“Epilepsy… so what?”

The 12th ECES will take place from Wednesday 25th August to Friday 27th August 2010. The theme of the conference is “Epilepsy… so what?” which analyses different aspects of living with epilepsy. The main objective of this programme is to reduce the stigma by discussing issues associated with epilepsy. In addition, the 12th ECES Programme is mainly based on topics suggested by Members of the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE). The majority of speakers were also suggested by IBE European member associations. During the conference, delegates will have many opportunities to socialise and participate in discussion groups, parallel sessions and other programmed activities.

Click here to download the 12th ECES Programme at a Glance.

WEDNESDAY 25th AUGUST
Opening Day

On Wednesday 25th August, the IBE European Committee will have its annual meeting and representatives from all IBE European member organisations are welcome to participate. In the evening, the 12th European Conference on Epilepsy & Society will officially commence with the Opening Ceremony and Reception. Later, there will be a Karaoke Evening for everyone to enjoy.

THURSDAY 26th AUGUST
On Thursday there will be a variety of main topics such as Epilepsy brain and mind, Epilepsy and cognition, Epilepsies, AEDs and health issues, Ethics in epilepsy and Epilepsy is more a social condition than a medical one. During the afternoon there will be a Discussion Group and Parallel Sessions, and the day will be rounded off with a pleasant Social Evening.

MAIN SESSIONS
Epilepsy brain and mind – Niall Pender, Ireland
Epilepsy and cognition – Melissa Filippini, Italy
Epilepsies, AEDs and health issues – Janet Mifsud, Malta
Ethics in epilepsy – Ley Sander, UK
Epilepsy is more a social condition than a medical one – Victoria Dimech, Malta and José Lopes Lima, Portugal

DISCUSSION GROUP
Driving license and insurance – Mike Glynn, Ireland
Epilepsy in the family – An De Cock, Belgium
What is life like for people living with epilepsy – Per Olsen, Denmark
A chance for a better life (Mainstreaming Project) – Shirley Maxwell, Scotland

PARALLEL SESSIONS
Group A:
School and work – Sofia Neves, Portugal
Emergency cards and warning devices – Aisling Farrell, Ireland
Group B:
Best practice in twinning of IBE Members – Seppo Sarkkula, Finland
Personal development opportunities – Michael Alexa, Austria

FRIDAY 27th AUGUST
The last day of the conference will cover three main topics: Photosensitivity and epilepsies, Treatment issues: the views of doctors, patients and industry and Influencing policy. After lunch, delegates will have the opportunity to present their posters during an hour especially allocated for Poster Presentations. The afternoon Discussion Group will follow and the popular Youth Session will cover a topic entitled Sex, Drugs and Lifestyle choices. The conference will come to an end with a concluding session, which will highlight the different aspects and information conveyed throughout the conference.
MAIN SESSIONS
Photosensitivity and epilepsies – Athanasios Covanis, Greece and Graham Harding, UK
Influencing policy – Gay Mitchell, Ireland

POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Poster presenters will present their posters

DISCUSSION GROUP
Training for success – Honor Broderick, Ireland
Working with politicians – Peter Scott, UK
Are smoking, caffeine, alcohol and stress risk factors for seizures? – Judit Bekes, Hungary

YOUTH SESSION
Youth session: sex, drugs and lifestyle choices – Stine Strømsø, Norway

Click here to download the 12th ECES Programme at a Glance.