Neurology Trainee Program

Epilepsy Diagnostic Image of Brain

For neurology trainees and residents who want to master the management of epilepsy and prepare for examinations.

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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.

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Case Support

Healthcare providers can present your de-identified case for advice, support and written recommendations.

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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

*Available after session begins

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Clinical Leads

Dr. Elizabeth Donner Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist | SickKids

Dr. Elizabeth Donner, Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist

Team Lead | SickKids Hospital

Lysa Lomax

Dr. Lysa Boissé Lomax, Adult Epileptologist

Team Co-Lead | KHSC

Dr. Maryam Nouri

Dr. Maryam Nouri, Paediatric Epileptologist & Neurologist

Children's Hospital at LHSC

Elizabeth Kerr, Neuropsychologist

Dr. Elizabeth Kerr, Clinical Neuropsychologist

SickKids Hospital

Samantha Keroglidis, Clinical Pharmacist

Samantha Keroglidis, Clinical Pharmacist

KHSC

Emilia Leslie

Emilia Leslie, Social Worker

Stroke Services Program

Resident Site Leads

Annie-Kim Toupin, University of Ottawa Resident Site Lead (PGY 3: Pediatric Neurology)

Annie-Kim Toupin

University of Ottawa Site Lead Coordinator | PGY 4: Pediatric Neurology

Suganya Giri Ravindran, University of Saskatchewan Resident Site Lead (PGY 1: Adult Neurology)

Suganya Giri Ravindran

University of Saskatchewan Site Lead | PGY 3: Adult Neurology

Brandy Love, University of Alberta Resident Site Lead (PGY 4: Adult Neurology)

Brandy Love

University of Alberta Site Lead | PGY 5: Adult Neurology

Basmah AlTinawi, University of Manitoba Resident Site Lead (PGY 2: Adult Neurology)

Basmah AlTinawi

University of Manitoba Site Lead | PGY 3: Adult Neurology

Amrit Sampalli Dalhousie University Site Lead | PGY 4: Adult Neurology

Amrit Sampalli

Dalhousie University Site Lead | PGY 5: Adult Neurology

Einas Hussein, University of Manitoba, Max Rady College of Medicine Resident Site Lead (PGY2: Adult Neurology)

Einas Hussein

University of Manitoba Site Lead | PGY 3: Adult Neurology

Dylan Meng

Dylan Meng

University of British Columbia Site Lead | PGY 4: Adult Neurology

Faycal Zine-Eddine

Université de Montréal Site Lead | PGY 5: Adult Neurology

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Maria Shock

McMaster University Site Lead | PGY 2: Paediatric Neurology

Mohammed Alsallum

University of British Columbia Site Lead | PGY 3: Adult Neurology

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Jasmyne Kassam

University of British Columbia Site Lead | PGY 4: Adult Neurology

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Heather Leduc-Pessah

University of Ottawa Site Lead | PGY5: Paediatric Neurology

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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

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Tania Dafer

McGill University Site Lead | PGY 1: Paediatric Neurology