Epilepsy in Adults: Foundational Program

Adult checking medications

This series aims to enhance core competencies for the management of epilepsy.

MARCH 22 – MAY 3, 2023 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST | WEEKLY

This curriculum covers a spectrum of knowledge and skills that relate to the management of epilepsy including diagnostic tests, seizure semiology, anti-seizure medications (ASMs), identification and management of surgical candidates, and more. The program is designed for primary care providers and/or health care practitioners who are seeking to enhance their learning in epileptology.

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

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Syllabus

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.

  • Describe the work up needed for a first seizure that can be undertaken by primary care providers
  • Differentiate between seizures and epilepsy
  • Discuss the treatment-decision making process for first seizure
  • Explore seizure safety implications including driving
  • Differentiate between focal and generalized epilepsies
  • Distinguish between absence seizures and focal seizures
  • Identify key clinical features that help to differentiate seizure types that manifest with non-motor semiology
  • Select appropriate medications based on patients’ needs and eligibility for drug benefits such as Ontario Drug Benefit Program and OHIP+
  • Describe commonly used anti-seizure medications in terms of their use, side effect profiles, and therapeutic drug monitoring considerations
  • Identify pros and cons of new vs. old anti-seizure medications
  • Describe when to order appropriate neuroimaging protocols for patients with epilepsy
  • Recognize when to order further investigations based on EEG
  • Discuss the association between migraine epilepsy
  • Identify distinct clinical manifestation of epilepsy and migraines
  • Explore the management of migraines among patients living with epilepsy
  • Outline the components of a five-minute neurological exam
  • Illustrate how an efficient and focused neurological exam can inform accurate diagnosis
  • Describe how to identify patients that may be surgical candidates
  • Identify patients that may be surgical candidates
  • Outline the appropriate referral pathway for surgical candidates

Clinical Leads

Dr. Jorge Burneo

Dr. Jorge Burneo, Epileptologist

Medical Lead

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Dr. Michelle Shapiro, Epileptologist

Medical Lead

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