People in Llandudno with difficult to control epilepsy are being invited to attend an information workshop hosted by Epilepsy Action Cymru. 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 26 January at Venue Cymru, The Promenade, Llandudno from 10am to 2pm. 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 Cymru staff where personal experiences of surgical treatment will be shared.
The programme includes presentations from Dr Richard Appleton, paediatric neurologist at Alder Hey Hospital, and Janet McGee, epilepsy specialist nurse at The Walton Centre in Liverpool. Dr Appleton will speak about the medical management of people with epilepsy, including surgery, and Ms McGee will cover VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) for people with epilepsy. 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 severe the seizures are.
Information on planning for surgery and the procedures used will also be available on the day, along with a talk from Sue Wood about the ketogenic diet as a treatment for epilepsy.
Ann Sivapatham, Wales 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 and coffee is included. This event has been sponsored by Cyberonics, manufacturers of the vagus nerve stimulation system (VNS).
For more information about the event, please contact Ann Sivapatham, Wales Manager on 01633 253407 or asivapatham@epilepsy.org.uk or go to http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/localevents