Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics Marks World Epilepsy Day

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) observed World Epilepsy Day on 9 February, reaffirming its commitment to supporting people living with epilepsy and their families.

The institute emphasized that through its specialized Epilepsy Center and Neurophysiology Department, patients receive comprehensive and continuous medical care. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures caused by temporary abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

The CING Epilepsy Center applies a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. The team includes neurologists-epileptologists, a neuropsychologist, a clinical dietitian, and clinical genetics specialists. Patients receive individualized therapy, including modern antiepileptic drugs, and if necessary, surgical treatment in collaboration with European centers.

Since 2020, the Center has been a member of the European Reference Network for Epilepsy (ERN-EpiCARE), allowing patients in Cyprus access to advanced European expertise.

The Neurophysiology Department conducts:

• standard EEG examinations (20–30 minutes),
• long-term EEG monitoring lasting up to 5 days,
• preoperative assessments.

Long-term video-EEG monitoring is a unique service in Cyprus and allows the recording of rare seizures during sleep and wakefulness.

For patients who do not respond to medication, the following are offered:

• vagus nerve stimulation (VNS),
• ketogenic diet,
• neuropsychological support,
• social assistance for families.

As part of the awareness campaign, the institute building was illuminated in purple — the international symbol of support for people with epilepsy.

CING emphasized that their goal is a society without discrimination and with equal access to quality healthcare for all patients.