october 2010 - victoria epilepsy and parkinson's centre

Contact813 Darwin AvenueVictoria BC V8X 2X7Phone: 250-475-6677Fax: 250-475-6619Email: [email protected]: www.vepc.bc.ca

Inside...Back to the Future:VEPC Memorial Award 3

Anticonvulsant Interactionswith Medications ... 6

Research News 9

Listening to Mozart canDecrease Seizure Activity 11

Community Info 13

Agency Update 15

Vol. 30, 4th Qtr, Oct 2010

Pharmacist Update onMedication Issues 5

Moving Forward (CBT Group) 8

Music Therapy

Are you ready to make some music and have your songs recorded for a very special CD? The Victoria Conservatory of Music has secured funds to help make a CD project for Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness. The project will take place at the VCM studios and will be facilitated by Allan Slade BMT, MTA. The goal of this project is for youth to have a chance to record their original songs, while raising awareness for Purple Day, in a supportive environment, while utilizing the tools of a modern recording studio. No previous musical skill is necessary, just come and have some fun while you are guided through the process of composing a song. Whether it is Rock, Rap, or Pop, this project is open to all styles. We are looking at starting this project as soon as possible, so please call if you want to be a part of this musical adventure. Now is the time for your voice to be heard! Call us at 250-475-6677.

Photo courtesy of Victoria Conservatory of Music

The Brain Wave, Volume 30, 4th Quarter, October 2010

Centre NewsCoordinator’s Update

After 56 issues of The Brain Wave, I’m challenged to write this update for the last time. VEPC has been my home for the last 14 years, and believe me it isn’t easy to leave a place I have come to love and care deeply about. So why am I leaving, you may ask?

I’ll tell you the story.

We were celebrating Passover, this past spring, with friends and family gathered for our seder meal. Along with the traditional recounting of Jewish liberation from bondage in Egypt, we discussed what freedom means to each of us. Our dear friend Bob told the story of how he and his wife Joan, who were passionate travelers, decided to retire at age 50, and actually managed to pull it off. They had 30 years of visiting just about

every corner of the planet, delighting in it all. When Joan was dying, her last words to Bob were: “Don’t fear. I’ve accomplished everything I’ve wanted to do in my life. I’m content, and I’m ready to go.”

Bob’s story struck me profoundly because I realized that, should I die tomorrow, I’d be far from having accomplished all the things I still want to do in my life. And life is short. So given that I’m still of sound mind and body, I want to give myself the time to write at least one more book, create more art, and experience more of this incredible planet.

These past 14 years at the VEPC have been unforgettable ones, because of the wonderful people that I’ve had the privilege of working with. I’ve learned a lot about courage alongside suffering, determination and steadfastness in the midst of storms. I’m constantly impressed by the resilience of so many, despite the obstacles of epilepsy. You have been my teachers and your challenges have spurred me to do better.

In putting this last issue together,

I thought I’d look back at some of the things we’ve done, and the impact that it’s had. Our scholarships and bursaries. Our world-class conferences. Our unique Tools for Success program and CBT for adults. Our advocacy— for blood donations, for seizure dogs, for educating police and law enforcement personnel. Our pamphlets and information materials. Our community teaching programs. Our Purple Day provincial proclamations and events. Our bus ticket program. Our Brain Wave.

When thinking of me, if you’d say that I offered support to people who have epilepsy in their lives, at whatever age and stage, with whatever they may have needed to live as best they could, I would be supremely happy.

Blessings to all,Isa Milman


The VEPC Memorial Award began when Debbie Craw walked into our office one day in 1999 with a generous cheque and instructions to use the money as we thought best. Debbie’s twin brother had epilepsy, and died in a tragic accident a few years before, while having a seizure. Debbie decided to organize an annual charity golf tournament in his memory, and donate the funds raised to us.

We thought there could be no better legacy than to create a scholarship program. Over the eight years we offered the award, to anyone with epilepsy in our region who wished to pursue further education in any field of their choice, 21 awards of up to $1,000 each were distributed. Debbie’s parents, also tremendous VEPC supporters, continue to contribute to further education for people with epilepsy, through our Camosun College Bursary Program.

Four years since the last Memorial Awards were offered, we’ve contacted some of the winners to find out how the award made a difference in their lives:

Anthony Bowers

The VEPC made a huge difference while I was in school. I remember having next to no money and trying to take 5 Engineering courses with labs... My life was so busy that I did not have the time or energy to work. So the

money really made a big difference! I did not have to worry about the financial stresses of being a student and could focus my energy on my studies.

My goals were to earn my degree in Electrical Engineering, specifically in Power applications such as Motor Control systems and Power Qualitycorrection. Then work in the field to obtain my P.Eng.

Since then, my goals have changed slightly. After working a few years you develop an idea of what you want to do in the future. I have now earned enough experience to start my application for my P.Eng... so I am on my way to accomplishing my initial goals... after that we will see.

I was really lucky and got a job right out of school with Schneider Electric. They have been a good employer and understanding with my condition. In my current role I travel and see many places including France and soon South Africa. I have been married to my wonderful wife since May of 2008. In the winter time we like to curl and in thesummer we play bocce ball.

Dan Marple

Since I won the VEPC scholarship I have earned an Adult Dogwood Diploma and a certificate in Landscape Horticulture. I have also taken numerous university level courses and am on the verge of earning a Community Support and

Education Assistant certificate from Camosun College, where I have an A average. I am also more confident in my ability to get work, complete my education and live with epilepsy.

In the 1990s I was being told that I would have to take timed assessment tests to see where I would be best situated in high school courses. Now I have teachers and counselors who see my academic record and are encouraging me to take university level courses.

The VEPC scholarship was a launching platform that has given me the chance to exercise my true educational potential. It speaks volumes to the

Back to the Future: The VEPC Memorial Award for Further Education


fact that having epilepsy doesn’t affect a person’s academic capacity. Side-effects may slow one down, but you are still a smart person given the chance to gain a post-secondary education. The education I have earned since winning the VEPC memorial scholarship has made epilepsy a minor factor in my life. I’m very grateful.

Taryn Smith

The VEPC scholarship made a significant difference in my life in that it assisted me in registering in the Community, Family and Child Studies diploma program at Camosun College. This program introduced me to my

current job as a Youth Worker at the Burnside-Gorge Community Centre and enabled me to transfer to the Child and Youth Care program at UVic. I have since graduated with a diploma in Community, Family and Child Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care!

My goals when I received my scholarship (spring 2006, grade 12) were to become a counsellor for children and youth, spread epilepsy awareness and support children and youth with epilepsy.

These goals continue to be important to me. However, I have since added other aspirations to my list. Firstly, I hope to work to help children, youth and families to the best of my abilities. Secondly, I hope to travel the world and finally settle down someplace hot with two big dogs, a pink truck and my boyfriend, Greg.

Currently, I am on the hunt for a full-time career in the Child and Youth Care field. I am willing and able if anyone wants to hire me! In my free time, I like to canoe, hike, windsurf, bead, bike and go dancing.

The Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre has been helpful and continues to be helpful to

me in many ways; specifically, the articles in the VEPC newsletter, conference information and up-coming informational brochure for people with epilepsy. The Purple Day campaign has been key in spreading epilepsy awareness to the public, including children and youth. I have been lucky enough to participate in a Purple Day presentation for an elementary school and witness the excitement and interest in epilepsy expressed by the children watching the presentation.

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Pharmacist Lynn Pollock’s Update on Medication Issues in B.C.Most people living with epilepsy have issues around medication. Pharmacist and VEPC Board member Lynn Pollock recently met with the Epilepsy Advisory Committee and addressed many concerns. Here are some highlights of what we learned:

Generic Medications. The B.C. government has made recent changes to how much it will pay for generic medications, which means that by mid-October, the cost of many generic medications will likely go down. This is good news for consumers, but it also may mean that there will be more shortages of drugs. Already, some brands are no longer available because of manufacturers’ production schedules, and there is a domino effect because of limited availability. In tandem with the cap on cost for generics, the government will increase its maximum coverage for the pharmacy’s dispensing fee to $9.10.

Pharmacists are able to interchange your prescriptions from one manufacturer’s product to another providing Health Canada has declared the products to be equivalent. This is done for many reasons, e.g.to reduce your prescription costs, because a brand is not available, at your request etc. Generic brands of medications are designed to be equivalent to original brand name products. However, it is possible, on rare occasions, for an individual to notice a change in effect from one brand to another. If you are taking a sustained or controlled release medication for you seizures, there may be more chance of a difference being noted. You should be observant and monitor your seizure control if you know that you have had a recent brand change. It may be advisable to ask your pharmacist to make ensure that your prescription is always from the same manufacturer and that you be advised if a change is necessary.

A new Medication Management Pilot Program will begin soon with 125 pharmacies across the province of B.C. Selected pharmacists will work with clients to review medications,

provide medication information and help solve drug therapy problems that you are experiencing. Ask at your pharmacy to see if the program is available through them. If not, there may be another pharmacy in your community where you can access this service. You do not need to be a regular client at a participating pharmacy to be part of this program.

Fair Pharmacare is the provincial drug plan that oversees individual coverage for medication costs, which is based upon family income. Your Fair PharmaCare family deductable is determined by your family’s net income as indicated by your tax records. Depending on income, an individual is assigned a deductable for each calendar year. Many people find that January and the early months of the year are very difficult to manage because they have to pay out fully until they’ve reached their deductable. It is possible to arrange to pay your deductable every month, to even out the payments over the year. It is also possible to phone Health Insurance B.C. (HIBC) to request a review of your deductable, if financial circumstances have changed from the time of your last income tax filing. To contact HIBC call: (toll free) 1 800 663-7100.

Plan G is a provincial medication coverage plan for mental health medication. If medication is prescribed for such conditions as anxiety, depression, bipolar, or psychosis, and you are having difficulty covering medication costs, you can apply to through the Mental Health Unit in your community to receive your mental health medication at no-charge. To apply you must fill out the form for Plan G coverage and submit it to the Mental Health Unit in your area. These forms and further information on Plan G are available from:

a. Pharmacare website: http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare/plans/index.html;

b. Your physician’s office; orc. At your pharmacy.


Anticonvulsant Interactions with Medications, Herbals, Vitamins, Supplements, FoodsCompiled by Isa Milman

This information is only meant as a guide to alert individuals to this complex subject. Issues of potential interaction should be brought to the attention of your physician and pharmacist. Interactions do not occur in every individual case.

Drug InteractionsTricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline can predispose to seizures in high doses (Weaver); low doses have been shown to protect against seizures. (Jones)

SSRI antidepressants and anticonvulsants influence each others’ actions. Paroxetine (Paxil) may increase carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarb and valproate levels. Alternately, carbamazepine, phenobarb and phenytoin may decrease paroxetine levels. (McConnell et al)

Antipsychotics and anticonvulsants can also influence each others’ actions by either increasing or decreasing effectiveness. (Weaver; McConnell et al)

Amphetamines may increase phenobarb and phenytoin levels. (McConnell et al)

Benzodiazepines interact with carbamazepine and phenobarb, usually producing a decrease in benzodiazepine levels. Valproate, however, may increase benzodiazepine levels. Benzodiazepines may increase or decrease phenytoin levels. (McConnell et al)

Opioids (dextropropoxyphene) can increase carbamazepine levels. (McConnell et al)

Alcohol’s intoxicating effects are increased when taking anticonvulsants. Seizures are more likely to occur from alcohol withdrawal than from alcohol intoxication (Weaver)

Aspirin interacts with phenytoin and valproate. Ibuprofen can also interact with phenytoin, leading to increased phenytoin levels. “Acetaminophen (eg. Tylenol) is probably the safest pain relief medication for people taking anticonvulsants.” (Devinsky)

Oral Contraceptives are decreased in effectiveness by carbamazepine, phenobarb, primidone, phenytoin and topiramate. Check with your physician to be assured of adequate protection.

Antihistamines can decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproate, lowering seizure thresholds and sometimes causing seizures. (Weaver)

Bronchodilators such as theophylline interact with carbamazepine, phenobarb, primidone and phenytoin, affecting seizure thresholds. (McConnell et al)

Anticoagulants (warfarin) interact with carbamazepine, phenobarb, phenytoin, primidone, as do calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids, and some antibiotics, including penicillin. Isolated seizures may result when these medicines are taken.

Viagra (sildenafil) has been reported, in isolated cases, to cause seizures in men with and without a history of epilepsy. (Gilad etal)


Vitamins and MineralsFolic Acid absorption is diminished by carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarb, primadone, and valproic acid. Low levels of folic acid are associated with birth defects and elevated homocysteine levels, increasing risk of cardiovascular disease. Men and women on anticonvulsants are advised to take folic acid supplements. (Morrell)

Vitamin B6 deficiency is known to cause a worsening of seizures.

Vitamin D absorption is interfered with by most anticonvulsants.

Calcium metabolism is directly affected by phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarb, primidone, valproate, and zonisamide. Anticonvulsants cause changes in calcium and bone metabolism and may lead to decreased bone mass with the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Calcium/Vitamin D supplementation is advised, but should be taken two hours before or after taking the anticonvulsant (calcium can affect absorption).

Vitamin K deficiency may occur in pregnant women and the child after birth for women taking hepatic enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants— phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, phenobarb, and topiramate.

HerbalsSedative herbs: Kava Kava, and Valerian may potentiate the effects of anticonvulsants, intensifying side effects such as lethargy, cognitive impairments. Kava has been removed from the market in Canada and U.S.

Stimulant herbs: ephedra, coffee, tea, cocoa, mate cola and guarana may exacerbate seizures by lowering seizure threshold or prolonging duration of seizures. (Spinella)

Cognitive Enhancing herbs: gingko and ginseng may exacerbate seizures under some conditions. Ginseng is known to elevate plasma levels of corticosteroid hormones, which can aggravate seizures. (Spinella)

St. John’s Wort may alter the seizure threshold, as do pharmaceutical antidepressants. (Spinella)

Evening Primrose Oil and borage may lower the seizure threshold, but this is being debated. A 2004 report claims it’s unlikely that evening primrose oil has any general effect on epilepsy (Horrobin)

Marijuana can cause an increase or a decrease in seizure activity.

FoodsGrapefruit contains substances that block the action of certain enzymes, so that drugs ordinarily broken down by the affected enzymes can build up to potentially excessive levels in the blood. Carbamazepine is believed to be thus affected.

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, may be seizure producing.

Gluten allergies, and celiac disease have been associated with seizures.

Sources:Devinsky, Orrin: A Guide to Understanding and Living with Epilepsy, Philadelphia, 1994Gilad R, Lampl Y, Eshel Y, Sadeh M: Tonic-clonic seizures in patients taking sildenafil, in British Medical Journal, 2002; 325-869Horrobin, David: personal communication, 2004Jones, Michael: personal communication, 2004McConnell, HW & Snyder, PJ, eds: Psychiatric Comorbidity in Epilepsy, Washington, 1998Morrell, Martha: Folic Acid and Epilepsy, Epilepsy Currents Vol 2, No 2, March/April 2002Spinella, Marcello: Herbal Medicines and Epilepsy: The Potential for Benefit and Adverse Effects, in Epilepsy & Behavior, Vol 2, No 6, December 2001Weaver, Donald: Epilepsy and Seizures, Canadian Medical Association, Key Porter Books, 2001

Update July/06


MOVING FORWARD GROUPA group for Adults Living with Epilepsy (and other neurological conditions)

10:30am-12:00pm Fridays

Facilitator: Dr. Claire Sira, Registered Psychologist

After each session, a video about cognitive behavioural therapy or about the brain will be available to view from 12:00pm-1:00pm.

The six sessions of this group build on the information provided, and are designed to be taken in the order listed. If you miss more than one session, you may want to rejoin the group the next time it is offered (usually the following month) in order to get the most benefit.

Session 1- November 19, 2010 Introduction

Session 2 – November 26, 2010 Common Complaints after Brain Injury, The Anxiety Response

Session 3 – December 3, 2010 The Triangle, Goal Setting, Thinking About Thinking

Session 4 – December 10, 2010 Overcoming Negative Thinking

Session 5 – December 17, 2010 The Role of Your Social Life

Session 6 – December 24, 2010 Assertive Communication (with holiday treats!)

If you are interested in participating in this group, you need to ask your family doctor for a referral to Dr. Claire Sira at the Victoria General Hospital. The physician should state clearly that their patient would like to be included in the “Moving Forward Group” and that you were referred by Isa Milman from the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre.. The note can be faxed to 250-727-4075. The department phone number is 250-727-4090.

Tools for SuccessA Unique Tutoring Program for Children

with Epilepsy

It’s Not Too Late to Join

[email protected]


Research NewsCanadian Interdisciplinary Research Is Leading to Treatment of Refractory SeizuresBy Isa Milman

There’s excitement in the air at the Toronto Western Research Institute these days, according to Dr. Peter Carlen, an epileptologist and medical researcher from the Canadian League Against Epilepsy

(CLAE). The goal of his lab and local collaborators (including engineers, mathematicians, neurobiologists and neuroclinicians) is impressive: to understand brain activity by modeling it from mathematical and engineering perspectives, and then to create the means to directly alter brain states that are implicated in such conditions as epilepsy, Parkinson’s, dementias and psychiatric disorders. The blurring of interdisciplinary boundaries is definitely a necessity for their work.

“In order to understand the complex science, it helps to think about the brain as ‘coupled oscillators’ ” Dr. Carlen explains. “The brain is constantly in action, but its actions are incredibly complicated.” Applying mathematical models that deal with the rhythmic and non-rhythmic signals of the brain is an important step in the process— concepts developed and being applied by Dr. Berj Bardakian and colleagues, close

collaborators of Dr. Carlen. Data from human intracranial EEG recordings and in vivo and in vitro animal brain recordings are helping the scientists replicate those brain states that indicate pre-ictal (pre-seizure) activity.

In tandem with the brain modeling, the groups of Drs. Bardakjian and Carlen are developing the means to interrupt and change these brain states, to prevent them from becoming seizures. Dr. Roman Genov and colleagues from the Department of Electrical Engineering of the University of Toronto have developed tiny wireless microchips that can be eventually implanted in a brain, to record, analyze and modulate abnormal brain activity, such as seizures. These chips are very small (4x4 mm) and have up to 256 active recording electrode sites.

This approach is the next frontier in epilepsy research, and is desperately needed. Refractory seizures are a huge problem as they have such a negative impact on every aspect of life. When medications cannot control seizures, and when ablative surgery is not an option, there is little else that can be done.

The implications of all this research are tremendous. Toronto is just one of many centres around the world that is involved in this research. Dr. Carlen predicts that the science will move from the lab to the clinic in about three years time. This is very good news.

Dr. Peter Carlen


A Seizure-Detecting WristwatchA wristwatch-style device may soon help allay a major fear

among people with epilepsy: that a seizure could occur without the knowledge of someone who could help.

“We are working on a device called the SmartWatch that will detect myoclonic and grand mal seizures

within 4-5 seconds after onset and alert caregivers within 7-10 seconds after onset,” said Stanford University pediatric neurology professor Donald Olson, M.D.

Dr. Olson is collaborating with Anoo Nathan, whose company, Smart Monitor, is creating the device.

According to Dr. Olson, SmartWatch detects certain kinds of abnormal movement, then signals a smart phone, cell phone, e-mail, laptop or other device. “It can notify a caregiver within seconds that a seizure has occurred.”

The device should allow caregivers and family members both rest and respite, knowing that even in bed at night, the SmartWatch will alert then to seizure activity, he said.

“The SmartWatch is primarily worn on the wrist like a watch, but can be worn on the arm, leg or ankle of patients whose abnormal movements are more pronounced there,” Nathan explained. “It’s fully portable and can be worn in and out of bed, during sleep or waking hours. It continuously monitors movements, analyzes them for abnormality and issues alerts.”Nathan envisions launching SmartWatch in two phases, first as a simple abnormal motion detector, “without any claims involving epilepsy, seizures, or its efficacy as a medical device.”

A second, medical device phase will launch after Nathan and Olson test the device on at least 35 epilepsy patients.

(Source: epilepsyUSA 2010, Issue 4)

Tools for Success

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Would you believe that the music of Mozart has been found to decrease epileptiform activity in people experiencing seizures? Dr. John Hughes, a neurologist at the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago, conducted a study on 36 individuals, some of whom were in a coma or in status epilepticus. 29 of these patients showed a marked reduction in siezure intensity and frequency shortly after he began playing Mozart (Clinical Electroencephalography, 29(3):109-19, July 1998). A study of his (published in the same journal in April 1999) of a child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome showed that exposure to Mozart’s Piano Sonata in D Major (opus K.448), for 10 minutes every hour during wakefulness, produced fewer clinical seizures and fewer generalized bilateral spike and wave complexes over a 24 hour period.

The story of Mozart and improved brain activity is a fascinating one. It goes back about a decade, when Dr. Gordon Shaw and colleagues at the University of Californa discovered that brain activity, when converted to sound output (as opposed to visual output such as an electroencephalogram), sounded like music. The sound resembled baroque, new-age or Eastern music. Dr. Shaw and his students then wondered, if brain activity can sound like music, isn’t it possible to work backwards and understand how music may influence the brain, by activating similar neural patterns? They turned to Mozart for an answer, because, they reasoned, the child prodigy began composing music at the age of four, and surely his brain would have been receptive to and actively engaged in this fundamental music-brain interchange.

Thus followed some remarkable discoveries about rats raised on Mozart who could run through mazes faster and more accurately, and

people with Alzheimer’s disease functioning more normally after listening to Mozart, and students improving IQ scores after such listening. There has naturally been some controversy over these reports, but a meta-analysis of all the studies by Dr. Lois Hetland of Harvard (that included a total of 1041 subjects), concluded that Mozart listeners outperformed other groups more often than could be explained by chance.

What is it about Mozart, and specifically, the Piano Sonata in D Major, K.448, that is so powerful? According to Dr. Hughes, who along with a musicologist colleague have analyzed hundreds of compositions by Mozart, Chopin and 55 other composers, it has to do with sequencing of musical patterns. They devised a scale that scores how often the music’s loudness rises and falls in surges of 10 seconds or longer. Mozart scored highest on this measure, while minimalist music by Phillip Glass and pop tunes scored lowest. Dr. Hughes believes that sequences that repeat over 20-30 seconds may trigger the strongest brain responses because many functions of the central nervous system, such as the onset of sleep and brain-wave patterns, also occur in 30-second cycles.

Unravelling the mysteries of the brain has been the object of enormous effort by neuroscientists worldwide, and the pace of discovery seems to be accelerating, Dr. Hughes’ research opens intriguing possibilities for using music to assist in seizure control— in a sense enlisting the innate nature of brain organization to reconfigure erratic brain wave patterns.

Now we can appreciate Mozart even more.

(Adapted from an article by Gary Kliewer, “New Scientist”,which appeared in “The Globe and Mail”, Dec. 1, 1999.First published in the Brainwave, Vol. 20 #1, January 2000)

Listening to Mozart can Decrease Seizure Activityadapted by Isa Milman


The Open Road: Travel Assistance

Community Travel Training

BC Transit offers free training to anyone who needs assistance in learning how to use the bus system. If seizures interfere with communication, you may also benefit from an emergency bus card to inform drivers of the bus stop you need. Call 250-384-7723 for further information.

Disability Travel Pass for BC Ferries

A discount fare for you and a travel companion is available to those with a permanent disability.For eligibility requirements and instructions to apply, contact BC Ferries at 250-381-1401 or www.bcferries.com

This pass entitles you to discount fares on Pacific Coach Lines as well, for bus service to and from BC Ferries.

Bus Tickets Available from our Office

For people who don’t have a bus pass, and are in financial need, a limited number of tickets are available to help you get to doctors’ appointments, employment interviews or look after children’s needs. VEPC has children’s tickets as well. Phone us at 250-475-6677

Hope Air

If you need to travel for medical care, Hope Air makes flights available, even from Victoria to Vancouver. Only round-trip flights can be scheduled, and a $50 processing fee is charged for the ticket. Call toll free 1-887-346-HOPE or www.hopeair.org

Seizure Investigation Unit, Vancouver

If you’re travelling to the Vancouver General Hospital, VEPC’s updated “Off Island” booklet is full of helpful information. Phone 250-475-6677 for your free copy.


Community Info

Are You Sensitive to Fluorescent Lighting? We may be able to help.

A reminder to our members that we have specially tinted glasses, developed by Cerium Visual Technology Group, available for a two week trial period. Some have found them extremely helpful in reducing the negative effects of fluorescent lighting, reducing headaches and improving functioning in interior environments. They don’t work for everyone, but those who are helped by them are extremely enthusiastic. A generous benefactor continues to offer financial support to provide these glasses to members.

If you are interested in trying them out, please call our office at 250-475-6677.

Local Employment Resources

TYES203 - 780 Tolmie Avenue,

Victoria250-381-7582www.tyes.ca

TRIUMPH VOCATIONALSERVICES

915 Fort Street, Victoria250-384-9283

www.triumphvocational.com

DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTRE

817A Fort Street, Victoria250-595-0044

www.drcvictoria.com

SPECTRUM JOB SEARCH1405 Douglas Street, Victoria

250-381-9074www.spectrumjobsearch.com

EMPLOYMENT ISSUES TO DISCUSS?We understand the unique issues facing people with epilepsy.

Phone 250-475-6677 for a confidential appointment.

Project Literacy

For adults wishing to gain computer skills, or for one-on-one tutoring in math, reading, writing, just phone 250-381-3755 for an appointment. The interview will assist you in discovering what programs would help you best.


Education Services and Offerings

September, 2010 — This is certainly one of the busiest times of the year for me. Now that school is back in session, I am getting many requests to visit with classrooms and with teachers and education

aides to present about epilepsy and seizure disorders. Just in the past four days, I have been to three schools— one in each of the three school districts of Victoria, Sooke and Saanich.

Many of these requests are because there is a pupil in the class who has epilepsy. I often follow these students through their school career, going to a new class each year with them as they progress from elementary through to middle and high school. Most often, we try to offer this presentation before the student has a seizure in the class so that their fellow classmates are aware and have an understanding of what is happening. At one school, we missed this by one day— the student with epilepsy was being very active in the P.E. class and had a seizure. Fortunately, his three classmates stayed with him and let the seizure run its course before trying to help him to a more comfortable place to rest. Absolutely perfect! I congratulated them on what they did. I must say that the favourite part of the presentation is when I show the pictures of and talk about Yogi and India— our Seizure Dogs here in Victoria. That always gets the students’ attention.

Camosun College Bursary for Students with EpilepsyIf you’re attending Camosun College, or planning to attend, you are eligible to apply for our annual epilepsy bursary. Deadline for applications is October. The financial aid office has all the details. 250-370-4862 or www.camosun.bc.ca/financialaid

I have several more presentations to give over the fall. I feel that each one is a success in many ways. First of all, every presentation helps one more person with epilepsy during their school time by creating an environment of understanding and support. But we are also teaching a generation of students: every student in all of the classrooms learns more about the facts and reality of epilepsy and seizure disorders so as they grow up they are more aware and can counter some of the misconceptions that people with epilepsy may still face.

Lissa Zala, Education Services


Agency UpdateAs many of you already know, VEPC will be saying good-bye to our friend, colleague and advocate, Isa Milman, in December. We are excited for Isa who will have new opportunities

to explore her creative side however we are also saddened to see her leave.

Isa has been with VEPC for 14 years (and, she points out, 56 newsletters) and is without a doubt the most knowledgeable person in the area on the topic of epilepsy, having worked with neurologists, educators, researchers and professionals from numerous different fields. Most impressively, Isa has spent 14 years talking to people with seizure disorders and their families. The knowledge gained from listening to the experiences of our members is inestimable and Isa has used all she has learned to assist even greater numbers of individuals— creating our innovative Tools for Success tutoring program, spearheading the development of the cognitive behavioural therapy program run through Victoria General Hospital, and growing Purple Day for Epilepsy into an annual event to raise community awareness. This will be the last newsletter that Isa edits (number 56).

For an organization with a small staff, the loss of one individual is momentous. For the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance (CEA), in which Isa has been a strong voice, there will also be a chasm. Isa leaves a legacy of passionate advocacy and extraordinary work at the local, provincial and national levels.

While no one can replace Isa, as I write VEPC is in the process of interviewing candidates for the Epilepsy Program Coordinator position. A new Epilepsy Program Coordinator will bring new skills and different experiences to the position. Having been welcomed so warmly myself, I know that our members will greet and embrace our new Epilepsy Program Coordinator, whoever he or she might be.

As she began this newsletter, Isa talked about bringing together the past and the future – celebrating accomplishments and envisioning new successes. If you have read Isa’s book of poetry, Prairie Kaddish (Coteau Books, 2008), you will recognize her deep desire to explore and understand themes of time and identity. That desire comes through, not only in her writing, but in her honest and caring interactions with people facing struggles— people who sometimes quietly and sometimes dramatically lose time in the midst of a seizure, people who must rethink their identities in the face of an episodic condition like epilepsy.

Thank you Isa for all you have done for people with epilepsy and for our community—

Catriona Johnson

Please join us onWednesday, December 1 from 4-6 pm

for light hors d’oeuvres and to sayFarewell to Isa Milman

Ambrosia Conference and Event Centre638 Fisgard Street

Victoria, BC (Bus Route # X)

Please RSVP to 250-475-6677by November23rd

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050532Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:

Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre Society813 Darwin AvenueVICTORIA BC V8X 2X7

IMPORTANT CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE - To reduce agency costs for newsletters returned with incorrect addresses, please keep us informed of any change in your address so that we can ensure you receive the newsletter

“The Brain Wave”Published 4 times yearly

Editor: Isa MilmanCanadian Mail Publications

Agreement #40050532

DIRECTORS:President - Michael DomanVice-President - Mary Clare LegunTreasurer - Bill MorrowSecretary - Tony WadeChristine CoatesAlanna HolroydDavid MedlerDr. Alex MollLynn PollockSusan Ward

STAFF:Executive Director - Catriona Johnson, M.S.Parkinson Program Coordinator - Maureen Matthew, B.S.W.Epilepsy Program Coordinator - Isa Milman, B.S.O.T., M.Sc.Education Services Coord. - Lissa Zala, M.Ed.Offi ce Manager - Della Truitt

EDITOR’S NOTE: Our newsletter and education meetings provide a range of information which does not necessarily refl ect the views of our agency. Please use your discretion and consult your physician.

Canadian EpilepsyAlliance

1 - 866 - EPILEPSY(1-866-374-5377)

Th is nation-wide toll free line will connect you to the Epilepsy Centre closest to you.

You will connect to us from Mill Bay to the Southern Gulf Islands!

Advertising GuidelinesAcceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre of the products or services listed.Distribution: 800 Victoria & Vancouver Island Annual Issues: January, April, July, October

For ad rates, format, deadlines and payment options please contact Della Truitt, VEPC Offi ce Manager, at (250) 475-6677 or email: [email protected]

Confi dentiality GuidelinesWe respect your right to privacy, so please be assured that our agency does not share our membership list with outside individuals or organizations. Occasionally we may ask you to volunteer some information so that we can better understand our clients’ needs and improve our services.

This newsletter is brought to you in part by:brought to you in part by:

october 2010 - victoria epilepsy and parkinson's centre

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