People in London with difficult to control epilepsy are being invited to attend an information workshop hosted by Epilepsy Action, the UK’s leading epilepsy organisation. Offering information on treatment other than medication, it is ideal for anyone with epilepsy and those with an interest in the condition, including families and carers.
The event will take place on Saturday 9 February at The Boardroom, Hambleden Wing, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, from 10.15am to 4.00pm. Attendees will have the chance to find out more about a variety of treatment options for epilepsy through professional presentations and question and answer sessions. It will also be an opportunity to meet other people with epilepsy and Epilepsy Action staff.
The programme includes presentations from staff at Kings College Hospital including and epilepsy specialist nurse and Mr Richard Selway, consultant neurosurgeon. Mr Selway will cover brain surgery and deep brain stimulation and the nurse will speak about the support available from epilepsy specialist nurses. Emma Williams from charity Matthew’s Friends will also provide a talk on the ketogenic diet.
Information on vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) will be available on the day from Alex Wright from Cyberonics. VNS therapy uses a small generator that is implanted under the skin below the collar bone. The generator sends electrical impulses, at intervals, to the vagus nerve and then to the brain. This helps to lessen how often the seizures happen and how the severe the seizures are.
Members of the Royal Free Hospital massage team will be discussing the benefits of massage therapies and offering massage therapy sessions throughout the day for people with epilepsy.
Marie Edgar, south east England manager at Epilepsy Action said: “Epilepsy is a complex condition which can be difficult to treat. Up to 70 per cent of people with epilepsy could have their seizures controlled but only 52 per cent actually do. Some people, who have not found epilepsy medicine an effective treatment, may be suitable for other treatments. By providing information about other treatment options we hope to give people enough background to discuss these options with their doctor, where appropriate.”
The cost of the workshop is £6.00, and £4.00 for concessions (full-time students, state pension and benefit claimants). Tea, coffee and light refreshments are included. Registration is from 10.15am. The event has been sponsored by Cyberonics, manufacturers of the vagus nerve stimulation system (VNS).
For more information about the event, please contact Marie Edgar, South East England manager on 01708 479536 or medgar@epilepsy.org.uk To book call Jackie Kemp on 0113 210 8800 or visit www.epilepsy.org.uk