Research

A Message From Bruce P. Herman, Our Professional Advisory Board Chair

The key to a better life for millions of people with epilepsy is research. Our goals are to develop improved treatments, better understanding of causes and new ways to prevent all seizures.

Severe seizures that resist treatment, especially the severe seizures of early childhood, are associated with a shortened life span, risk of intellectual impairment and a sharply reduced quality of life. Despite dramatic scientific advances, there are many unanswered questions about why seizures begin, why trauma produces seizures years after the event, how genetic factors influence seizures, how epilepsy affects women's reproductive health and what factors make brain cells susceptible to seizures.

Only research – basic, as well as clinical - will provide answers to these questions and eventually lead to the cure. More »

2006 Research Awardees

Every year the Foundation awards grants and fellowships to scientists with promise to advance knowledge about epilepsy.

Help Advance Epilepsy Research

Please consider making a donation to help the Foundation’s research programs.

Clinical Trials

These test the effectiveness of new therapies and help develop better ways of using known treatments. People with epilepsy are in a special position to help others by participating in medical research leading to effective treatments. If you are interested in learning more, please visit clinicaltrials.gov and CenterWatch.

Pregnancy Registries

The Antiepilepsy Drug (AED) Pregnancy Registry is the first North American registry for pregnant women who are taking anti-epileptic drugs. The findings will be analyzed to assess the fetal risk of AED use during pregnancy.

Learn More »