Communicating About Epilepsy: A style guide for reporting on epilepsy.

Many misconceptions surround epilepsy. Communicators may inadvertently add to the negative image of the disorder merely by choice of language. This list of concerns is an effort to call attention to in-grained usage of terms that in some manner, even today, communicate a negative image of epilepsy.

Top Stories

» Tragic Death Sparks New Call For Police and EMTs To Take Positive Action; Epilepsy Foundation Offers Training Through Community-Based Organizations

Washington, D.C. (August 10, 2007) – In light of the recent tragic death of a young man who was allegedly denied his epilepsy medication while in law enforcement custody, the Epilepsy Foundation today urged first responder organizations to take advantage of seizure awareness and response training offered by Epilepsy Foundation affiliates across the country.

» Epilepsy Research Foundation Announces Translational Research Funding Awards Supporting Innovative Epilepsy Products -- July 26, 2007

Reston, VA -- The Epilepsy Research Foundation (ERF), a unique joint venture of three non-profit epilepsy organizations to identify and accelerate the development of promising epilepsy research, today announced three recipients of translational research funds totaling over $300,000 for work to advance three promising epilepsy therapies. The ERF research awards are designed to support exciting, innovative therapies through laboratory research or early clinical development and are being presented to physicians and scientists actively advancing the research with important, near-term patient benefits. The funded projects include the development of an intravenous formulation of the drug topiramate for the neuroprotection and the treatment of seizures in neonatal infants; a multi-scale human electrophysiology and stimulation program to significantly improve the efficacy of brain stimulation in patients with epilepsy; and the use of a novel electrical brain stimulation therapy to suppress epileptic activity.

» New Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Proposed to Help in the Battle Against Epilepsy for Veterans -- July 3, 2007

Landover, MD — The Epilepsy Foundation supports Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05) in their proposal of the Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act of 2007 (H.R 2818). This act authorizes the establishment of six Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Epilepsy Centers of Excellence throughout the nation. These centers will lead the way in epilepsy diagnosis, research, treatment and surgery.

» Parents of Infants with Epilepsy Can Now Easily Access Reliable Information -- April 30, 2007

Landover, MD — The Epilepsy Foundation is launching a new Web site (www.epilepsyfoundation.org/infants) about epilepsy and seizure disorders in infants ages 0-3, the time during which children are most vulnerable to seizures and have the least ability to communicate what they are experiencing to others.

» First "National Walk for Epilepsy" a Huge Success -- March 31, 2007

The first-ever National Walk for Epilepsy brought more than 5,000 people to the National Mall and raised one million dollars to help build awareness of epilepsy, eliminate stigma attached to this condition, and raise much needed funds for research toward finding a cure.

» NBC.com and ‘Heroes’ to Auction Original Artwork Featured in the Hit Drama Series -- March 7, 2007

NBC’s hit-drama “Heroes” is living up to its name by teaming up with NBC.com to auction artwork by renowned graphic illustrator Tim Sale exclusively on NBC.com with two separate auctions to begin on March 26 and April 2. All proceeds will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation.

» First Youth Council Meeting Charts Course for the Next Two Years -- January 17, 2007

The Youth Council of the Epilepsy Foundation convened its first-ever meeting concurrent with the recent meeting of the Foundation's board of directors. The focus was to create a strategic action plan for the next two years to cover the Foundation's youth programming and how the Foundation will reach out to both young people with epilepsy and young people who do not have epilepsy.