From the Information Officer

To improve the acceptability, treatment, services and prevention of epilepsy world wide”. That is the mission of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy, which is perhaps the most important international public campaign ever undertaken by the ILAE. The first article in this issue of Epigraph is a summary of the campaign and its progress from its new ILAE chair Professor Guiliano Avanzini. The campaign has made great strides since its launch, and the article unveils its plans in this its third phase, initiated this year. 

The second article features the ILAE financial management – by the new ILAE Treasurer, Professor Martin Brodie. Sound finances are the bedrock of any international organization, and the current management of ILAE financial affairs is impressive. Over the years, the ILAE has grown. As a historical aside, it is interesting to compare the current position with that in 1937 (when the last ILAE accounts were published in Epilepsia – then Treasurer Tylor Fox reported assets of £28 and a turnover of £36 (About US$3000 at current values)!

Episcope this month features an early paper on Epilepsy and Motoring (what a pity we have lost that elegant phrase which conjures up pictures of open top Bugattis with men in tweeds and goggles). Monrad-Krohn makes recommendations (including the assertion that ‘an epileptic may never be allowed to work as a professional chauffeur’). The article provides an interesting window on epileptology in Norway in the pre-war years.

Other articles include details of the ILAE Regional Congresses and other meetings, a note about the availability of sodium amytal and details of a new staff member at ILAE.

As ever, comments or feedback from any ILAE member would be welcomed by Epigraph, as would news or items of interest on any aspect of epilepsy. Epigraph relies on its readers for information and will consider articles on scientific, clinical or social, human rights and ethical topics.

Simon Shorvon
Editor, Epigraph