. She will hear her mother or her boyfriend talking to her, but she won't be able to answer. She will have trouble breathing and she will pass out.

"If I had never got the shot, I would be a normal teenager," Ashley said. "I wish I could go back."

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV)

* Most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States

* At least half of sexually active people will have it at some point in their lives, accodring to CDC estimates. There often are no symptoms, and it usually goes away on its own without causing any serious health problems.

IMMUNIZATION

* Three shots over six months

* It protects against four strains of HPV, which are responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts. It is recommended for girls as young as 9.

* Several states, including Colorado, have introduced legislation mandating the vaccine for girls entering the sixth grade. Only Washington, D.C., and Virginia have passed the mandates, to take effect in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

* Colorado has had no reports of serious reactions to the vaccine, according to Joni Reynolds, immunization program director for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

* The Institute of Medicine is about to convene a two-year study of injuries and deaths related to four vaccines, including HPV.

Healthy tips to follow is symptoms such as seizures are observed!

There is no time like the beginning of the new year to decide that your heart health is a priority! Here’s the fact: heart disease is the number one killer in this country, claiming more lives than the next 5 causes of death combined.

The good news is most heart disease is preventable, and the education and technology exists today for lives to be saved. Here are 9 ways you can join the crusade to decide that addressing heart health is essential.

1. Become certified in CPR and in using an AED
The training takes approximately 4 hours . . . a commitment of time that is well worth the ability to save a life in an emergency situation. If someone were to experience Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the single most common cause of death, CPR can double his or her likelihood of survival. A Sudden Cardiac Arrest victim’s chance to live falls by 10% every minute without action. That means that after 5 minutes without help, there is only a 50% chance of survival, and after 10 minutes there is likely no chance. Use of an AED could increase the chance of survival by up to 70% or more. These devices have the ability to detect a person who is experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest and can deliver a shock if needed to get the heart beating steadily again. Children can even become trained in these life-saving techniques. Contact your local American Heart Association office to find out about trainings happening in your area!

2. Check on the availability of AEDs in your community
Do your schools and their sports teams have AEDs? Do your community centers and public facilities have AEDs? Are all places where large numbers of people gather equipped with this life-saving device? Quick calls to the superintendent’s office, head nurse, city hall, wellness official, etc. could provide you with a wealth of information to make sure your community is taking one of the most important steps to save lives. If places are not properly protected with an AED, make some noise! Contact the media and make sure people know that more has to be done to keep citizens safe. Feeling especially motivated? Fundraise to place AEDs in key places!

3. Make an appointment with your physician and get your physical
When was your last routine physical? Most people cannot remember . . .
If you are in this group, then there is no time like the present to schedule a visit to see the doctor. I know you have 101 things you’d rather be doing with your time or you think are more important, but here’s the deal: nothing is more important than good health. It’s important to maintain a personal baseline of health in order for your physician to be able to properly evaluate your body and distinguish between normal and abnormal for you. Get on that phone and call!

4. Make sure you know everything possible about your family’s health history
Talk to your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles. Track heart disease and other conditions that exist in your family. Make these ailments known to your physician so they can be put in your medical charts/records. This will allow you to have a closer medical evaluation with regards to these conditions, an assessment that can keep you healthier both now and in the future.

5. Evaluate what you are putting into your body
I know it’s hard. That ice cream sundae looks like a creamy boat of deliciousness. And, man, that pizza seems like it could be the best thing in your life since Velcro. But, one of the most important steps toward leading a heart healthier life is simply saying “no”.
First step: Go through your food cupboards and refrigerator.
You can’t be tempted to eat bad food at home when there is none to be found. Replace the sugary, salty, and fattening snacks with fresh fruits and vegetable, whole grain foods, and lean protein. Increase your water intake, and consider carrying a nice huge thermos to work. Get rid of the soda! Your body will have more energy, strength, and endurance when you are giving it the nourishment it truly craves.

6. Get active
Set up a regular exercise schedule. I know, I know . . . life is busy, and it is disappointing to learn that driving by the gym does not actually count as visiting it. We all know we need more exercise in our life, so here’s a few suggestions to make it work.
-Take the stairs at work (no elevators!) and anywhere else possible.
-Make up fun superheroes game with your kids (you know, one that involves running around like a flying machine!).
-Do an exercise program with your kids . . . lots of kids think it is fun to imitate exercises on TV.
-Walk on your work break.
-Reserve a baby-sitter for a couple of hours on at least two days per week to get in that sweat-drenching, uninterrupted, long workout you need (many gyms offer kid-sitting services too!)
-Instead of just going to little Katie’s practices and games, coach them if you can! Running around during a kids’ practice can be exhausting and fun.
-Make a plan, but don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work. You planned for an hour at the gym this morning, but everything went wrong. You’re left with 20 minutes. Don’t give up on your workout: use those 20 minutes . . . it’s better than no minutes.

7. Get rid of stress
We have people, jobs, and situations in our life that certainly cause stress. We also have the power to say “yes” or “no.” Assess how you can remove stressors in your life that are taking a toll on your health, whether you realize it or not. Figure out the little ways to unwind throughout the day too. Stretch out your muscles during those couple of free minutes during the day, every chance you get to release a little tension. Learn some deep breathing and relaxation techniques. Maybe check out some yoga classes? Massages definitely hit the spot too.

8. Be informed
Know the possible symptoms and risk factors that exist for heart disease and underlying heart conditions. You should have your heart checked if you experience any unexplained dizziness or seizures; unexplained fainting or light-headedness; discomfort, pain, or pressure in your chest; unexplained shortness of breath when exercising; unexplained excessive fatigue; or anything else that seems peculiar. Know your own body, and know your own numbers, meaning blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, etc. It is also important to know that women have different symptoms and numbers than men. Women are not simply small men, but rather women are made differently and need to understand the role these differences can play.
Also, check out the amazing resources that are available to you. There are great websites and learning tools to help you learn more about Sudden Cardiac Arrest, heart disease, and how to stay healthy. Learn more!

9. Educate and motivate others
The only way we can save more lives is for more people to be educated and aware. Spread information about heart disease, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and how to maintain a healthy heart. Encourage your family members to make healthier decisions . . . it is often much easier to lead a healthy lifestyle if you are doing it as a team.

**BONUS**

10. Stop smoking!
I just couldn’t stick to 9 steps. Smoking needed to be addressed. We all know why you should stop. Please, please, for the love of your family and yourself, kick the habit!

Moving forward with the smallest steps can equal huge results. Set a list of goals for yourself, and decide that your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health are worth it!

At 17-years-old Michaela was diagnosed with LongQT Syndrome, one of the conditions responsible for causing Sudden Cardiac Arrest and claiming the lives of many young people unexpectedly. Michaela turned her obstacles into opportunities when she became Miss Massachusetts 2006 and began to speak nationally and internationally regarding SCA and heart disease. To learn more about Michaela please visit: www.michaelagagne.com.