Epilepsy Action, Australia presents a national consumer symposium, Epilepsy: Top of Mind, on 8 November 2008 in Sydney, Australia, for people living with or affected by epilepsy. The symposium will be of benefit to adults, adolescents, parents of children with epilepsy, professional carers and others affected by or caring for someone with epilepsy.

The seminar directly follows the Epilepsy Society of Australia’s Annual Scientific Meeting which gives Epilepsy Action the opportunity to involve key national and international speakers including neurologists and other specialists.

IBE President Susanne Lund says the symposium is an excellent opportunity to promote awareness about epilepsy.

“National associations concentrate on the individual needs of people with epilepsy relative to their own particular location and this is a very important task – to be aware of and to work to reduce the struggle faced by individuals whose lives are compromised by their epilepsy,” she says. “Throughout the world the biggest task faced by epilepsy associations is the battle to reduce the stigma of epilepsy. At an international and national level we work to achieve this by raising awareness of the true facts about epilepsy. We are always looking for good opportunities to promote awareness and, for Epilepsy Action, Australia, the Epilepsy: Top of Mind symposium will provide a terrific occasion in which to do this.”

Epilepsy: Top of Mind will include major presentations on new medications and treatment options, community attitudes to epilepsy, employment, the latest research and more. The format will be an official opening and morning plenary session followed by specialised streams for parents of children with epilepsy, adults living with epilepsy, professionals working with or providing services for people with epilepsy, and an interactive stream for adolescents.

There will also be exhibition area displaying products and services that are of benefit to people living with epilepsy and/or carers. For more information, please visit www.epilepsy.org.au/etom.asp. This website will be updated regularly with more details on the event program.