PROGRAM
AES Service AwardThe AES Service award is given in recognition of outstanding service in the field of epilepsy and for exemplary contributions to the AES and its members.
ELC Update
Christianne N. Heck, M.D., M.M.M., will provide an update on the Epilepsy Leadership Council (ELC), a coalition of more than 30 professional organizations, disease-specific/patient advocacy organizations, and governmental agencies.
NINDS Director’s Update
Walter J. Koroshetz, M.D., will provide an update from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health.
Judith Hoyer Lecture in Epilepsy
Amy Brooks-Kayal, M.D., will present Epilepsy at the Cutting Edge: Using Novel Models and Innovative Approaches for Therapeutic Advances
OVERVIEW
Sixty-five million people worldwide have epilepsy, and despite the existence of over 40 anti-seizure medications, one third of people with epilepsy have seizures that are not controlled with available therapies. All current medications for epilepsy symptomatically treat seizures only; none treat the underlying cause of epilepsy, specifically target mechanisms unique to certain epilepsy syndromes, or target “non-ictal” symptoms of epilepsy such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive and memory dysfunction. All current medical therapies impact every cell all the time (not just during seizures), and result in unacceptable side-effects in many patients. None change the course of the disease, prevent/reduce progression or reduce the risk of epilepsy in patients at risk. In other words, we have no precision or disease modifying therapies for epilepsy … yet.
Translational therapies on the horizon for people with epilepsy will do more than symptomatically treat seizures. Epilepsy researchers are using novel preclinical models and innovative approaches to develop new therapies that are precise, targeted, and disease- modifying. They target cognitive and neurobehavioral co-morbidities as well as seizures. Most importantly, they have the potential to transform the lives of people with epilepsy.
This program is not accredited for continuing education credits.
Co-sponsored with National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
COMMERCIAL SUPPORT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This educational activity is supported in part by an educational grant from Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.
This lecture on epilepsy is held in memory of Mrs. Judith Hoyer, the late wife of Representative Steny Hoyer. Mrs. Hoyer was an advocate for research into a cure and a better quality of life for those with epilepsy.
The live lecture was supported in part by an educational grant from Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC.
The webcast of the lecture was supported in part by a sponsorship from Greenwich Biosciences, Inc.