NewsDetail
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) recently hosted the 2nd Pediatric Neurology Conference. The event, which took place from 6 to 7 March 2015, highlighted research into epilepsy, a neurological disorder which can affect children. It was attended by many delegations from both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Dr. Khalid Ibrahim, Senior Consultant and Head of Pediatric Neurology Division at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) stated that the conference showcased a number of research papers on epilepsy in children and other congenital neurological disorders including developmental delay, intellectual disability and visual and hearing impairment. During the conference, other topics such as chronic headaches in children, cerebral palsy, and autism were also discussed.
The conference was preceded with a training course on pediatric epilepsy. As many as 50 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses and technicians took part in the course, which included a number of workshops led by physicians from the Association of British Neurologists and HMC.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. According to the Epilepsy Foundation in the U.S. it is the third most common neurological disorder in the world. Approximately, one per cent of children worldwide have epilepsy.
According to Dr. Ibrahim, “The incidence of this disorder in Qatar ranges between three and four per cent. Currently, according to our data, there are approximately 2000 epilepsy patients receiving care at HGH.”
Dr. Ibrahim said epilepsy can be attributed to genetic and acquired causes. Among the acquired causes of this disorder are cerebral palsy, inflammatory diseases of the brain, as well as brain trauma and injury resulting from accidents. He stressed the importance of integrating epilepsy patients in society and promoting public awareness of the disease.
“It is important for the public to know that epilepsy is a treatable and manageable condition and it is not contagious. Medication, regular follow-up and treatment by doctors specialized in epilepsy can be very successful in controlling epileptic seizures. Having the condition should not prevent children or adults from living a healthy, social and productive life,” Dr. Ibrahim noted.
He added, “HMC is committed to utilizing the latest research and international best practices to ensure that all patients with epilepsy are provided with the best possible care and support.”
