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The therapeutic potential of medical marijuana and pure cannabidiol (CBD), an active substance in the cannabis plant, for neurologic conditions is highly debated. A series of articles published in Epilepsia, a journal of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), examine the potential use of medical marijuana and CBD in treating severe forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome. In a case study, Dr. Edward Maa, Chief of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Denver Health in Denver, Colo., details one mother’s experience of providing medical marijuana to her child with Dravet syndrome. The adjunct therapy, a strain of cannabis high in CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) known as Charlotte’s Web, was given in conjunction with the patient’s antiepileptic drug regimen. The child’s seizure frequency was reduced from 50 convulsions per day to 2 to 3 nighttime convulsions per month. “Colorado is “ground zero” of the medical marijuana debate,” says Dr. Maa. “As medical professionals it is important that we further the evidence of whether CBD in cannabis is an effective antiepileptic therapy.” Currently, 21 states and the District of Columbia (DC) have legalized marijuana for medical purposes according to GOVERNING magazine. A counter-point article summarizes current scientific evidence of CBD use in epilepsy [...]

Introduction The Asian and Oceanian Outstanding Achievement Epilepsy Award (AOEA) was introduced by the Commission of Asian and Oceanian Affairs (CAOA) of the ILAE in 2010.   The purpose of the Award is to recognise and pay tribute to medical or non-medical professionals for their extraordinary contributions to Epilepsy Care. It is the highest honour bestowed by CAOA, and is given for the lifetime of the recipient. Recipients will be invited to attend the 10th Asian and Oceanian Epilepsy Congress in Singapore, August 2014, to receive the Award, a plaque and a small gift. Whilst the Award does not carry monetary value or provide travel or accommodation expenses, recipients will be offered free (non-transferable) registration to the Congress. Who can nominate All ILAE chapters in the Asia-Oceanian Region, all IBE Members in the South East Asian and Western Pacific regions, and any member of the CAOA, ASEPA and Task Force Teams (TFTs) may each nominate a maximum of 3 candidates. An authorised officer of the nominating association must submit nominations from ILAE chapters and IBE associations. Nominees should not previously have received the ILAE-IBE Ambassador for Epilepsy Award or the AOEA Award. The purpose of the AOEA is to honour those [...]

The ILAE commissioned a Task Force to formulate an operational definition of epilepsy for purposes of clinical diagnosis. This article summarizes the recommendations of the Task Force, including appended notes and case examples explaining the reasons for these recommendations and occasional dissenting views. In December of 2013, the ILAE Executive Committee adopted the recommendations as a position of the ILAE. Summary Epilepsy was defined conceptually in 2005 as a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures. This definition is usually practically applied as having two unprovoked seizures >24 h apart. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) accepted recommendations of a task force altering the practical definition for special circumstances that do not meet the two unprovoked seizures criteria. The task force proposed that epilepsy be considered to be a disease of the brain defined by any of the following conditions: (1) At least two unprovoked (or reflex) seizures occurring >24 h apart; (2) one unprovoked (or reflex) seizure and a probability of further seizures similar to the general recurrence risk (at least 60%) after two unprovoked seizures, occurring over the next 10 years; (3) diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome. Epilepsy is considered to be resolved [...]

Epilepsy is a well-known disease from ancient times, however people with epilepsy have many problems in their lives even today.  Japan Epilepsy Association and Japan Epilepsy Society have been working together to get over these problems over the years. To encourage close liaison, there have been joint meetings from 2010. At the 8th joint meeting on 1st September 2013, the Declaration on Epilepsy was adopted. CLICK  HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE DECLARATION Keji Tsurui President Japan Epilepsy Association Makiko Osawa President Japan Epilepsy Society

Juanito's Story All young children love puppets and puppetry has been shown to be a successful means of educating young people and of dealing with issues that can be otherwise more difficult to confront. ANLICHE, IBE’s Full Member in Chile, have produced a family puppet video aimed at 7 to 12 year olds. The project’s goal was to teach through a video’s presentation which shows Juanito’s history: a child with epilepsy who has to confront the diagnosis at school, with the physician, the family and friends. This project was designed considering the following difficulties: Misleading information about epilepsy, myths, prejudices and stigma in school. Low social participation of people with epilepsy. Based on the aforementioned, a negative impact on the quality of life of people with epilepsy. The goal was to teach primary school students about epilepsy through the use of a video which is appropriate for their level. Also, this goal was extended to teach young people of high school, in this way becoming an educational resource across the scholar system. Collaboration and Funding The project was undertaken in collaboration with the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), the Chilean League against Epilepsy -non-profit organization devoted to improve the quality of life of [...]

[raw] [one_third][/one_third] [two_third last] The International Bureau for Epilepsy are delighted to offer their warmest congratulation to Professor Samuel Berkovic upon his appointment - Companion in the Order of Australia. In the Australian honours system appointments to the Order of Australia confer the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service. Professor Samuel Berkovic is recognised for his groundbreaking discoveries with epilepsy   [/two_third] [clear] [/raw] To view a video of Professor Berkovic discussing the groundbreaking work finding epilepsy genes - please click on the link below. [divider style="shadow"] Biographical notes  in the Australia Day 2014 Honours List.  (© 2012, Commonwealth of Australia) COMPANION (AC) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA  Professor Samuel Frank BERKOVIC AM, Caulfield North Vic 3161 For eminent service to biomedical research in the field of epilepsy genetics as a leading academic and clinician, to the study of neurology on a national and international level, and as an ambassador for Australian medical science education.  Chair, Commission on Genetics, International League Against Epilepsy, 2009-2013; Chair, Consortium on Complex Epilepsies, 2012; Member, Classification and Terminology Commission, 2007-2009; Member, Strategic Planning Group, 2008-2009. Director, Epilepsy Research Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, since 2007. Co-Chair, Organising Committee, 'Curing Epilepsy', National Institutes of Health, [...]

After a break of some years, IBE has recently renewed its membership of the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA). EFNA is a federation of European umbrella organisations of neurological lay advocacy groups that facilitates collaboration with other associations in the field of neurology, including the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS). It's vision is a better quality of life for people in Europe living with a neurological disorder. EFNA’s objectives include influencing of policy makers in Europe to allocate the necessary resources to reduce the burden for people living with a neurological disorder and to achieve positive change and to establish strong working partnerships with relevant stakeholders, with the aim of improving quality of life, promoting better access to diagnosis, treatment and information and improving public awareness and understanding. EFNA works with the European Commission and the European Parliament, relevant health professionals and other groups. Its activities include organising conferences and educational workshops, campaigning at European level and production of newsletters and information leaflets. IBE’s membership was ratified at the EFNA General Assembly held in Vienna in September 2013. Other members of EFNA include Stroke Alliance for Europe, Motor Neurone Disease Association – Europe, European Multiple Sclerosis Platform, European Headache [...]

IBE Solidarity Fund The IBE Solidarity Fund allows IBE to support members in developing countries to play an active role in the activities of IBE, where lack of available funds would otherwise prevent this. When IBE’s new constitution was put in place on 1st January 2005, many associations found that their annual dues payments were substantially reduced with the introduction of the standard annual payment of US$150. At that time, some members indicated an interest in making an extra contribution, on top of their dues payment, by way of a donation to the Bureau. This coincided with plans of IBE to introduce a fund that could be used to support members with very limited means. As a result the IBE Solidarity Fund was created and since then IBE has been encouraged by the continuing generosity of some of its members and other supporters. Make A Donation - Solidarity Fund In putting in place the Solidarity Fund, it was envisaged that one of the purposes of the fund would be to provide financial support to those IBE members that could demonstrate financial hardship and would be used to subsidize their involvement in IBE activities. IBE is aware that members from low income countries find it extremely difficult to meet their annual dues payments. On this basis, [...]

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[one_half] We are pleased to report the Results of the Election of Members to the Regional Executive Committees for the coming term 2013 – 2017 which commenced 26th June 2013. Click here to go directly to results [/one_half] [one_half last] [/one_half] Regional Executive Committees All members of IBE are grouped within geographical sectors known as regions, of which there are seven. Each voting Member of IBE is a member of a Regional Committee and has one vote within it. Other non-voting members of IBE are non-voting members of a Regional Committee. IBE Regions Africa Eastern Mediterranean Europe Latin America North America South East Asia Western Pacific Each Regional Committee elects a Regional Executive Committee (REC), to include at least a Chair, a Vice Chair and a Secretary, and this REC is accountable to, and reports to the International Executive Committee and also to the voting Members of the Regional Committee. The term of office is four years and runs in tandem with the term of the International Executive Committee. Each Regional Committee also elects one Vice-President to the International Executive Committee. The International Executive Committee Vice President for each region also serves as an ex officio member with full voting rights on his or [...]