First ever Research Chair in Childhood Epilepsy post announced thanks to major appeal

A nationwide appeal over two years by UCL's Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital and the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy has raised £1.

5 million to establish the first - ever research chair in childhood epilepsy.

The three organisations play a major role in treating children with the disorder, and conducting research into suitable treatments. Epilepsy affects one in 200 children, and is as common as diabetes. However, there are few multidisciplinary research units devoted to developing treatments for the condition, which can have a devastating impact on the child.

The new chair will lead Europe's largest multidisciplinary group of clinical scientists devoted to childhood epilepsy. It will provide an international centre for research excellence on the disease, with a primary focus on the severe mental and physical deterioration often experienced by children with epilepsy.

Professor Brian Neville, Head of Neurosciences at the Institute of Child Health, stated: "The establishment of the chair is a huge step forward in combining our expertise to help prevent the disabilities and marginalisation that can occur through childhood epilepsy."

Image: X-ray of electrodes used in epilespy treatment.

To find out more about the institute and work carried out to help children with epilepsy use the links below.

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Links:
Institute of Child Health
Great Ormond Street Hospital
National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy