Statement Regarding Department Of Defense Epilepsy Funding Announcement

Attribute to Susan Axelrod, Founding Chair, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE)

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Jul 17, 2014, 01:55 ET

CHICAGO, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "CURE applauds the announcement today from the U.S. Department of Defense – allocating $7.5 million dedicated to epilepsy research – and thanks Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) for his leadership on this issue. The incidence of epilepsy increased by an alarming 52 percent from 2006 to 2010, with approximately 8 percent of those afflicted having been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI)[1]. Twenty-four percent of military related epilepsy is associated with prior TBI.[2]

"In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan the 'signature wound' was traumatic brain injury. Those who suffer severe TBI face up to a 50 percent chance of developing Post-Traumatic Epilepsy (PTE), with the symptoms of epilepsy (seizures) manifesting themselves immediately or even up to fifteen years post-injury.[3] The mechanisms underlying the development of epilepsy, or epileptogenesis, are complex and not fully understood.

"CURE is grateful for the continued support of Senator Durbin and others who back our effort to find a cure for this disease through research and by increasing awareness of epilepsy's prevalence and devastating consequences for patients and their families. Investing in research is the cornerstone of discovery and an ultimate cure."

Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in the epilepsies. CURE is at the forefront of epilepsy research, raising millions to fund innovative research and other initiatives that will lead the way to a cure. CURE's transformative research program has supported more than 160 brilliant scientists and labs in 13 countries. Since its inception in 1998, CURE has raised more than $26 million for research program activities. CURE invests more than 89% of its funds in its mission, among the highest percentage for charities nationwide.

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[1]Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center. Epilepsy in active component service members, 1998-2012. MSMR. 2013;20(5):19–22.
[2] Pugh et al., 2014 J Head Trauma Rehabil.
[3]Annegers JF, Hauser WA, Coan SP, Rocca WA. (1998) A population based study of seizures after traumatic brain injuries. N Engl J Med 338:20–24.

SOURCE CURE