Epilepsy in the news
Epilepsy Smart Launches national Health program
Epilepsy Smart Australia recently launched its new national health program providing streamlined support, education, and training services with a focus on previously under-serviced communities, to improve access for everyone.
This new initiative aims to bring the best knowledge and resources under one roof, improving support services for those living with epilepsy, their families, carers, or support network – no matter where they live in Australia, their age, or stage of life.
Expert advice and resources are now available via the National Epilepsy Support Service on 1300 761 487. People with complex needs will be referred to their local state service provider for ongoing, individualised epilepsy support.
The Epilepsy Smart Australia programs include Epilepsy Smart Disability, Epilepsy Smart Aged Care and Epilepsy Smart Schools training programs. To find out more visit the Epilepsy Smart website
Brain imaging technology impact on epilepsy research and treatments
Professor Graeme Jackson, world-leading neurologist, epilepsy researcher, Clinical Director of The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Australian Epilepsy Project's (AEP) Chief Investigator, recently spoke about new technology that's changing brain imaging at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health philanthropy event, held in September.
With over 15,000 career citations, Prof. Jackson is world-renowned for his clinical research applying MRI imaging technologies to the human brain, and its potential impact on treating people living with epilepsy, the focus of the Australian Epilepsy Project.
Earlier this year the AEP launched the first of a national network of hubs aimed to enhance the standard of care for the 2.5 million Australians who will experience a seizure in their lifetime. These hubs enable access to world-leading expertise and testing, transforming the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, for all.
"The clinical care journey in epilepsy for patients has, until now, lacked answers to the most basic questions, such as will this person have further seizures? What is the best medication? Could brain surgery be effective?”
“We know that the effects of epilepsy on an individual’s productivity and total years of life lost are staggering and worsened by this gap in clinical knowledge. The Australian Epilepsy Project is working to change this,” explains Prof. Jackson.
The AEP is a new model in epilepsy treatment that brings together the best minds and the latest technologies, delivered via an open national network of treatment hubs. It is creating a gold standard in clinical diagnosis and management for people living with epilepsy today, and for other brain health conditions in the future.