Historically, people with epilepsy were thought to be possessed by demons. Research has come a long way since then, but epilepsy remains mysterious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lives. Annually, it costs more than $15 billion in medical costs and reduced work production.
This hour, we discuss what we know, and what we don't know, about epilepsy. What exactly is happening in the brain during a seizure, and how can we better treat it?
GUESTS:
- Dr. Erica Schuyler - Neurologist at Hartford Hospital
- Allison Gamber - Associate Director, Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut
- Carl Zimmer - Science writer and a columnist for The New York Times
This program originally aired on May 5, 2014.