January 2009 Message from the Editor-in-Chief : Epilepsy.com/Professionals

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January 2009 Message from the Editor-in-Chief

Joseph I. Sirven, MD Listen to this message. (MP3 file)
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Happy 2009!

I am delighted to be serving in my new role as editor- in- Chief of the professional site of epilepsy.com and to build on the amazing work of my predecessor. As you may know, the previous editor-in-chief, Dr. Steven Schachter has moved on from this role as he takes over as President of the American Epilepsy Society. My vision for this site is to provide the most up-to-date and current overview of current events with regards to all aspects of epilepsy news and issues geared to the practitioner who cares for patients with epilepsy and to do this in tandem with the editor of the consumer site of epilepsy.com, Robert Fisher, MD, PhD.

Sadly, we start the year with a reminder of how cruel and deadly epilepsy can be. On January 3, 2009, John Travolta’s teenage son, Jett, died from a Grand mal seizure in a bathtub in the Bahamas. Mr. Travolta had a history of seizures and had been taking depakote according to published accounts.

For more information, the reader is directed to the following websites.

Although there are no words of consolation for parents facing such a devastating loss, this tragedy helps to redouble our efforts as physicians and health care workers at finding better ways to prevent seizures and its consequences.

As we look to the upcoming year, hope remains as new therapies become available. Recently, two new anti-epileptic drugs, Rufinamide and Lacosamide were approved for use in the US. In addition, potential new stimulation devices are a step closer in becoming a reality for patients with seizures. Over the course of 2009, readers of epilepsy.com will notice several gradual changes. There will be an increased emphasis on podcasts from epilepsy thought leaders. Several new additions to the “Hallway Conversations” Series will debut. Guest columns on new drugs, devices and other hot topics will be forthcoming.

New on the website, take a look at the latest Keto News article authored by Christina Bergqvist, MD. She offers the Top 10 Scientific Articles on the Ketogenic Diet for 2008. This is a fascinating summary and will help us all understand how to employ the diet in the management of patients with seizures.

Announcing New Grant Opportunities – Proposals Due March 7

New grant opportunities are being made available through the Epilepsy Research Foundation’s New Therapy Grants Program. These will be awarded to scientific and clinical investigators pursuing innovative projects that demonstrate a clear path to commercialization. To view the request for proposals and to apply, please visit www.epilepsy.com/etp/research_programs.

My goal for the professional site of epilepsy.com is to keep all practitioners updated. I am excited, as we move forward, to continue to publish interesting articles that will be helpful to those who are in practicing clinicians so as to preserve and better the lives of patients with epilepsy.

Sincerely,

Joseph I. Sirven, MD

Epilepsy.com Board members and contributors cannot give medical advice by email. Only a doctor who has examined the patient and reviewed the medical records can comment on individual patient issues.

We welcome suggestions for additional types of material, but we do not have the capacity to respond to individual requests for information.