Epilepsy Program – Overview

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The Calgary Epilepsy Program has a unique core of paediatric and adult epileptologists, epilepsy surgeons, EEG technologists, clinical physician assistants, residents, fellows basic scientists, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, and nurses providing comprehensive care for epilepsy patients. As one of the premiere epilepsy centres in Canada, our team of experts works in collaboration to find the most appropriate treatment for each patient; developing innovative ways to diagnose and treat epilepsy in children and adults.

Epilepsy is much more than seizures. Research by members of our team and others demonstrates that up to 70 per cent of people with epilepsy suffer from anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. A similar proportion suffers from cognitive deficits and learning difficulties as a result of the seizures, the medications, or other underlying conditions. The risk of death in patients with poorly controlled epilepsy is five times higher than in the general population. Accidents, social stigma, and disability are all well documented in studies of the Canadian epilepsy population, who also use more acute health care resources and allied health services than patients with other common chronic conditions. In addition, our researchers have shown than in Canada, chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension, cancer, stroke, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, migraine, allergies, chronic fatigue, diabetes, and psychiatric disorders) are significantly more common in patients with epilepsy than in the general population.

The overall objective of the Calgary Epilepsy Program is to be a centre of clinical and academic excellence, and to maximize the full potential of each individual with epilepsy through improved consolidated services, education, and research. Patients and families often present with complex needs arising from the impact of this chronic illness on their lives, coupled with the experience of change in their disease process and /or response to treatment.

 

 

Date Updated: 2011-02-15