Biomedical subjects

Martha J. Morrell

Publications and source records attributed to Martha J. Morrell.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Stigma and epilepsy.

For individuals with epilepsy in the United States and other countries, stigma can be one of the most distressing consequences of having seizures, along with the unpredictability of future seizures and the inability to drive. The impact of stigma on the lives of epilepsy patients is far reaching, frequently including effects on interpersonal relationships, general health, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. Education about epilepsy directed at the broader community, as well as at the individual with epilepsy, is the most effective means of addressing misperceptions and fear. Epilepsy advocacy organizations, such as the Epilepsy Foundation, are important allies in this effort.

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PubMed2002

Folic Acid and Epilepsy.

Folic acid has been a topic of discussion within the epilepsy community for several decades. Folic acid was initially suspected to be epileptogenic (1), but that concern has been resolved, as research has demonstrated that folic acid in less than supraphysiologic concentrations does not promote seizures. Epileptologists are now concerned that folic acid may be too low in persons with epilepsy taking some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Low serum and red blood cell levels of folic acid in women of childbearing potential increase the risk of fetal birth defects. For men and women, low levels of folic acid are associated with elevated homocysteine and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A convincing argument now develops that routine folic acid supplementation is important for women and men receiving AEDs.

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PubMed2000

Caring for People with Epilepsy: Resources for the Healthcare Provider.

Epilepsy, a condition that affects all age groups, can have life-altering effects. The psychosocial effects of epilepsy are often as detrimental as the seizures themselves. Unfortunately, healthcare professionals often find themselves providing more care in less time and may be unable to thoroughly address these psychosocial needs. Therefore, national organizations and electronic media resources are prepared to provide information and support. For example, the Epilepsy Foundation has a broad range of educational materials available on the Internet and provides patient-to-patient support through on-line chat rooms and through a new initiative entitled the HOPE (Helping Other People with Epilepsy) Mentor Program, a program that trains individuals with epilepsy and their family members to provide education and support. Directing patients toward available reliable resources can help the time-constrained professional ensure that patients' needs for education and psychosocial support are met.

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PubMed2000

Fenfluramine-Phentermine (Fen-Phen) and Seizures: Evidence for an Association.

Fenfluramine-phentermine combination therapy ("fen-phen") became a popular treatment for obesity in the 1990s. Although this treatment causes cardiac toxicity, use of these medications has not previously been associated with seizures. We report five cases with apparent association between use of fenfluramine-phentermine and occurrence of seizures. Three patients with a history of childhood-onset idiopathic generalized epilepsy in remission experienced a recrudescence of seizures following treatment with fenfluramine-phentermine. Two patients presented with new-onset seizures in midlife following use of fenfluramine-phentermine, and seizures persisted following discontinuation of this therapy. One of these patients restarted fenfluramine-phentermine months later, and experienced recurrent seizures. The nature of the association between fenfluramine-phentermine and seizures is uncertain from this preliminary report. There may be a specific association with idiopathic generalized epilepsies, which appeared to be overrepresented in this case series. An effect of fen-phen on seizure threshold appears most likely; however, an epileptogenic effect cannot be excluded.

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