MSFHR/BC Epilepsy Society partnership supports the search for better treatments

More than 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, including 40,000 British Columbians. A significant number of these individuals may have negative side-effects due to medication, and roughly 30 per cent do not respond to treatment at all, highlighting the need for further research.

Since 2005, MSFHR and the BC Epilepsy Society have partnered to support leading-edge epilepsy research in British Columbia. In 2006, the two organizations funded Dr. Veronica Schiariti to lead the first BC-focused study of epilepsy prevalence in children. The partnership subsequently supported the work of researchers Kirk Mulatz and Dr. Jun Liu.

For the 2010-2011 Research Trainee funding competition, the BC Epilepsy Society fully funded an award for UBC researcher Dr. Stuart Cain. Dr. Cain’s work is focused on developing a genetic model of absence seizures to better understand their causes. The ultimate aim of this research is to facilitate the design of new drug treatments capable of blocking changes in the firing properties of epileptic nerves during seizures.

“By partnering with MSFHR, we have been able to support some of BC’s best and brightest researchers to undertake projects with the potential to improve the health and quality of life for all individuals living with epilepsy,” said Shawn Laari, Executive Director of the BC Epilepsy Society.

Promoting epilepsy awareness

In addition to supporting research, the BC Epilepsy Society undertakes public education sessions to spread the word about the latest advances in epilepsy treatment and self-management strategies for individuals living with epilepsy. Its next education event is “Epilepsy in Canada: What’s New and What the Future May Hold,” a lecture and live webcast to be held Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

This special event features a panel of epilepsy specialists speaking on a variety of topics. Panelists include:

• Dr. Bernd Pohlmann-Eden, a neurologist from Halifax’s Dalhousie University specializing in the care of people with epilepsy, will speak about new epilepsy treatments.
• Dr. Mano Javidan, senior neurologist at the Vancouver General Hospital Epilepsy Clinic, will speak about new findings in epilepsy research.
• Elvira Balakshin, Program and Communications Coordinator at the BC Epilepsy Society, will speak about ways to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy.

In addition, a representative from the Epilepsy Advocate program will speak about the personal aspects of living with epilepsy.

The lecture will take place at the Norman Rothstein Theatre in the Jewish Community Centre at 950 West 41st Ave. in Vancouver. The event is free of charge and will also be screened live via webcast at www.bcepilepsy.com.

To register, contact the BC Epilepsy Society at 604-875-6704 or info@bcepilepsy.com.