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Epilepsy in Adults: Advanced Program

Adult with Epilepsy

The advanced curriculum builds on the knowledge and skills learned in the foundational curriculum and aims to develop proficiency in the management of epilepsy.

Coming in Winter/Spring 2024! (TBA)

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This curriculum builds on the foundational curriculum with a focus on developing knowledge and skills in non-pharmacological treatment options, management of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), considerations for special populations like women with epilepsy, and more. The program is designed for primary care providers and/or health care practitioners who are seeking to enhance their learning in epileptology.

This learning series is facilitated by Hamilton Health Sciences (HHSC), London Health Sciences (LHSC) and University Health Network  (UHN).

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London Health Sciences logo
University Health Netork (UHN)

Syllabus

CPD Accreditation (CPSO, U of T)

This Group Learning program meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been certified by Continuing Professional Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto for up for up to 1.0 Mainpro+ credits.

This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, approved by Continuing Professional Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. You may claim a maximum of 1.0 hours.

Women and Epilepsy (pregnancy, post-partum)

  • Discuss the interaction between oral contraceptives and AED
  • Recognize special considerations for prescribing AED and reproduction
  • Describe the rates of teratogenicity for various AEDs
  • Identify common caregiver safety concerns such as breastfeeding and caring for young children

Elderly considerations

  • Discuss approach to diagnosis and pharmacotherapy in elderly patients
  • Describe issues related to elderly with epilepsy (e.g., comorbidities and drug interactions)

What is PNES and how do you treat? (Mental health comorbidities)

  • Distinguish between PNES and epileptic seizures
  • Describe treatment options for patients with PNES
  • Discuss common mental health comorbidities

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion & Epilepsy

  • Discuss how unconscious bias impacts clinical decision making and patient care
  • Explore how inequities and discrimination are entrenched within the healthcare system
  • Identify strategies to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable access to care

Non-Pharm Treatment options (surgery, VNS, ketogenic)

  • Recognize when to advocate for non-pharmacological (non-Anticonvulsant drug) management strategies for drug-resistant epilepsy
  • 2) Describe: a. Epilepsy surgery; b. Vagal Nerve Stimulation; c.Ketogenic Diet (KD) and Modified Atkins Diet (MAD)

Updates from recent American Epilepsy Society Meeting

  • Describe updates from the recent American Epilepsy Society Meeting