Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Epilepsy is a physical condition characterized by sudden, brief changes in functioning of the brain works. It is a symptom of a neurological disorder - a disorder that affects the brain and shows itself in the form of seizures. In 50 - 60% of cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown . Approximately 0.6% of the Canadian population has epilepsy. This includes those who take anticonvulsant drugs or who had a seizure within the past 5 years. Due to the stigma surrounding epilepsy and the prejudice with which society has historically treated people with epilepsy, many persons with the disorder are reluctant to admit it or to seek treatment. Thus the prevalence of epilepsy is likely much higher. Each day in Canada, an average of 42 people learn that they have epilepsy. Each year an average of 15,500 people learn they have epilepsy; 44% are diagnosed before the age of 5, 55% before the age of 10, 75-85% before age 18 and 1% of children will have recurrent seizures before age 14. Hence, approximately 60% of new patients are young children and senior citizens. In approximately 50% of cases of childhood epilepsy, seizures disappear completely. This Cafe Scientifique was devised in order to provide a synopsis of the future drugs that are in development, the success of invasive techniques in an attempt to cease seizures, and the current policy challenges in epilepsy treatment and recognition. It is envisioned that enlightened discussion will occur between members of the public and the speakers.