Doctors closer to a breakthrough in infant epilepsy
Wednesday 18th January 2012
A team of researchers in Australia have moved a step closer to figuring out why epileptic seizures occur in infants.
The doctors have found a new gene, known as PRRT2, which is believed to cause the protein linked to the condition to form incorrectly. The team at the University of Melbourne recognised that benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), better known as infantile seizures, can be passed down through families.
Researchers found that families that had BFIE also contained the PRRT2 gene resulting in it being passed down to their offspring. However, despite the molecule being pinpointed doctors still alluded to how it functions or how it changes to cause the seizures in infants.
BFIE is a condition that occurs in children who are developing normally and the seizures tend to occur when the infant is between the ages of six months and two years. Whilst the strain of the disease is a rare one the Australian team still considers it to be serious and if it is left to mutate within an infant it can cause an unusual movement disorder known as Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Choreoathetosis.
Professor Ingrid Scheffer, chair of paediatric neurology research said: "The findings will help families understand why their baby has seizures and provides reassurance that the baby will grow out of the seizures and not have long term problems. It will also help with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the movement disorder."
In the UK an epilepsy society is finding ways to help children get through having the condition at a young age. Young Epilepsy has introduced a "seizure diary" for children to fill in so that they can chart their progress but in a "fun way". The booklet is also essential for doctors so that they can monitor a child's development at combating the illness.
Gill Gallagher, Young Epilepsy's childhood epilepsy information service manager, said: "We wanted something a child could take to school and which would look and feel like an ordinary diary, we're delighted with the amazing support we've had from children’s authors and illustrators."
Search for biomedical science jobs at Mediplacements, a genuine specialist providing recruitment opportunities in the NHS and private sector.
Written by Mathew Horton
Related articles
Chemical to tackle breast cancer found in celery
Doctors and those in biomedical science jobs have long been searching for a definitive treatment to help treat breast cancer, but...
Thursday 17th May 2012
Prostate cancer drug set to be approved
A prostate cancer drug is set to be approved and put into use across NHS services after previously being rejected. The...
Wednesday 16th May 2012
Blindness could be treated with diabetes drug
Blindness is one condition that many people fear, the debilitating effect that it has can change a person's life forever. ...
Wednesday 9th May 2012
Related Biomedical-Science Jobs
2 x Locum BMS’ required for a 6 month job opportunity in the East of England. We are looking for 2 locum BMS candidates...
Full infoHPC Registered Biomedical Scientist is needed for a busy Andrology department Immediate start, must have good andrology...
Full infoWe have an excellent Biomedical Science job within a Histology lab available in the North West of England. We are looking...
Full info