Epilepsy

Why study epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a term that refers to a collection of neurological disorders that cause seizures of varying kinds and intensity. Nearly 90,000 Ontarians have epilepsy.

There are medications that effectively control seizures in about 70% of people. But 30% of people do not respond to drugs and have “refractory” epilepsy (or drug-resistant epilepsy). Of those people with drug-resistant epilepsy, approximately one of every 150 will die per year as a result of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). In addition to increased mortality rates, those with drug-resistant epilepsy report having a lower quality of life and struggles with isolation, loss or lack of employment and independence, cognitive and memory impairments, and depression. Children with epilepsy have a higher relative risk of intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional and nervous difficulties.

EpLink: The Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute

EpLink’s aim is to transform care for individuals with epilepsy by optimizing therapies that reduce or eliminate seizures, optimizing surgical treatment of epilepsy, and improving their lives through reducing the impact of epilepsy-related comorbidities. EpLink’s core belief is that their impact will be measured in the discoveries that can be taken from the lab to the clinic where they can improve the lives of those with epilepsy. To optimize epilepsy therapy, EpLink has built a program of leading researchers who collaborate in a multi-pronged program that aims to improve treatment and quality of life for those living with epilepsy.
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EpLink: The Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute

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Raising Awareness About Epilepsy and Antidepressants to Improve Treatment.

Change is slow even in the fast-paced world of healthcare. OBI’s Epilepsy Research Program (EpLink) is committed to making evidence-based solutions available to people living with epilepsy—even in an environment of clinician resistance.

Nearly 90,000 people in Ontario have epilepsy. There are medications that can effectively control seizures for about 70% them, while 30% do not respond to drugs. People living with uncontrolled seizures often struggle with isolation, lack of employment and independence, cognitive disorders and depression. It is estimated that around 50% of people with epilepsy will experience depression at some point

Ontario Epilepsy Guidelines

The Provincial Guidelines Series is the result of a collaborative effort between Critical Care Services Ontario (CCSO), the Epilepsy Implementation Task Force (EITF), and Provincial Neurosurgery Ontario (PNO). The EITF was established in June 2013 and was co-chaired by Dr. Carter Snead, Pediatric Neurologist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and Brenda Flaherty, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Hamilton Health Sciences.

The EITF brought together leaders from within the epilepsy community to help develop a complete approach to epilepsy care in Ontario. The recommendations found in the guidelines series were developed to improve the quality and consistency of epilepsy care, and to ensure that all Ontarians with epilepsy have timely access to treatment, including surgical care.

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The Impact of Our Work

Raising Awareness About Epilepsy and Antidepressants to Improve Treatment.

Change is slow even in the fast-paced world of healthcare. OBI’s Epilepsy Research Program (EpLink) is committed to making evidence-based solutions available to people living with epilepsy—even in an environment of clinician resistance.

Nearly 90,000 people in Ontario have epilepsy. There are medications that can effectively control seizures for about 70% them, while 30% do not respond to drugs. People living with uncontrolled seizures often struggle with isolation, lack of employment and independence, cognitive disorders and depression. It is estimated that around 50% of people with epilepsy will experience depression at some point