August 16, 2002

MGH offers help and hope to children with epilepsy

About 2 million children in the United States suffer from epilepsy, making it the most common neurological problem for children under the age of 18. Epilepsy, which often begins in childhood, is characterized by chronic and repeated seizures. It can have varying levels of severity, leaving some patients with debilitating handicaps.

Now a comprehensive program at the MGH that combines the pediatric expertise of MassGeneral Hospital for Children and the world-renowned services of MGH Neurology offers children with epilepsy a source of help and hope.

According to Elizabeth Thiele, MD, PhD, director of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children's Pediatric Epilepsy Program, many children can lead normal lives with proper treatment. "We've seen some patients who can have as many as 100 seizures a day, making it difficult for them to participate in school activities," says Thiele. "With a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment program like this, we can help patients through all phases of the illness."

Thiele, who came to the MGH from Children's Hospital in Boston, says that there are a variety of treatments for epilepsy -- such as combinations of medications, surgery and even a specialized diet and nutrition program. Because epilepsy has various causes and just as many treatment options, the MGH program offers a multidisciplinary approach to caring for young patients with the illness. "I have found that the hospital is very supportive of this comprehensive effort," says Thiele. "Everyone involved with the program is interested in every aspect of a patient's care -- from surgery consults to providing specially prepared lunch boxes."

A prime example of a comprehensive approach to care for this patient population is a special project that Thiele developed to help boost the self-esteem of patients with epilepsy. Along with friends and families of patients, Thiele established an artwork project (sample pictured above) to showcase the collages, drawings and watercolor paintings created by the young patients. Called "Expressions of Courage -- Understanding Epilepsy through the Art of Children," the project made its debut in May at the Boston Center for the Arts. Plans are under way to exhibit the artwork at other locations, including the Pembroke Library and the Boston chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation.

"Kids with epilepsy are often misunderstood," says Thiele. "There is a stigma attached to children with this illness that they can't do the same activities that other kids can. That's not always the case, and this art project proves that. Being involved with the project has been a wonderful experience for the children and their families."

For more information about the epilepsy program or the Expressions of Courage art project, call Christina Anagnos at (617) 726-6540.