New epilepsy clues found
Scientists from Italy and the US have made a significant discovery which sheds light on the causes of epilepsy.
According to the study, a faulty immune reaction could be responsible for the development of the condition.
Studies in mice linked epileptic seizures to immune cells which were found to be sticking inside their blood vessels.
By freeing these cells, the researchers were able to prevent the development of the disease in the test subjects – which may be of note to those considering life insurance.
Professor Matthew Walker, a neuroscientist from University College London and a member of Epilepsy Research UK’s scientific advisory board, deemed the research "interesting and exciting".
"It provides a further piece of evidence for a breakdown in the blood brain barrier in the development of epilepsy," he said.
He added that there are already drugs available which engage with this process, but they have not yet been used in the treatment of epilepsy.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with epilepsy
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