Category Archive

Supporting Agencies (International)

WHO passing epilepsy-care resolution a ‘huge’ step towards closing treatment gap

September 10, 2015

By Deron Hamel A World Health Organization (WHO) resolution that was unanimously passed earlier this year could create large-scale, positive change in epilepsy treatment across the globe, says Mary Secco, an Ontario advocate for people with epilepsy. Secco, who is co-chair of the International League Against Epilepsy’s (ILAE’s) Global Outreach Task Force as well as…

Supreme Court’s medicinal marijuana ruling a relief for family of child with Dravet syndrome

June 18, 2015

By Deron Hamel The Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision to legalize all forms of consumption of medicinal marijuana means Mandy McKnight no longer has to break the law in order to stop her young son’s seizures. Mandy’s seven-year-old son, Liam, has Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy with frequent, prolonged, drug-resistant seizures. He…

CBD study shows promise, but more trials needed

May 1, 2015

By Deron Hamel Results from an early phase clinical trial suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) may be an effective treatment for stemming the number of seizures for people living with severe, drug-resistant forms of epilepsy, however, randomized controlled trials are needed before conclusions can be drawn on the chemical compound’s effectiveness, says Dr. Elizabeth Donner. While…

Schools, organizations, large and small, encouraged to show support on Purple Day

March 24, 2015

By Deron Hamel Scotiabank branches in 116 Ontario communities will be raising awareness of epilepsy on Purple Day on March 26. The financial institute is the largest organization in the province to jump on board in support of the epilepsy community’s most celebrated awareness event. This marks the first year Scotiabank has hosted Purple Day…