Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland, part of the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy organisation, is holding an event called Treatment options beyond medication for hard to control epilepsy.
This event will take place on Saturday 22 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast.
The event is open to anyone with an interest in epilepsy. Speakers will include Dr Jim Morrow, consultant neurologist, and Mr Gavin Quigley, consultant neurosurgeon, from the Royal Hospital, Belfast. A dietician will be present too.
Delegates will also hear Adrian Allen who has epilepsy, who has benefited from a variety of treatment options beyond medication, to control his seizures.
Morina Clarke, Northern Ireland manager, said: “The idea behind this event is to give people with epilepsy and their families, friends and carers opportunities to find out more about alternative treatment options. This event will appeal to people with epilepsy who have difficult to control seizures. Information on surgery and the use of VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) will be provided that may benefit some people who still experience seizures in spite of being treated with different anti-epileptic medications. Information on the work up to surgery and the procedure used will be useful to those considering this form of treatment.
“VNS treatment is on the increase for people with epilepsy and learning more about it will enable those considering it to gain more information on its use as a treatment. The ketogenic diet as a treatment for children with difficult to control epilepsy should only be used under the supervision of a dietician who is expert in this field. Parents will be able to obtain information on what is required to make sure the balance of the diet is carefully worked out to benefit individual children.”
For further information about this event, call Morina Clarke, Northern Ireland manager, on 028 9063 4942 (mobile: 07885 778 585), or email mclarke@epilepsy.org.uk
Tickets are limited so booking is essential. Ticket prices are £6.00 (or £10.00 for delegate couples), and £4.00 concession rate for Epilepsy Action members (or £6.00 for delegate couple concession for Epilepsy Action members. To book a place, or for further information, please call our local services team, on 0113 210 8800. Alternatively, you can book online at: http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/belfast
For further information about the work of Epilepsy Action, please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk or call the Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050.