The appointment of two accomplished researchers strengthens Epilepsy Canada

Epilepsy Canada is proud to announce the appointment of two leading epilepsy researchers to its Board of Directors. Michael O. Poulter Ph.D. and Morris H. Scantlebury M.D., diplomate ABPN, CSCN (EEG) join the Board and assume duties immediately.

In making the announcement, Chairman Jacques Brunelle said, “The appointment of these two esteemed gentleman is indicative of our intention to position Epilepsy Canada to take on larger research funding challenges in the future.”

Michael Poulter is Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology, Roberts Research, Wester University. He obtained his B.Sc. in Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia in 1985 and then obtained a Ph.D. (Pharmacology) at McGill University in 1990. He was awarded a Fogarty International Fellowship to do post-doctoral training at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, U.S.A. in 1990. In 1992 he obtained an International Fellowship and moved to Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg France.

In 1995, he returned to Canada to establish his own research laboratory at National Research Council in Ottawa and subsequently moved to the Institute for Neuroscience at Carleton University in 2001, becoming head of the institute in 2003. In 2006 Dr Poulter moved to the Robarts Research Institute in London Ontario, taking up a position as a scientist while being cross appointed to the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at UWO, as Professor. While at the NRC, Dr Poulter was also supported by the Medical Research Council of Canada and since 2002, has had support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council. He also currently holds funding from the Ontario Brain Institute (Epilepsy Research Group) and a grant focused on seizures in those with fetal alcohol syndrome (with Peter Carlen, P.I.).In the past he has received grants from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (2001 and 2007). In 2008, he obtained a NARSAD investigator award from the National Association for Research into Schizophrenia and Depression (U.S.A). Professor Poulter has served on many review bodies including the MRC of Canada, CIHR, NSF (USA), NIH (USA), NSF (Israel) and the ESF (Europe) and recently he has assisted with Grant Reviews for Epilepsy Canada. He is currently a field editor for Frontiers in Science journals (Lausanne, Switzerland). He was an associate editor for the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences (2007-2014). He helped found the Canadian Epilepsy Research Initiative (CERI) and was president of CERI from 2009-2014.

Dr Poulter’s research is primarily focused on the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy and major depressive disorder. His runs a multi-disciplinary research lab that encompasses a “molecules to systems” approach that seeks to understand how complex neurological disorders arise and may be treated. He is the author of over 65 peer reviewed articles and book chapters and reviews.

Dr. Morris Scantlebury is an assistant professor in the Departments of Paediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary. He also is a paediatric neurologist at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary and is a member of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute for child and maternal health with a lab in the developmental epilepsy research program. Dr Scantlebury has a broad background in pediatric epilepsy research, specifically in the development and characterization of animal models of pediatric epilepsy syndromes.

He pursued postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Dr Lionel Carmant in Montreal, where he developed a model of atypical febrile seizures induced in rats with a prior neocortical freeze lesion. These studies were supported by a CIHR/Epilepsy Canada fellowship and he was recognized for this research with several awards including an American Epilepsy Society Award for Excellence in Pediatric Epilepsy Research in addition to the AES young investigator award.

Dr Scantlebury’s current research focuses on the validation and optimization of the ketogenic diet in the animal models of infantile spasms and to rapidly translate his results to clinical practice. These studies are currently being funded by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Dr. Scantlebury is excited to see what the data will show and intends to use the knowledge gained from these studies to develop safer, less toxic treatments for infantile spasms.

The new directors join: Jacques Brunelle Chairman, Gary N. Collins President, and Dr Michelle Demos of BC Children’s Hospital, Treasurer Brian M. Galloway, CFP, FCGA and John E. Goodman of Buscemi, Goodman, Legault Inc.

Epilepsy Canada is a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by the neurological disorder. It promotes the support of research and facilitates education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance of epilepsy. Founded in 1966, Epilepsy Canada has a legacy of continuous support for epilepsy research.

Annual General Meeting

You are invited to participate in Epilepsy Canada’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). It will be held via telephone conference on Wednesday, September 30 at 4 pm EST. Interested persons must register by noon, September 30th to obtain a participation call-in code. You can do so by sending an email to jaime@epilepsy.ca

Epilepsy Canada boosts the next generation of epilepsy researchers.

Epilepsy Canada has awarded two one-time research bursaries under its Summer Studentships Program. The recipients are Owen Wiseman of the University of Ottawa and Sophie Ehresmann of the Université de Montréal.

The purpose of Epilepsy Canada’s summer bursary program is to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in epilepsy: in research or practice settings. The bursaries are intended for third and fourth year undergraduates earning a B.Sc., graduates in psychology, sociology, biochemistry and medicine.

Ms. Sophie Ehresmann, BA Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine studies described the support from Epilepsy Canada as “Amazing!” Ms. Ehresmann is working at CHU St Justine Montréal under the supervision of Dr. Phillippe Campeau. Recent work there has identified an epileptic syndrome apparently caused by mutations of a gene never before associated with the disorder. The Epilepsy Canada grant will help the study team confirm that the suspected mutations can in fact lead to epilepsy. This will lead to a number of positive outcomes to improve diagnosis and treatment

Mr. Owen Wiseman, BSc – Psychology, is examining the effects of a motivational exercise program, using peer-to-peer support, to increase physical activity and improve the quality of life for children with epilepsy. He is working on the study under the supervision of Daniela Pohl MD PHD at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He commented, “People’s behavior has always interested me, so neurology became the only career choice for me as I progressed with my education.”

The results from both studies are expected to be known in late 2015.

Renée Colyer, CEO of Forefactor Consulting, appointed to Epilepsy Canada Board of Directors

Jacques Brunelle, President of Epilepsy Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Renée Colyer to the Board of Directors of Epilepsy Canada, effective immediately.

Ms. Colyer is the President and CEO of Forefactor Consulting where she is focused on providing business strategy and research to capital market participants in both developing countries and mature markets. She possesses extensive knowledge of the, insurance, capital markets and banking sectors. Prior to founding Forefactor Ms. Colyer held the position of Director of Research at TSX Group.

With Epilepsy Canada, Renée Colyer will apply her management skills and broad financial services knowledge to the role of Corporate Donor & Major Gift Advocate. She will advise and assist the Epilepsy Canada team to meet its growth targets from major gifts and corporate donors.

Ms. Colyer is a graduate of Guelph University and holds a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Market Research Analysis from the Sheridan Institute and a Certificate in Market Research from the University Notre Dame. In addition, she holds memberships in the United Nations Registry, the World Association of Opinion and Marketing Research Professionals,(ESOMAR). Epilepsy Canada is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by the neurological disorder. It promotes the support of research and facilitates education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance of epilepsy.

Founded in 1966, Epilepsy Canada has a legacy of continuous support for epilepsy research.

Epilepsy Canada Announces Partnership with Code4Armour™ to Bring a Ground-Breaking Service to Benefit People during a Seizure

TORONTO, Ont., March 19, 2015 – Epilepsy Canada announces a unique partnership with Code4Armour™ to bring a life-saving service to the Epilepsy community that can literally speak for those who are unable to speak for themselves during an aura, ictal and postictal phases of a seizure.

Code4Armour™ is a wearable device and mobile app that gives emergency response professionals instant access to your Vital Personal Health Information (VPHI), controlled and managed by your caregiver, family member or by yourself. As or when your condition changes, the system allows for immediate update to the profile. These factors give the family the peace of mind that loved ones are protected in case of an emergency.

March is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Through this most important month Epilepsy Canada and Code4Armour™ are offering this wearable device free of charge to Canadian families with any donation of $25 or more. Recipients can purchase an annual subscription for as little as $48/year.

“Our community often tells us that their biggest concern during an episode is that their loved one is safe and treated appropriately,” explains Gary Collins, Executive Director, Epilepsy Canada. “Code4Armour™ actually tells professionals who you are, who to call, your typical seizures length and any other pertinent information.”

No other solution in today’s market speaks for you when you are unable to speak for yourself. Code4Armour VitalSpeak literally announces, through the speaker of a smartphone or tablet, life-saving information about your condition to emergency response professionals that can improve outcomes.

Code4Armour Co-founder and VP of Marketing Justin Phillips emphasizes, “We’ve developed breakthrough technology that surpasses existing current static medical bracelets and additionally provides a live and dynamic medical profile accessible 24/7/365.”

About Epilepsy Canada: Epilepsy Canada is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by epilepsy through promotion and support of research and facilitation of education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance of epilepsy. Epilepsy Canada is governed by a national board with national representation. Founded in 1966, Epilepsy Canada depends entirely upon public and corporate support for the continuing development of its research and education programs. For more information, please contact garycollins@epilepsy.ca.

About Code4Armour:™ Code4Armour is a social enterprise, healthcare technology company. Code4Armour’s subscription service provides a live and dynamic medical profile triggered by a shock and water-resistant, battery-free alert wearable bracelet. Our service was designed to literally speak for those that can’t in an emergency situation. To order the service, please visit us at www.code4armour.com

Niagara Falls and the CN Tower Light-it-up Purple for those living with epilepsy

Two of Canada’s most famous landmarks will be bathed in purple light on Purple Day, March 26. Toronto’s CN Tower and Niagara Falls have both agreed to an Epilepsy Canada request to Light-it-up Purple to create awareness of the need for epilepsy research.
Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26th annually, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness. Last year, people in dozens of countries on all continents including Antarctica participated in Purple Day!
Epilepsy Canada will be asking everyone to acknowledge and support the 300,000 Canadians living with the epilepsy by posting pictures of the landmarks on Epilepsy Canada’s Facebook page and by tweeting pictures with the message #lightituppurple @epilepsycanada.

2014 Research Report Now Available

Research funded in whole or in part by Epilepsy Canada is making significant strides in advancing knowledge about the treatment of epilepsy. Read about LaFora disease- shortcut to a cure, and how VBR technology is helping doctors better manage patient care. All in the latest edition of Epilepsy Canada’s Research Report.

Team Epilepsy to run in The 2014 Scotiabank Charity Challenge

Runners can raise money for epilepsy research when they participate in the Scotiabank Toronto Water Marathon on October 19. The annual event is popular with all levels of runners from those attempting their 5K to veterans of half and full marathon distances. Epilepsy Canada will reimburse the entry fee to runners who raise a minimum of $250 for its epilepsy research fund. To register as part of the Epilepsy Canada team and begin fund raising click the Toronto Waterfront Marathon link.

Katie's Run set for July 5.

The 3rd Annual Katie’s Run for epilepsy research is being held on Saturday, July 5th. We invite you to join us. Registration for the 10km run and and 2.5 km family walk is open at www.katiesrun.ca.
All funds raised will be donated to the Epilepsy Canada research fund, which supports research into epilepsy therapies at Canadian universities and medical centres.
Come for the day, or come for a relaxing weekend. A variety of accommodations are listed on the Katie’s Run website.
Learn more...

Gary Collins, Executive Director of Epilepsy Canada shares his personal epilepsy journey.

Purple Hair 4 Epilepsy draws attention to the need for research funding

If later this month you see a middle-aged executive with purple hair on the streets of Toronto, chances are it will be business consultant Gary Collins, who also serves as Executive Director of Epilepsy Canada.

March 26 is International Epilepsy Awareness Day and Gary has committed to dye his hair purple on that day to raise money for epilepsy research.   

Gary Collins, Executive Director Epilepsy Canada

Over 300,000 Canadians, including Mr. Collins, have been diagnosed with epilepsy. Another 15,000 will be diagnosed this year. Children and seniors are the two most frequently diagnosed groups.

Epilepsy affects one of every 100 people worldwide. Gary was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 30.  The diagnosis immediately raised safety concerns and impacted his job and family.  “I worked in sales and immediately my driver’s license was suspended and I was unable to fly to see customers alone.” 

Gary volunteered to help at Epilepsy Canada because he considers himself extremely fortunate.  He says, “Things turned out OK for me. After a short trial, my doctors were able to find medication that controlled the seizures and allowed me to resume my career and a normal life. That’s not the case for many.”

With correct diagnosis and medication up to 70% of epileptics are able to live productive lives, seizure free.  But much more needs to be done to find therapies to help the 30% who have seizures that are resistant to drug therapies.

During March, Epilepsy Awareness month, people are being encouraged to donate to Epilepsy Canada’s research grants program.  Since 1966, Epilepsy Canada has annually funded important epilepsy research projects at major Canadian hospitals and universities.  Money raised by the Purple Hair 4 Epilepsy and other initiatives will contribute to keeping the funding program alive.
Those who wish to sponsor Gary or others who have pledged to colour their hair purple can do so online at Purple Hair 4 Epilepsy.com

Young Movie Actress Supports Epilepsy Canada

Rylie Behr

Rylie Behr is a remarkable young actress with big dreams. Barely into her teens, she has completed several film projects.

Rylie was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of three.  Since that time, she has learned how to listen to her body and to accomplish her goals while managing her condition. Most importantly, with the help of a supportive family she hasn't allowed her health concerns to define her. View her story...

Avertus Epilepsy Survey Deadline Extended to February 7.

Thank you to all those who have taken the Avertus survey. The response rate has been excellent, but we would like to give everyone a chance to respond. Accordingly, the deadline has been extended until Friday, February 7, 2014. Your responses and insights are critical for the early development of a new medical device that can improve the lives of millions of people affected by epilepsy.
_________________________________________________________________

Avertus Epilepsy Technologies Inc. is a new business formed to develop a new promising technology - a seizure monitoring and detection device for home use.  Avertus in partnership with researchers at the University of Toronto are the development team working on a breakthrough system for the management and treatment of epilepsy.

The company is asking for those with epilepsy OR those who care for a loved one with epilepsy, to complete a short survey that will help us:

1. Determine the interest level of the technology underdevelopment;
2. Identify the critical features of the technology that will help guide its development and;
3. Develop a better understanding of the needs of the epilepsy community.

The survey is voluntary. The insights and opinions will be used to assist the research team in guiding the development of this new technology.  
The survey will take you approximately 15-20 minutes and your responses are completely confidential and anonymous.

SURVEY LINK:   http://fluidsurveys.com/s/epilepsy_survey/

Expert panel on epilepsy treatments open to the public

The latest drug, clinical and surgical developments in the treatment of epilepsy will be discussed at Café Scientifique, sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, on October 21.

 Dr. Mac Burnham, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto and past President of the Board of Directors of Epilepsy Canada, Dr. Carter Snead Professor, SickKids and University of Toronto and Dr. Taufik Valiante, Assistant Professor, University Health Network and University of Toronto are among the panelists. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Chau Tran.

 Epilepsy: The challenges and the future of understanding is a free event and open to both members of the medical community and anyone from the general public with an interest in epilepsy. Seating is limited, so interested people are asked to RSVP to Wendy Ricketts at SickKids hospital. The email address is wendy.ricketts@sickkids.ca

 The event will be held at the University of Toronto Faculty Club, Upper Dining Room, 2nd Floor, 41 Willcocks Street, Toronto. It is scheduled to run from 6 pm to 9 pm and refreshments will be available.

Funding from Epilepsy Canada brings a cure for Lafora Disease within reach

Epilepsy Canada has directed its latest funding award toward important research in finding a cure for Lafora disease. Dr. Julie Turnbull, PhD will be completing the work at Toronto’s Sick Kids hospital. The research is part of investigations that have been carried on by a team headed by Dr. B. Minassian since 2011.

In her application for funding, Dr. Turnbull said, “If successful, (this) will be one of the first cures for epilepsy and obviously very important for children and families dealing with this, arguably severest form of (the disorder).” Results from the testing now underway could be known as early as the end of 2013. Dr. Turnbull said that it was important for the Sick Kids team to get the funding at this time. She believes that if this phase of research is successful, a cure for Lafora disease could be within reach for the first time.



Dr, Julie Turnbull

Lafora Disease (LD) a progressive myoclonus epilepsy, is the most severe of the teenage-onset epilepsies. First described in 1911, onset is typically in early adolescence, striking children who were otherwise healthy. Symptoms begin with an initial seizure. Over time seizures become constant and pharmacologically intractable. The disease progresses until patients are bedridden with persistent seizures and severe cognitive impairments. It is generally fatal within 10 years of onset. Though exact numbers are unknown, Lafora Disease could affect up to 175 people in Canada.

Gary Collins, Executive Director of Epilepsy Canada stated, “We are grateful beyond words to the donors that make epilepsy research at Canadian hospitals a reality. We are hopeful that Dr. Turnbull and the team at Sick Kids are indeed close to a historic breakthrough in their efforts to conquer Lafora Disease.”

Mutations in two genes are known to cause the build-up of Lafora Bodies in neurons causing LD. EPM2A encodes laforin, a glycogen phosphatase and EPM2B encodes malin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. In the past two years the researchers at Sick Kids have proven that removal of Lafora Bodies, abnormally structured glycogen, cures the disease in mice with laforin-deficient Lafora disease.  Dr. Turnbull points out, it remains to be shown whether or not the same applies to malin-deficient Lafora disease. This is the goal of the newly funded research. 

Dr. Turnbull first began working on the problem of a cure for LD in 2002.  The desired result from this phase of research would bring eleven years of work to a successful conclusion and a cure to Lafora patients.

NEW APPROACH FOR THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY AUTHORIZED BY HEALTH CANADA

Fycompatm (perampanel) is now available as an adjunctive treatment for adult patients

Eisai Limited has announced the Health Canada authorization and availability of FYCOMPA (perampanel) indicated as an adjunctive therapy in the management of partial-onset seizures, in adult patients with epilepsy who are not satisfactorily controlled with conventional therapy. FYCOMPA is a first-in-class treatment authorized by Health Canada that selectively and non-competitively targets post-synaptic AMPA glutamate receptors, representing a new approach to seizure control.

Health Canada’s authorization of FYCOMPA was primarily based on three Phase III studies (304, 305 and 306). These multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of FYCOMPA compared to placebo given as an adjunctive therapy in patients with partial-onset seizures.The studies demonstrated that FYCOMPA significantly reduced seizure frequency in patients with partial-onset seizures with or without secondarily generalized seizures.

"FYCOMPA represents an innovative approach in the treatment of epilepsy and a much needed option for Canadian patients and physicians," says Dr. Neelan Pillay, Clinical Professor, Director Adult Epilepsy Program, EEG and Evoked Potentials at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Foothills Medical Centre."When added to their current treatment regimen, FYCOMPA is shown to significantly reduce patients."

Epilepsy Canada President Dr. “Mac” Burnham said, "We have followed FYCOMPA's success in clinical trials and we welcome its release in Canada.  It is always good to have a drug which works by a new mechanism.  It gives us hope that the drug will be effective against seizures that have resisted the medicines currently available."

About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. About 70 per cent of people with epilepsy have partial-onset seizures. In about 30 per cent of patients with epilepsy, seizures cannot be controlled with treatment. In Canada, 300,000 Canadians currently live with epilepsy, and an estimated 15,500 are diagnosed each year. Despite the high epilepsy incidence, there still remains a relatively low understanding and awareness of this neurological disorder.

About FYCOMPA (perampanel)
FYCOMPA is an oral medication taken once-daily and is the first Health Canada-authorized selective and non-competitive post-synaptic AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) glutamate receptor antagonist. AMPA receptors, widely present in almost all excitatory neurons, transmit signals stimulated by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate within the brain. Glutamate is the primaryexcitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. FYCOMPA is supplied as 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg, 10 mg and 12 mg film-coated tablets.

Discovered and developed by Eisai, FYCOMPA has been licensed in more than 30 countries including, the U.S., U.K., Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria and Switzerland. For more information on FYCOMPA, please refer to the product monograph for complete prescribing instructions. For more information about Eisai Limited, visit the company’s website www.eisai.ca

Discovered and developed by Eisai, FYCOMPA has been licensed in more than 30 countries including, the U.S., U.K., Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria and Switzerland. For more information on FYCOMPA, please refer to the product monograph for complete prescribing instructions. For more information about Eisai Limited, visit the company’s website www.eisai.ca

Innovative EpLink Research Funded through 2018

A recent funding announcement from the Ontario Government has assured that EpLink - the Epilepsy Research Program co-directed by Epilepsy Canada President Dr. Mac Burnham - will maintain its funding through 2018. EpLink is a major initiative of the Ontario Brain Institute, which received the news of its extended funding in March of this year.

The EpLink Epilepsy Program is unique in Canada, linking more than twenty-five researchers (working at nine different university and hospital sites across Ontario), five industry partners, five non-profit advocacy groups and a national NFP organization dedicated to epilepsy research.The EpLink Program will bring these workers more the $2 million per year in research support. Dr. Burnham shares responsibility for direction of the program with Dr. Jorge Burneo of London, Ontario.  It’s his hope that EpLink’s influence will spread far beyond the province’s borders and will form a template that can be adopted by provincial governments all across Canada.

Dr. Burnham notes that the goals of the EpLink Program are translational in nature. Though its studies involve cutting edge science, its major focus is to improve clinical care for epilepsy in the very near future. To accomplish this goal, EpLink is partnering with industry, since its support is necessary to bring new discoveries from bench to bedside. EpLink is also partnering with non-profit regional and provincial epilepsy associations in Ontario.

The research projects supported by the EpLink Program involve almost every area of epilepsy care. They are divided into six different themes: 1) Epidemiology and Diagnosis, 2) Medical Control of Seizures – Pharmacological, 3) Medical Control of Seizures – Non-Pharmacological, 4) Imaging for Surgery, 5) Surgery and Stimulation and 6) Genetics and Epigenetics. While there is not space to describe all of the projects, reviewing a few of them may give some sense of the depth and breadth of the EpLink Program.

In Epidemiology and Diagnosis, for instance, Dr. Michele Shapiro in Hamilton is testing whether longer initial EEGs will more accurately diagnose epilepsy after the first seizure, whereas Dr. Jorge Burneo in London is trying to assess the number of patients who develop epilepsy after traumatic brain injury and Dr. Elizabeth Donner in Toronto is studying the occurrence of SUDEP and the risk factors associated with it.

The Medical Control of Seizures – Pharmacological relates to drug development and delivery. Dr. McIntyre Burnham in Toronto, for instance, is involved in the pre-clinical testing drugs related to the ketogenic diet, while Dr. Peter Carlen is working on the transmucosal delivery of benzodiazepines to treat cluster seizures.

The theme of Medical Control of Seizures – Non-Pharmacological involves quite a variety of interesting projects. In Hamilton, Dr. Gabriel Ronen is testing whether physical exercise can improve seizure control, while in Ottawa; Dr. Sharon Whiting is investigating the cost-effectiveness of diet therapy – a treatment that should be more widely used. Dr. Elizabeth Kerr in Toronto is testing whether a computer-based training program can improve working memory in children with epilepsy – a study which maybe the first of a number of projects targeting the co-morbidities of epilepsy.

Surgery is the only real cure for epilepsy, and the increasing success of surgery has been largely based on improvements in non-invasive imaging. Imaging for Surgery is one of our most technically advanced themes, with a number of studies focused on MRI and MEG. Dr. Rob Bartha in London, for instance is using 7T MRI to re-screen patients previously screened with 3T MRI. The hope is that the more powerful technique will identify structural abnormalities missed in the earlier screening. Drs. Peters and Khan, also in London, are trying to fuse multi-spectral imaging techniques to create an atlas of epileptogenic brain tissue to assist surgery. Drs. Cheyne and Otsubo in Toronto are working to combine MEG and MRI for more accurate localization of interictal spikes, while Drs. Doesburg and Snead, also at the Hospital for Sick Children, are mapping network connectivity to improve the localization of epileptogenic foci.

The largest project in our Surgery and Stimulation theme relates to the development of computerized systems to detect seizure onset and to suppress seizures with brain stimulation. This effort is being led by Drs. Carlen, Bardakjian and Valiante at the Toronto Western Hospital, with related studies at the Hospital for Sick Children being conducted by Drs. Perez-Velazquez and Otsubo. Additional projects relate to monitoring the effects of surgery on quality of life (Dr. Mary Lou Smith) and predicting the memory deficits that may be caused by seizure surgery (Dr. Mary Pat McAndrews).

Our most "basic science" theme is Genetics and Epigenetics. The payoff from these studies may be some years away, but the impact will be very great. Dr. Danielle Andrade in Toronto, for instance, is studying the genetics of inherited temporal lobe, whereas Dr. Michael Poulter in London is studying methylation patterns in excised epileptic foci. Drs. Cortez and Snead are investigating the exciting possibility that early environment may prevent development of the phenotype in an animal model of West's syndrome.

Readers interested in more information can email Dr. Kathryn Hum, the EpLink Project Manager at eplink.obi@gmail.com or access the EpLink website at www.eplink.ca.

Epilepsy Canada has a new phone number.

Our phone number has changed to 647-777-8416 effective June 14, 2012

Epilepsy Canada and Idic15 to work together

Today, Epilepsy Canada announced an agreement with Idic15 Canada, to cooperate on awareness initiatives to promote the connection between epilepsy and the Idic15, otherwise known as Chromosome 15q11-13 Duplication Syndrome. Idic15 Canada is a recently established Canadian Non-Profit Society, which provides collaboration, advocacy and research to families living with the condition.

Gary Collins, Executive Director of Epilepsy Canada says, “Initially our involvement will be to assist in creating awareness for Idic15 Awareness Day and providing online fundraising resources to the Idic15 organization.”

Idic15 is a rare chromosomal disorder involving an extra copy of genetic material from the long arm of chromosome 15 in the region 11.1-13.2. The type and severity of symptoms are determined by the amount and location of the duplicated genetic material. Many, affected children and adults have seizures at some point in their lives. These may be occasional or frequent, short or prolonged. There is increasing evidence that SUDEP is a risk in Idic15, so management of the epilepsy is crucial.

There are currently 40 Idic15 families registered with Idic15 Canada.  Co-founder Theresa McKirdy believes that there are many more that have not been properly diagnosed because of the lack of information that has been available to the medical community. The organization has been formed to advance awareness, resources and clinical research for those living with the condition. Ms McKirdy said, “Partnering with Epilepsy Canada is an important element of our strategy to raise overall awareness about the Idic15 disorder.”

Epilepsy Canada Announces a Call for Research Funding Submissions

Epilepsy Canada today announced that it is again accepting submissions to support research trainees in any area of research pertaining to epilepsy.  Executive Director Gary Collins says, “With this particular call, we are seeking to fund a post-doctoral researcher and a summer studentship associated with a Canadian university or hospital.”  He added research activities must be conducted within Canada to qualify for the funding.

Epilepsy Canada's mission is to support research (in the biomedical, clinical or social sciences) that is focused on improving the lives of people with seizure disorders.  The association is very proud of the high quality of young researchers and the research projects it sponsors.

 A rigorous grant review process headed by Epilepsy Canada President Dr. W. McIntyre Burnham, is carried out by individuals from the medical and scientific communities across Canada. Mr. Collins says the peer review process ensures that Epilepsy Canada is making the best possible use of research dollars and investing in the most promising research.

Research Fellowships are intended to develop expertise in clinical or basic sciences epilepsy research and improve the quality of care for epilepsy patients in Canada. Each year, funds are available to young Canadian researchers with an M.D. or Ph.D. degree.

Summer student bursaries are intended for third and fourth year undergraduates earning a B.Sc., graduate students in psychology, sociology, biochemistry, and medical students. The purpose of this bursary is to encourage individuals to pursue careers in epilepsy, in research or practice-settings.

Interested parties can submit a proposal via email to Mr. Collins at the following address, garycollins@epilepsy.ca. The deadline for 2013 submissions is June 14.  Further details can be obtained by visiting the Epilepsy Canada website www.epilepsy.ca  and following the links to 2013 Call for Submissions.