8th European Congress on Epileptology in Berlin

The recent 8th European Congress on Epileptology in Berlin was the meeting point of epileptologists from September 20 to 25 this year.

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It was hosted jointly by the German and the Israeli Chapters of the International League against Epilepsy. The participants were welcomed by Parliamentary State Secretary Thomas Rachel.

The scientific programme covered all aspects of epileptology, both clinical and experimental, ranging from issues of comprehensive care and medical practice to outpatient management and the latest scientific developments. Nearly 4000 professionals were expected, and the attendance rate fully met these expectations. The congress boasted more than 150 speakers, six main sessions, 41 discussion groups, workshops and teaching sessions as well as several hundred poster and oral contributions.

The central scientific topics revolved around the motto of the Chairs' Symposium "Epilepsy as a Disease and a Model", with genetic considerations in diagnosis and therapy on the one hand - "Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics" and "Predicting the Response to AEDs" - and a focus on new and evolving concepts of pathomechanisms of epilepsy on the other, namely "Immune Processes in Epilepsy: Basic and Clinical Issues" and "Synaptopathies in Epilepsy". With its joint Israeli-German organizational structure, the congress revitalized communication and the exchange of ideas among researchers and clinicians from across the continent and beyond. This message was emphasized by the fact that this was the first joint congress to be co-hosted by two member societies of the League.

Further information: http://www.epilepsyberlin2008.org/

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