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Epilepsy Research Foundation
The Epilepsy Research Foundation (ERF) is a partnership among three leading non-profit epilepsy organizations; the Epilepsy Therapy Project; the Epilepsy Foundation and FACES (Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures). The mission of ERF is to drive the development of new therapies for epilepsy, accelerating the advancement of research from the laboratory to the patient.
Advancing the Cure
For centuries, epilepsy and seizures have been misunderstood and shrouded in myth and mystery. But research and education are making a difference. Tremendous progress has been made. Now, for the first time, we can envision a world free of seizures and side effects—where people with epilepsy can participate fully in every aspect of life. The key: maintaining research momentum and building on it.
More than 2.7 million people in the United States and an estimated 50 million worldwide have epilepsy. In addition, up to 10 percent of the population will experience at least one seizure at some time in their lives.
Everyone is at risk of developing epilepsy, or having a single seizure. The many causes of this disorder include genetic predisposition, head trauma, infection, stroke, tumor, or a chemical imbalance or some other abnormality in the brain. For others, the cause remains unknown.
While available treatments can help control seizures in some, there are more than one million Americans for whom current treatment options are not the answer. Almost half have uncontrolled seizures and the remainder must choose between seizure control and debilitating medication side-effects which can often be worse than the seizures. Epilepsy’s medical and social cost to Americans each year is $12 billion. The personal cost is incalculable. The whole world yearns for an age-old dream—a cure for epilepsy.
Only new and innovative research can lead us to an eventual cure.
Only research can make that dream a reality.
Advances in Research
1910s
Phenobarbital introduced as the first drug to treat epilepsy.1920s
Development of the EEG enables accurate diagnosis.1930s
Dilantin introduced as the first modern anti-epileptic drug.1960s
North Carolina strikes laws barring all people with epilepsy from driving.1968
The Epilepsy Foundation is formed, becoming the only national voluntary health organization dedicated to the welfare of people with epilepsy.1970
Tony Coelho becomes the first person with epilepsy to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.The Epilepsy Foundation supports New Jersey law banning employment discrimination against people with epilepsy.
1980s
Missouri repeals ban against performing marriage of someone with epilepsy.Delaware repeals sterilization law for people with epilepsy.
1990s
FDA approves six new medications and vagus nerve stimulation therapy.Renewed interest in the ketogenic diet to control seizures in children.
Passage of Americans with Disabilities Act.
2000s
Historic Conference on a Cure is held at NIH bringing together leading scientists who predict that prevention and cure are only a generation away.Epilepsy Research Foundation is created to fund new, innovative research to speed the search for a cure.