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…
By Deron Hamel Epilepsy Ontario is embarking on an outreach strategy with first responders to build relationships between epilepsy support agencies and police, firefighters and paramedic teams to create training opportunities and encourage appropriate responses to people who may have had a seizure. The first step in this process is gathering people’s stories – both…
By Deron Hamel Tina Smith has seen the negative impact seizure medication shortages have on people living with epilepsy and their families – she and her son, Nicholas, have lived through it more than once. Fifteen-year-old Nicholas had his first tonic-clonic seizure at seven. In 2009, Nicholas was diagnosed with epilepsy. During the next several…
By Deron Hamel The scene is a play rehearsal. Two high-school students, a boy and a girl, are practising their parts. Suddenly, the girl pauses. She stares blankly, appearing lost in her thoughts. Several seconds pass. She then she resumes speaking, as though nothing has happened. One of the students asks another if a teacher…
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