Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in Canada, and indeed the world. Approximately 65 million people around the globe currently have epilepsy and as many as 330, 000 people in Canada and 10,000 people in the Ottawa valley are affected by this disorder.
People affected by epilepsy not only have recurrent seizures as a hallmark of their condition but are also more likely to report problems affecting their mood and emotional health, problems with their cognition, and have higher rates of mortality than the general population.
In adults, they report more social isolation, unemployment and stigma. Epilepsy in children is associated with difficulties in academic achievement, behavioral and emotional adjustment, as well as social competence.
In the face of such a complex disorder, complex social and health system solutions are paramount in helping patients lead full and productive lives.
The Ottawa Epilepsy Program’s creation seeks to answer this need. The program is a fully interconnected network of community educators, social service providers, patient advocates and healthcare professionals whose activities seek to promote the health and well being of those living with seizures and epilepsy in our nation’s capital.
The Ottawa Epilepsy Program is composed of 4 core programs: adult, pediatric, transition and community. Please consult the relevant program sections for more information.
It is one of the main hubs of epilepsy expertise in the province (see below for a provincial map of epilepsy centers) and serves a population of 1.3 million in the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
Our core programs are currently pursuing a strategy of growth and innovation and the Ottawa Epilepsy Program is aiming on becoming a world leader in the support and care of those affected with epilepsy.
