2008
Year 28
Prof. Steven C. Schachter
Professor of Neurology
Harvard Medical School, USA
THEME: BRAINSTORMS VILLAGE: THE CHALLENGE OF DISABLING EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is a unique condition as its full impact on the affected
individual extends beyond the seizure episode, the primary
presentation of epilepsy, to include associated cognitive,
behavioural, interpersonal, societal and cultural aspects. Only
two-thirds of patients become seizure free with modern
therapy. The remaining one-third with poor seizure control, are
even more disabled due to the epilepsy-related psychosocial
factors, namely the psychiatric co-morbidities and societal
stigmas attached to the disorder. Epilepsy stands in the way of
normal education, employment, marriage and establishing
social relationships and may lead to severe depression and
anxiety, the patient living in fear of an unexpected attack.
