Neurology Trainee Program

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This program is tailored to the specific needs of neurology trainees looking to master the management of epilepsy through case-based learning, clinical pearls, and seizure videos. Topics include progressive myoclonic epilepsies (PMEs), autoimmune encephalitis, genetic testing, surgical evaluations, effective use of ASMs, and more.

Case Support
Healthcare providers can present your de-identified case for advice, support and written recommendations.
Syllabus
- Identify structural brain malformations detected on neuroimaging that would suggest epilepsy
- Recognize different structural brain anomalies and their respective etiologies
- Identify, define and differentiate key features of focal and generalized onset seizure types with predominately motor semiology (Tonic, clonic, hyper motor)
- Identify pediatric epilepsy syndromes presenting with predominant motor seizure semiology
- Identify key features of focal seizure based on lobe of brain involved
- Understand ketogenic diet and its variants
- Identify clinical indications of the keto diets as a treatment option
- Recognize the main side effects
- Identify how medications can interact/interfere with the keto diets
- Recognize when to consider genetic testing
- Identify key points to consider before ordering genetic testing
- Identify issues to discuss in pre-test counselling e.g. consent, potential results and outcomes, parental testing
- Determine information required for ordering, selecting the right panel and filling the requisition
- Describe how Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy presents in different demographics
- Discuss diagnostic strategies and challenges for PME
- Identify different therapies/treatment options for PME
- Describe the key patient factors to consider when choosing ASMs
- Recognize process for titration and adjusting medications
- Identify potential adverse effects of medications for epilepsy and strategies for mitigation
- Identify when to consider autoimmune encephalitis related epilepsy
- Discuss how to test for autoimmune encephalitis
- Describe appropriate management strategies in autoimmune encephalitis related epilepsy
- Identify the risk factors for SUDEP, current preventative measures, and the importance of counselling patients and families
- Discuss strategies for supporting patients and families through conversations surrounding SUDEP
- Describe how to identify patients that may be surgical candidates
- Note the components of phase 1 and phase 2 surgical evaluation
- Discuss Mesial Temporal Sclerosis
- Recognize when to suspect a metabolic disease in a patient with epilepsy
- Understand how to interpret basic biochemistry to develop a metabolic differential diagnosis
- Understand principles of management of epilepsy related to metabolic diseases
Resources, Didactics & Recordings
Clinical Leads
Dr. Elizabeth Donner, Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist
Team Lead | SickKids Hospital
Dr. Lysa Boissé Lomax, Adult Epileptologist
Team Co-Lead | KHSC
Dr. Maryam Nouri, Paediatric Epileptologist & Neurologist
Children's Hospital at LHSC
Dr. Elizabeth Kerr, Clinical Neuropsychologist
SickKids Hospital
Samantha Keroglidis, Clinical Pharmacist
KHSC
Emilia Leslie, Social Worker
Stroke Services Program
Resident Site Leads
Annie-Kim Toupin
University of Ottawa Site Lead Coordinator | PGY 4: Pediatric Neurology
Suganya Giri Ravindran
University of Saskatchewan Site Lead | PGY 3: Adult Neurology
Brandy Love
University of Alberta Site Lead | PGY 5: Adult Neurology
Basmah AlTinawi
University of Manitoba Site Lead | PGY 3: Adult Neurology
Amrit Sampalli
Dalhousie University Site Lead | PGY 5: Adult Neurology
Einas Hussein
University of Manitoba Site Lead | PGY 3: Adult Neurology
Dylan Meng
University of British Columbia Site Lead | PGY 4: Adult Neurology
Faycal Zine-Eddine
Université de Montréal Site Lead | PGY 5: Adult Neurology
Maria Shock
McMaster University Site Lead | PGY 2: Paediatric Neurology
Mohammed Alsallum
University of British Columbia Site Lead | PGY 3: Adult Neurology
Jasmyne Kassam
University of British Columbia Site Lead | PGY 4: Adult Neurology
Heather Leduc-Pessah
University of Ottawa Site Lead | PGY5: Paediatric Neurology
Kristal Cerga
McMaster University Site Lead | PGY 2: Paediatric Neurology
Eric Hongbo Xu
University of Toronto Site Lead | PGY 3: Paediatric Neurology
Dax Bourcier
Dalhousie University Site Lead | PGY5: Paediatric Neurology
Tania Dafer
McGill University Site Lead | PGY 1: Paediatric Neurology