Epilepsy

The foundation was established in 1993 by Prince Sir
Charles Ihenacho KSJ to support mental health awareness
campaigns in our communities.
The foundation supports public health education, research
and training of medical personnel on mental health
conditions. Of particular interest are seizure disorders in
children and adults. The foundation sponsors community
based activities that are aimed at changing attitudes of
families towards persons with seizure disorders. The patient
centered approach is aimed at integrating the patient into
society, making sure that the go to school, get a job, build
families, and develop high self esteem. Also educating
siblings and parents on what to do in case observed seizure
activity. The research focuses on seeking possible links
between seizure activity in communities highly infected with
neurotrophic parasitic infections such as onchocerciasis
(NEURONCHO study). Other areas of research support
include use of transcranial ultrasound (TCD) to determine
blood flow velocity changes associated with seizure activity
[Journal of Neuroimaging vol. 2, pp. 151-155; 1992].
Studies examine interictal patterns of blood flow velocity
changes as well as ictal changes. The studies synchronize
video acquisition of blood flow velocity data and video EEG
(see serial images - PHOTO).