World expert for epilepsy conference

A world renowned expert in the field of epilepsy is to give the keynote speech at a major epilepsy conference in Dublin next month.

Prof Mike Kerr of Cardiff University will speak at Brainwave’s (Irish Epilepsy Association) national conference on September 13. He has a particular interest in the area of intellectual disability and he will be discussing the management of epilepsy in those with an intellectual disability, a group he describes as the ‘invisible epilepsy population’.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition, diagnosed when someone has recurrent seizures caused by excess electrical activity in the brain. Some 35,000 people are living with epilepsy in Ireland, making it the most common serious neurological condition in the country.

The conference is aimed at people with epilepsy, their families and carers, and professionals working in this area. It will include a series of workshops on issues such as employment, while epilepsy specialist nurses will also be on hand to offer information and support on a one-to-one basis.

Dr Niall Pender, principal clinical neuropsychologist at Beaumont Hospital will also speak at the conference. He will focus on the importance of emotional wellbeing.

“This is an ideal opportunity for people with an interest in epilepsy to learn more. We are extremely lucky to have such an eminent panel of experts to talk about different aspects of epilepsy. It is also a wonderful opportunity for people to meet others with an interest in epilepsy, to exchange views and to learn from each other,” said Aisling Farrell of Brainwave.

The conference will be opened by 2FM radio presenter and Brainwave patron, Rick O’Shea, who developed epilepsy in his teens.

The national conference takes place in the Gresham Hotel in Dublin on Saturday, September 13. Places are still available for the conference but should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

To book a place or to find out more about the event or about epilepsy in general, contact Brainwave at (01) 455 7500 or see http://www.epilepsy.ie

To read an interview with Rick O’Shea, click on…
http://www.irishhealth.com/index.html?level=4&id=9274

More information on epilepsy can also be found at our Epilepsy Clinic, which was developed in association with Brainwave, at…http://www.irishhealth.com/clin/epilepsy/index.html

[Posted: Tue 26/08/2008]