To mark Purple Day — the international day for epilepsy awareness, Polenov Neurosurgical Institute held an exhibition of patients' artwork. On display were paintings, ceramics, embroidery and compositions of natural materials. According to the supervisor of the exhibition, junior researcher at the Research Laboratory of Epileptology A. Koloteva, the goal is to change the negative attitudes towards people with epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by unprovoked seizures or non-convulsive attacks. It affects around 65 million people worldwide. About 70% of people with epilepsy can lead normal lives if properly treated. However, despite the recent achievements of epileptology, about 30 to 40% of patients suffer from refractory epilepsy. Surgery becomes the treatment of choice for such patients.
Diagnosing and surgical treatment of epilepsy have been the major focuses at Polenov Neurosurgical Institute over the years of its research and practical activities since 1926. In 2019, the Institute established a Competence Centre for Epilepsy Surgery. Currently, new methods of surgical treatment are being introduced. The results of scientific research and practical experience over the past year were presented at major Russian and international congresses in neurology and epileptology.