The complexities of having epilepsy while pregnant and the proposed use of cannabis as a treatment for the neurological condition are just two of the topics being discussed at a major conference in Dublin this weekend.

Epilepsy Ireland, the national epilepsy organisation, is holding a two-day national conference, which will see 12 nationally and internationally renowned speakers taking to the floor.

Around one in 20 people will have a single seizure at some time during their life, but epilepsy is characterised by recurring seizures. This is caused by excess electrical activity in the brain.

Almost 40,000 people in Ireland, including 10,000 children, have epilepsy and worldwide, some 50 million people are affected, making it one of the most common neurological conditions. Up to 2,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year here and as many as 15,000 of those affected have uncontrolled epilepsy.

The conference is being held to mark 50 years of Epilepsy Ireland, which works to raise awareness of this condition and support those affected.

Guest speakers at the event include Dr John Paul Leach, honorary clinical associate professor at Glasgow University's School of Medicine. He will look at the complex interaction between epilepsy and pregnancy.

Meanwhile, Dr Colin Doherty, director of epilepsy services at St James's Hospital in Dublin and national clinical lead for the National Epilepsy Care Programme in Ireland, will look at the controversial issue of cannabis in the treatment of epilepsy, including recent scientific evidence related to its use.

Speaking prior to the conference, Epilepsy Ireland CEO, Peter Murphy, said that over the years, this event has been ‘extremely beneficial for people with epilepsy, their families and carers'.

"The conference always provides useful information in the advances of treating the condition, as well as question and answer sessions with medical professionals. There is a strong focus on children this year, which will also be extremely beneficial for parents," he noted.

He added that this conference ‘proudly marks Epilepsy Ireland's 50th anniversary'.

"We are proud of our achievements since we were founded by Prof Aloysius McNally in 1966. All the staff, volunteers, supporters and members will continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of people with epilepsy of all ages across the country."

The conference takes place in the Alexander Hotel in Dublin on October 7 and 8.

(Pictured: Epilepsy Ireland patron and broadcaster, Rick O'Shea and Epilepsy Ireland CEO, Peter Murphy)