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Professor comes to MUSC to raise epilepsy awareness by Janelle L. Wagner, Ph.D., and Gigi Smith Joan K. Austin, DNS, R.N., Distinguished Professor and Sally Reahard Chair of Nursing at Indiana University School of Nursing, visited MUSC April 18-20.   Austin has been actively engaged in research investigating psychosocial adjustment to pediatric epilepsy for more than 20 years. Her research was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute of Nursing Research. Austin has also served as the president of the American Epilepsy Society, a group of clinicians and researchers promoting research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of epilepsy. Needless to say, Austin’s work has been seminal in the field of pediatric epilepsy.   While at MUSC, Austin presented at grand rounds for the Departments of Neurosciences and Pediatrics. More specifically, she provided informa-tion on the impact of epilepsy as a disorder, including the effects of seizures, psychosocial and neurocognitive correlates, and psychosocial care needs of children with epilepsy and their families. Austin also presented at the College of Nursing and consulted with faculty regarding research infrastructure and obtaining federal grant funding. Finally, she met with  faculty from the CON and departments of Pediatrics and Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology to discuss individual research proposals and provide mentorship.   Austin’s visit to MUSC was timely, given the recent efforts to raise awareness about epilepsy and mental health comorbidities in the medical and Lowcountry communities. However, much more work is needed in this area, including education for medical providers and the community at large, support for families, increased identification of cognitive and behavioral comorbidities, and facilitation of access to mental health care.   Epilepsy impacts 2 percent of people in South Carolina, and 21 percent to 60 percent of children with epilepsy also experience psychosocial comorbidities. Further, many families coping with epilepsy have significant stressors due to the experience of stigma related to epilepsy and barriers to mental health care.   There are several studies currently ongoing at MUSC to examine health care related outcomes, psychosocial adjust-ment, and access to care in persons with epilepsy.     For more information, call 792-5983 or 792-3307.     Friday, June 1, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.