News Highlights

CDC Releases Report on
Effects of Swine Flu In Children

Atlanta, Ga. Sept. 4, 2009-- The CDC released a study today detailing the effects of swine flu (H1N1) has had on children in the United States.  The study results were released in the Sept. 4, 2009, issue of CDC's publication, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

As of August 8, 2009, 477 deaths have been associated with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in the United States, including 36 children younger than 18 years.  Based on studies from previous influenza outbreaks, children aged younger than 5 years or with certain chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for complications and death from influenza. Sixty-seven percent of children who died had at least one chronic high-risk medical condition.  Neurodevelopmental conditions, such as developmental delay, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy, were the most frequently noted chronic medical conditions, reported in over 90 percent of children with a chronic medical condition.  A number of children also had bacterial infections, including most children who were older than 5 years and did not have high-risk medical conditions.  This finding suggests that bacteria, in combination with H1N1 influenza, can cause severe disease in children who may otherwise be health.

The CDC advises: Any child, even previously health children and especially those with chronic medical conditions, can have a severe illness or even death from 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1).  All children aged 6 months and older should receive 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine when it becomes available, and children with high-risk medical conditions should immediately consult with a health care provider if they develop an illness consistent with influenza.

For more information on swine flue, visit: www.cdc.gov

To read the full report, visit:  www.cdc.gov/mmwr

Epilepsy Awareness Day

August 15, 2009 - Brownsville's First Epilepsy Awareness Day was held at Dean Porter Park today.  This awareness event provided persons with epilepsy help for today and hope for their future.  In addition to fun activities for the children, this event allowed attendees to receive information about epilepsy and the ability for families to network with each other.

The event, provided not only resources for families affected by epilepsy, but allowed one on one dialog with Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas staff, the McAllen Epilepsy Support Group facilitator, and Promotoras* from Texas A&M University.

This successful event was one person's response to the need for more information.  Maribel Sosa, Community Coordinator for the Brownsville Herald felt the need to create awareness in this small community on the Texas/Mexico border after her son suffered his first seizure in February 2008.  She was not familiar with the word "epilepsy" and did not know where to start looking for information, "there was not much the community could offer to educate my family".  Therefore, she made it her mission to bring information into her community by organizing this event.  There was an overwhelming response from community businesses to embrace the opportunity to become part of this event.  Ms. Sosa will facilitate parent Support Group meetings in the near future to give parents a place to meet and help each other as well as conduct community education training sessions to schools.  Plans for next year's event are already taking place.

To view pictures from this event, click here.

   Celebrating the New Americans with Disabilities Act

Sep 16, 2008 -  The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008 was unanimously passed by the Senate last week. This bill clarifies for the courts that people with disabilities should not lose civil rights protections because their condition is treatable, episodic or not completely disabling. The President is expected to sign this bill into law in September. The Epilepsy Foundation has supported the ADA Amendments Act to secure the promise of the ADA, as it was originally envisioned. Our success in Congress could not have happened without supporters like you. During the past year, there were many who thought an agreement with Congress could not be reached. We didn’t let this stop us and together we proved anything is possible.

This legislative victory is an example of the Epilepsy Foundation’s advocacy strength on the local and national level and should inspire everyone affected by epilepsy to get involved.

Thank you for your continued support.

EFCST Receives Funding for Seizure Clinics & Public Health Education Programs

January 2008 - The Epilepsy Foundation of Central & South Texas recently received additional funds to expand our outreach seizure clinics!! EFCST has added clinics in Eagle Pass, Temple, and San Angelo to our current clinic schedule. A tele-medicine clinic will also be offered in Harlingen. This expansion of our outreach clinic program is a SIGNIFICANT program enhancement and will provide vital medical services to persons who need help receiving medical care and treatment.  Clinics to be held in Austin, Corpus Christi, Eagle Pass, Harlingen, Laredo, San Angelo, San Antonio, Temple and Uvalde.

Click here for eligibility information and outreach clinic applications in English & Spanish.

Dr. Charles Akos Szabo named Interim Chair of the Department of Neurology

Oct 17, 2007 - Dr. William L. Henrich, M.D., Dean of the School of Medicine announced the appointment of Dr. Charles Akos Szabo as the Interim Chair of the Department of Neurology. Dr. Szabo has helped build the South Texas Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (STCEC), with particular interest in the development of a multidisciplinary epilepsy surgery program. He was the Director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship from 2001-2006, and is currently the Director of Epilepsy Surgery, and the Clinical Services of STCEC. Under his leadership, the STCEC has been certified as a Level IV Epilepsy Center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, the only such center in Central and South Texas. Dr. Szabo’s research interests include behavioral aspects of epilepsy and the genetics and electrophysiology of the photosensitive epilepsy in the baboon. Dr. Szabo is a member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, as well as the Medical Director of the epilepsy outreach clinics of the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas.  Dr. Szabo has been an influential advocate for people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation Central and South Texas congratulates Dr. Szabo!!