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International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) & UCB

World Premier of Play - Brain Storm - Encourages Optimal Communication Between People with Epilepsy and Healthcare Professionals

Sydney, November 7 (ots/PRNewswire)

- With Photos
The first live performance of Brain Storm, a theatre production
focused on epilepsy was staged today at the 2005 World Congress of
Neurology in Sydney, Australia. Brain Storm dramatizes the
devastating effect that uncontrolled seizures can have on the lives
of people with epilepsy. Seen through the eyes of an epilepsy
specialist observing interviews of people with epilepsy, the
performance brings to life patients' day-to-day challenges and the
difficulties they face in communicating their experiences with
healthcare professionals. The innovative platform sets out to improve
patient-physician communication and is the first time within the area
of epilepsy that theatre-based creative learning has been used as an
education tool.
Following the performance, a panel of experts joined patient group
representatives and people with epilepsy to debate the issues raised
in Brain Storm. The discussion focused on the need for accurate and
timely diagnosis of epilepsy, and the importance of individualised
treatment if the ultimate goal of seizure freedom with minimal side
effects is to be achieved.
Brain Storm was written by journalist and broadcaster Polly
Toynbee in consultation with a panel of experts including epilepsy
specialists and people with epilepsy. The play was commissioned by
UCB, a biopharmaceutical company, in collaboration with the
International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), an organisation concerned
with public awareness and understanding of epilepsy.
Philippe Ryvlin, Professor of Neurology at the University of Lyon,
France, was consulted in the development of Brain Storm and
commented, "The play issues a call to action for healthcare
professionals and patients to improve how they communicate in order
to build the partnership which should result in the optimum
management of epilepsy."
Dr Michael Hills, International Bureau for Epilepsy commented,
"Unfortunately a gap exists between the concerns of many people with
epilepsy and what seems to be communicated with physicians. The
objective of epilepsy management is to live without the medical and
social consequences of the condition, and this can only be achieved
via an open and honest two-way dialogue between the doctor and the
person with epilepsy."
Reaction to the play was summarised by Professor Ley Sander,
National Society for Epilepsy, UK who commented, "This play
highlights some of the challenges we face in managing epilepsy. It is
important that all patients receive regular treatment reviews and
seek advice from the specialist who treats them, to ensure that their
epilepsy is being managed optimally."
About the International Bureau for Epilepsy
The IBE was established in 1961 as an organisation of laypersons
and professionals interested in the medical and non-medical aspects
of epilepsy and is currently represented in 81 countries worldwide.
The IBE addresses such social problems as education, employment,
insurance, driving license restrictions and public awareness, and
provides assistance by offering international support, by creating
means for worldwide exchange of information and, where possible, by
setting standards which provide an international policy focus and
identity for all persons with epilepsy. The IBE works in close
liaison with the International League Against Epilepsy, an
organisation of medical professionals involved in the medical and
scientific issues of epilepsy. For more information please visit
www.ibe-epilepsy.org
About UCB
UCB - www.ucb-group.com - is a global biopharmaceutical leader
with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, specializing in the fields of
central nervous system disorders, allergy and respiratory diseases,
immune and inflammatory disorders, as well as oncology. UCB key
products are Keppra(R) (levetiracetam), Xyzal(R) (levocetrizine),
Zyrtec(R) (cetirizine HCL), Nootropil(R) (piracetam), Tussionex(TM)
CIII (hydrocodone polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex) and
Equasym(TM) XL/Metadate CD(TM) CII (methylphenidate HCl). UCB employs
over 8,500 people operating in over 40 countries. UCB is listed on
Euronext Brussels.
High resolution photographs to accompany this release are
available  to the media free of charge at http://www.newscast.co.uk
(+44-(0)20-7608-1000)

Contact:

For further information about epilepsy please contact: Ann Little,
Administration Manager, International Bureau for Epilepsy, 253
Crumlin Road, Dublin 12, Ireland, Tel: +353-1-456-0298, Fax:
+353-1-455-4648, Email: ibedublin@eircom.net; For further information
on this press release, please contact: Eimear O'Brien, PhD, UCB,
Brussels, Mobile. +32-(0)-496-86-0211 (on-site at WCN), Email.
eimear.o'brien@ucb-group.com; Elaine Ferguson, Chandler Chicco Agency
, Mobile. +44-(0)-7979-905-270 (on-site at WCN) , Email.
e.ferguson@cca-uk.com ; Corinne Locke, Chandler Chicco Agency, Tel.
+44-(0)-20-7318-8310, Mobile. +44-(0)-7966-253-126, Email.
c.locke@cca-uk.com