AES and NINDS Host Public Lecture on New Advances in Epilepsy Research

Special to EpilepsyUSA
Posted: November 28, 2005

West Hartford, Conn., Nov. 28 -- The American Epilepsy Society (AES) has announced the 3^rd Judith Hoyer Lecture in Epilepsy, an annual public lecture highlighting recent advances in epilepsy research. New Tools to Cure Epilepsy: Genes, Pixels, Patterns and Prevention, , which coincides with the 59th Annual Meeting of the AES December 2-6, will be presented on Friday, December 2^nd from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Hotel.

This year's lecture will feature Jeffrey L. Noebels, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Molecular and Human Genetics and Director of Blue Bird Circle Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory at the Baylor College of Medicine. Two panelists, Wendy R. Uhlmann, a genetic counselor from the University of Michigan, and Suellen Hopfer, a specialist in health communication from Pennsylvania State University, will provide a unique perspective on the topic, focusing on the current state of genetic counseling for epilepsy.

The 3^rd Judith Hoyer Lecture in Epilepsy honors the memory of Mrs. Judith Hoyer, late wife of The Honorable Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland. Mrs. Hoyer had epilepsy and spent her life both helping families to cope with epilepsy and promoting research toward a cure and a better quality of life for those with the disorder. The lecture is held each year to help stimulate new findings in epilepsy research. The lecture is sponsored by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, and the American Epilepsy Society.

A reception for participants will begin at 5:00 p.m. in the Congressional Hall Foyer. The lecture is open to the public, including journalists, professionals and other interested parties and registration is not required.

About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects more than 2.7 million Americans. One of the most common neurological disorders, epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures caused by disturbed electrical rhythms of the central nervous system and typically manifested by convulsive attacks, usually with clouding of consciousness. While there is not a cure for epilepsy, most seizures can be controlled with preventive medications. The stigma associated with epilepsy is a very real concern for individuals living with the condition and their families. According to an Epilepsy Foundation survey, the biggest problem reported by 56 percent of people with epilepsy was the misunderstanding among teachers, co-workers and employers about their disease. Evidence suggests that early diagnosis and effective treatment can improve the long-term prognosis for people with epilepsy. Given the documented disruptions in education, employment, self esteem and personal life that are caused by seizures, the quest for early recognition and treatment should be urgent.

About The American Epilepsy Society (AES)

AES is one of the oldest neurological professional organizations in the nation, with roots dating to 1898. The Society promotes research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of epilepsy. Membership in the Society is made up of clinicians, researchers investigating basic and clinical aspects of epilepsy, and other health-care professionals interested in seizure disorders. The Society is based in West Hartford, CT and holds an annual scientific meeting, offering symposia, lectures, poster presentations and exhibitions. The meeting attracts more than 3,500 professionals from around the world and offers excellent opportunities for networking and sharing of ideas.

About the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

The NINDS, a part of the National Institutes of Health, is the nation's primary supporter of biomedical research on the brain and nervous system. More information about the NINDS and its programs is available at http://www.ninds.nih.gov.

The NIH -- the Nation's Medical Research Agency -- includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.