Category Archive

All About Seizures

EpLink survey will help steer research in the direction people with epilepsy want

July 7, 2016

By Deron Hamel EpLink, the epilepsy research program of the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI), is hoping to garner as much feedback as possible through a survey to help the organization prioritize research. The survey is aimed at people living with epilepsy, their families and those working at epilepsy support agencies. EpLink’s No. 1 priority is…

Epilepsy should not stand in the way of your aspirations: OPPA president and CEO

May 26, 2016

By Deron Hamel In November, Rob Jamieson, a 21-year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), was elected to a two-year term as president and CEO of the union representing 9,200 uniformed officers and civilians working for the police force. He is also living with epilepsy. Jamieson’s new position with the Ontario Provincial Police Association…

Gov’t needs to take a proactive response to stem drug shortages: Epilepsy Ontario

May 19, 2016

By Deron Hamel One of the greatest frustrations Epilepsy Ontario deals with during shortages of seizure-control medications is when impending drug shortages are identified but Health Canada and the provincial drug programs do nothing to try to prevent them, says Suzanne Nurse. Nurse, Epilepsy Ontario’s director of information and client services, says that 2016 has…

Divalproex sodium shortage expected to end soon, but that doesn’t curb family’s anxiety

March 17, 2016

By Deron Hamel Although a multifaceted effort is underway to end a  severe  shortage of divalproex sodium (Epival), a commonly used anti-seizure drug, the anxiety created by the limited amount of the lifesaving medication lingers, says Lynda Bowyer. Bowyer, whose 21-year-old daughter takes Epival to control her seizures, says this is the first time her…