UCB Pharma Release: Study To Measure Impact Of Epilepsy And Epilepsy Medication On Cognitive Ability In Children

CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- An ongoing nationwide research study to test the effects of an anti-seizure medication on children with epilepsy will address cognitive issues associated with this condition. The research study, sponsored by UCB Pharma, is designed to assess the effectiveness of a validated tool (cognition testing) in measuring the effects of seizure medication on cognition. Through comprehensive cognitive testing being conducted as part of the study, researchers will also study the impact of epilepsy on the cognitive development of affected children.

Though seizures are the most dramatic manifestation of this disorder suffered by more than 300,000 American children, the behavioral changes pose everyday challenges for families that can be more disruptive than the seizures themselves.

"Children with epilepsy face the possible risk of cognitive decline due to uncontrolled seizures, anti-seizure medication, or an underlying brain disturbance," said Steven C. Schachter, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Epilepsy.com, a leading online epilepsy resource provided by the Epilepsy Therapy Development Project.

"The cognitive effects of the disorder on attention, memory, mental speed, language and behavior are not typically identified until they cause significant problems," said Dr. Sarah Finnegan, pediatric neurologist at Children's Hospital of Buffalo. "Cognitive testing is the best way to identify behavioral triggers and mobilize resources to help these children develop new skills and strategies before falling behind in school or becoming socially isolated."

Many parents are not aware that cognitive testing is available. "What we have learned through cognitive testing has helped us head off some of the behavior and prevent it from escalating when there is an occurrence," said Mary Garland, of Buffalo, NY, whose seven-year-old son suffers from behavior and learning problems associated with his epilepsy. "These coping skills have helped bring a sense of normalcy that we have not had in our family for years."

This research study, currently underway for children with epilepsy between the ages of four and 16, is designed to determine the effects of both epilepsy and an FDA approved anti-seizure medication on cognition and learning abilities in children. Participants in this study receive cognitive testing, medication and medical care at no cost.

In addition to the cognition assessment study being conducted by pediatric neurologists nationwide, a concurrent study is being carried out at children's hospitals across the country to determine the effectiveness and safety of this same medication on children with epilepsy from ages one month to four years old.

If parents would like to learn more about either of the studies or to determine if their child qualifies for participation, they should call 877-547-8839 (toll-free).

Parents looking to learn more about dealing with epilepsy and the associated behavioral changes are encouraged to visit Epilepsy.com, a source of information and resources on all aspects of epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Epilepsy.com is an online resource that was conceived and developed by The Epilepsy Project to provide a rich source of information and resources for patients, families and health care professionals treating the disorder. The mission of Epilepsy.com is to inform and empower patient populations and their caregivers including those facing newly diagnosed epilepsy and those struggling with epilepsy that has resisted the usual treatments. Founders and editorial board members of Epilepsy.com include leading clinicians and researchers in the field of epilepsy from such renowned institutions as New York University School of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, and the University of California, San Francisco..

UCB Pharma is a world class biopharmaceutical publicly traded company, listed on Euronext Brussels, and commonly referred to as "the Epilepsy Company." UCB focuses on innovative solutions for human healthcare brought to specialists in therapeutic areas where it aims to be amongst the world leaders. CB's Vision is to build a global biopharmaceutical leader, based on a unique blend of innovation, entrepreneurship and proven experience, bringing to specialists first, new medicines to treat patients suffering from severe diseases.

CONTACT: Alison Kessler, +1-315-449-1204, or cell, +1-315-415-3533,ahkessler@twcny.rr.com, for UCB Pharma; or Jennifer Fernandez,+1-858-759-1349, or cell, +1-858-775-6935, resolutionsjef@aol.com, for UCBPharma

Web site: http://www.Epilepsy.com/