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Epilepsy education program to be held by Maggie Diebolt Public Relations A condition that affects more than 3 million Americans, epilepsy is a complicated neurological disorder that can develop at any time in life. With 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occurring each year, National Epilepsy Month is observed each November by the medical community to prompt public awareness.   In recognition of this, MUSC is sponsoring a free epilepsy education program that is open to the public from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8 in the Harper Student Wellness Center Auditorium.   Sometimes called a seizure disorder, epilepsy is a medical condition in which there is an underlying tendency of the brain to produce sudden bursts of electrical energy. This surge disrupts other brain functions, resulting in seizures that can affect a variety of mental and physical functions. The causes and treatment of epilepsy can vary, however in 70 percent of people with epilepsy, no cause can be found.   An estimated 10 percent of the American population will experience a seizure in their lifetime. Having a single seizure does not necessarily indicate that a person has epilepsy. Some known causes for seizures include conditions in the brain that may have existed since birth, or latent conditions due to  injury, infections, structural abnormalities in the brain, or exposure to toxic agents, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.   Seizure symptoms vary, ranging from a physical collapse with rigid or jerking movements to brief and less noticeable losses of consciousness; abnormal movements and staring spells. A person in the midst of a seizure may smell strange odors, see odd shapes or repeat certain phrases or simple movements. Epilepsy is not contagious, and treatment for the disorder may include a special diet, medications, nerve stimulation, and surgery.   Jonathan Edwards, M.D., associate professor of neurology and director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, is passionate about the thorough nature of services being offered at MUSC. “Our goal is to help address all epilepsy issues—not just treating seizures.” he said. “We are working on having mechanisms in place for all things that come along with epilepsy: depression, mood issues, underemployment, job discrimination and psycho-social issues.”   Despite the enthusiasm he expresses about his work and his achievements in the field of epilepsy, Edwards’ early aspirations could have led him in two distinctly different directions.   From age 5, Edwards recalls telling his mother  that he  would grow up to be a brain doctor. Motivated since childhood to attend medical school, Edwards’ ambitions began to waver  in his 20s when he grappled with either studying neurology or going to France and becoming a professional chef. So, he took a year off from school to volunteer and consider his options. “I realized that I wouldn’t be able to do neurology in my spare time, but neurologists can cook, which my wife enjoys,” Edwards said.   As he discusses  his plans for the epilepsy program at MUSC, Edwards describes his chosen career and research as “absolutely fascinating.” He said the most rewarding part of his job is seeing “what you can offer someone is directly proportional to what the disease can take away. You can give them their life back again.”   Noting that most patients with epilepsy have a treatable form of the condition, and some can even be cured, Edwards emphasizes how such a wide range of services available at MUSC helps  provide seamless care throughout the age spectrum of patients living with epilepsy.   “We have a lot to offer patients and the community,” he said. “Our goal is to work hand in hand with physicians in the community and be a resource for them to come to for tertiary issues like formal testing and treatment.” Both surgery and Vagus Nerve Stimulation, which is a procedure to decrease the number and severity of seizures, are among  the treatments  available at MUSC.   MUSC’s epilepsy treatment  program is the only one in South Carolina recognized by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. The comprehensive program features a system for assessing mood disorders in patients, social workers and vocational rehab, five epileptologists and a neuroradiologist; and ongoing research programs and clinical trials.   Recently, the program added to its team of experts,  Steven S. Glazier, M.D., considered a top surgeon in the field of epilepsy. Prior to joining MUSC, Glazier was at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center where he was the Pediatric Neurosurgery Program director and also the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Surgical director. Besides epileptic surgery, Glazier also has interests in arteriovenous malformation, brain tumors, pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, aneurysm surgery, cerebral revascularization, neurosurgery, neuroendoscopy and carotid occlusive disease.   To register for the epilepsy community awareness program, call 792-3307.     Friday, November 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.