Eisai Inc. introduced a new educational program today to help parents and caregivers of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a rare form of epilepsy in which patients have frequent seizures of multiple types. The program is centered on the new Web resource, www.LivingWithLGS.com, offering updated information and an educational video series called "Navigating the Storm."
A recent survey released by the Epilepsy Foundation highlighted the need for improved resources and assistance for the caregivers of these patients. According to the results, only 14 percent of caregivers who were surveyed strongly agreed that they knew where to look for information about LGS. The survey also concluded that the information and resources of greatest interest to parents will be those that help them cope with the family's day-to-day challenges in living with LGS.
"The new program, 'Navigating the Storm,' provides parents and caregivers of LGS patients with practical advice from physicians to help them provide optimal care for their child while maintaining the family's quality of life," said Cynthia Schwalm, president, Eisai Inc. "Eisai is committed to addressing the unmet needs of these families through our hhc (human health care) mission and we are pleased to launch the program during Epilepsy Awareness Month."
LGS is one of the most severe forms of childhood epilepsy and is characterized by multiple and frequent seizures. In the United States, 2.1 million patients are diagnosed with epilepsy and treated each year. LGS accounts for 1 to 4 percent of all childhood epilepsy cases. Children usually experience the onset of LGS between the ages of 3 and 5 years old.
"As a healthcare provider for children with devastating epilepsies over the past 20 years, it is clear that helping the child is only one part of the solution," says Tracy Glauser, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. "It's always important for parents to take care of themselves. They are the first line of help for their child, and if they are not functioning at 100 percent, they need to get help. It is critical for parents to know that it is not a sign of weakness to get help."
LivingWithLGS.com