Epilepsy
Drawing-induced epilepsy reported
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Artists beware. In the journal Neurology this month, doctors report a case of reflex epilepsy triggered by the experience of drawing.
At presentation, the 19-year-old student had experienced short-lasting twitches in both arms shortly before losing consciousness and exhibiting seizure-type activity for two minutes. He was working on a drawing assignment at the time symptoms began.
The patient reported previous episodes of twitching of the arms and “special sensations” while drawing but not while engaged in any other activities.
Atkins diet may reduce seizures in children with epilepsy
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The popular Atkins low-carbohydrate diet not only helps some people lose weight, it might have a role in preventing seizures in children with epilepsy, say researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
In a study of six patients, including three patients 12 years old and younger on the Atkins regimen for at least four months, two children and one young adult were seizure-free and were able to reduce use of anti-convulsant medications, according to Johns Hopkins. Findings of the study also showed that seizure control could be long-lasting on the diet, with the three patients continuing to be seizure-free for as long as 20 months.
