1960s: In 1963, the drug sodium valproate (VPA) is found to be effective in controlling epileptic seizures. In 1968, the Epilepsy Foundation of America is formed, dedicated to promoting the welfare of people with epilepsy.

1990s: Congress passes the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, preventing discrimination against anyone with a disability, including epilepsy.

Today: In 2000, the Epilepsy Foundation of America holds a conference, “Curing Epilepsy: The Promise and the Challenge,” in which it sets goals, including the prevention and cure of epilepsy. Epilepsy is effectively treated with medication that prevents seizures from occurring. A new procedure called vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) uses a device to prevent seizures by sending a small pulse of electricity to the vagus nerve, a large nerve in the neck.

1960s: In spite of its huge manpower and technological superiority, the United States cannot defeat the enemy in Vietnam. The war is...