The University of Arizona Department of Neurology | Study of Newly-Diagnosed Epilepsy

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Study Of New Onset Seizures and Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy Among Seniors

The UA Department of Neurology is looking for seniors (aged 65 and older) in Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties who have experienced new seizures or been diagnosed with epilepsy since October 2010. The study is interested in finding out how the seizures or the diagnosis impact the individual and his or her family's quality of life, and health service utilization.

Not all seizures are dramatic. The symptoms of epilepsy among older people may be subtle and could be mis-attributed to the aging process. The symptoms include temporary confusion, staring spells, strange sensations, memory blanks, and unaccountable loss of time.

** For more information, or if you think you or someone you know has had such an experience, please contact:

Dr. Jenny Chong
(520) 626-1986

OR

Jim O'Rourke
(520) 626-4167

OR

Martha Preciado (Spanish)
(520) 626-2258

OR

E-mail us at:

This project is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and carried out by the Department of Neurology at The University of Arizona.

Coming Events

Tuesday, February 19, 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Meet your University Neurologists!

David Labiner, MD: Seizures
Bruce Coull, MD: Stroke
Steven Rapcsak, MD: Dementia
Scott Sherman, MD: Parkinson's Disease
Katalin Scherer, MD: Neuromuscular Disorders

Where:
West Social Center
1111 Via Arcoiris
Green Valley, AZ 85614

Please RSVP!
[View Flyer (PDF)] [Save The Date (PDF)]

Dr. Labiner Arizona Illustrated

May 1, 2012

David Labiner, MD, head of the Department of Neurology at the UA College of Medicine, discussed new-onset epilepsy in older adults with Pam White on "Arizona Illustrated," Aug. 29, at 6:30 p.m., on PBS HD; at 9 p.m. on World; and at 9:30 p.m. on the UA Channel. (The program also will air Tuesday, Aug. 30, 12:30 a.m., on PBS HD and 6 a.m. on the UA Channel.) The interview is also available on the Arizona Public Media website at http://www.azpm.org/health/story/2011/8/30/1830-epilepsy-spikes-in-elderly-ua-studies-effects.

The symptoms of epilepsy among older people may be subtle and could be misattributed to the aging process. Dr. Labiner is co-principal investigator for a four-year study at the UA of epilepsy in seniors. The study will measure the incidence of newly-diagnosed epilepsy seniors across ethnic groups in Southeastern Arizona and identify factors that predict clinical outcomes. The study is funded by a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An article with more information about the study is available on the website http://uanews.org/node/35127.