Category Archive

Epilepsy in Children

Seizure response dogs ensuring safety, providing companionship

February 27, 2014

While guide dogs assisting people with visual impairment have been around hundreds of years, it’s only been in the past three decades that people with epilepsy have discovered the difference specially trained canines can make in their lives. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has trained more than 70 dogs to assist Canadians living with…

Researchers sequencing genomes to uncover causes of epilepsies

February 10, 2014

A team of Canadian researchers has embarked on a four-year study of the genetic contributions to epilepsy to develop personalized approaches to diagnosing various types of seizure disorders early as well as discovering treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy. Researchers involved with the Canadian Epilepsy Network (CENet) are sequencing genomes from 2,000 patients. CENet researchers are collaborating…

EpLink researcher says team is ‘quite close’ to finding Lafora disease cure

November 7, 2013

By Deron Hamel Dr. Berge Minassian says he believes scientists are “getting quite close” to finding a cure for Lafora disease, characterized as the most serious form of epilepsy, with inroads made possible by the Ontario Brain Institute’s (OBI’s) EpLink research program. Minassian is one of more than 25 researchers at nine university and hospital…

Education key to eliminating epilepsy stigma, say panelists

October 31, 2013

TORONTO – In the documentary On the Edge: Living with Epilepsy, Bill Maier shares his story about having a seizure at school and then being reprimanded by his teacher for his “behaviour.” For people who have the neurological condition and those working for epilepsy support agencies, Maier’s story is a common theme. During a panel…