Epilepsy in Adults: Advanced Program

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

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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) and London Health Sciences (LHSC).

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)

Acute rescue management and Seizure Safety

Identify appopriate selection of ASMs
Compare monotherapy versus combinations of ASMs
Explore the use of rescue therapy
Identify principles of seizure safety

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
Describe: a. Epilepsy surgery; b. Vagal Nerve Stimulation; c.Ketogenic Diet (KD) and Modified Atkins Diet (MAD)