Epilepsy Career Interviews: insights from leading epileptologists

The Epilepsy Career Interviews video series highlights six perspectives united by a shared goal: reimagining the approach to epilepsy while serving as mentors and sources of inspiration for the next generation of physicians and researchers. During the 2024 EEC Congress (European Epilepsy Congress), Angelini Pharma conducted a series of interviews to explore the evolution of diagnostics and treatments for epilepsy. 

The voice, experience, and advice of six world leaders in treating epilepsy, who have chosen this branch of neurology by placing people with epilepsy at the center of their work, shine a spotlight on the opportunities and future challenges in this field. These interviews, conducted by John Paul Leach, Senior Clinical Fellow at Angelini Pharma, collected during the EEC Congress , reveal how these epileptologists are at the forefront, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people living with epilepsy and their families as they confront the unpredictability of seizures, the associated anxiety, stigma, and fears in daily life. 

“This is a condition defined by paroxysmal events. Through our care and treatments, we aim to prevent them. These events often result in long-term relationships with patients, allowing us to follow and support them throughout their lives,” explains Professor Bernhard Steinhoff, Neurology Department for Adults, Kork Epilepsy Center, Kehl-Kork, Germany​. 

The interviewed clinicians emphasize that treating epilepsy requires personalized approaches due to the unique clinical histories of each patient. Only experts in epilepsy management can determine the most suitable treatment paths. “We have initiated many projects where patient stories, rather than purely academic work, drive research. This, I believe, is absolutely critical,” shares Professor Helen Cross, Prince of Wales’s Chair of Childhood Epilepsy at UCL-Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London​. 

Epilepsy, a highly complex condition, spans all age groups—from children to the elderly—and demands a multidisciplinary approach. As Professor Torbjörn Tomson of Karolinska Institutet states, “Epilepsy encompasses clinical pharmacology, psychiatry, genetics, and pediatrics. Collaborative efforts in these areas are vital to improving patient outcomes and minimizing risks”​. 

The central mission of these epileptologists is to enhance the quality of life for patients by addressing the myriad challenges they face daily. Beyond the physical, epilepsy deeply impacts social, personal, professional, and intimate spheres. Their work is directed toward breakthroughs that genuinely transform clinical practice. “We are exploring new molecules and approaches to tackle these disorders. Advanced stages of research and clinical application of these drugs have the potential to alter the course of the disease,” notes Professor Simona Lattanzi, Neurology Clinic, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona. She adds, “Engineered gene therapy molecules could significantly impact the biological basis of epilepsy”​. 

This is a time of significant progress in epilepsy care, says Professor Vicente Villanueva, Head of Section, Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Universitario y Politecnico La Fe, Spain. “There are many opportunities today. Genetics is unlocking new diagnostic pathways, and novel treatments are on the horizon. I encourage the next generation of neurologists to embrace epilepsy as a specialty”​. 

The role of the epileptologist remains predominant as a point of reference for obtaining information on managing the daily challenges associated with epilepsy. However, as Dr. Rebecca Bromley, Paediatric Neuropsychologist at the University of Manchester and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Senior Lecturer in the Division of Neurosciences, University of Manchester, emphasizes: "Another essential role is played by patient associations, which can guide policy and governments in the challenge of building a funding system for research on this disease." 

The complete interviews can be viewed by accessing our YouTube page.