November 19, 2008 — Dr. Jaideep Kapur, Harrison Distinguished Professor and Professor of Neurology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, has been appointed first vice president of the American Epilepsy Society, effective Dec. 4.

Internationally recognized for his research in epilepsy, Kapur's laboratory is concerned with understanding the mechanisms underlying status epilepticus, prolonged life-threatening seizures and the study of novel treatment strategies for these severe seizure episodes. In another area of research, the laboratory seeks to understand the hormonal regulation of seizures.

Kapur received his medical degree from Maulana Azad Medical College at Delhi University. He completed a fellowship in epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology at the University of Michigan, and residencies in clinical electrophysiology (University of Michigan), neurology (Medical College of Virginia) and internal medicine (Eastern Virginia University). He has certifications in neurology, EEG and clinical neurophysiology.

Epilepsy is the third-most-common neurological disorder, after Alzheimer's disease and stroke. It affects 50 million people worldwide, including 3 million in the United States.

The American Epilepsy Society seeks to advance and improve the treatment of epilepsy through the promotion of epilepsy research and education for healthcare professionals.